The Mafia Lord's Secret Lover (Evelyn) novel Chapter 279

Chapter 279: Elevator Confession

Dinner was finally over.

Stella felt like her soul had just survived a battlefield. Between her mother’s endless praise of Dylan, his dramatic recounting of the gangster incident, and her mother practically calling Dylan "future family," Stella was seconds away from melting into the floor.

So the moment her mother stood up and chirped, "Shall we chat more in the living room?" Stella shot Dylan a subtle look, "Run. Now!"

Thankfully, he understood.

He offered Alicia a polite smile before saying, "I’m so sorry, Ma’am. I still have an online meeting tonight. I should head back."

Bless him. He was quick. Smooth. Efficient.

But Stella was not so lucky.

"Stella, walk Dylan to his car," Alicia said sweetly, already collecting dishes, ignoring her daughter’s protest.

"Mom, it’s fine—"

"No arguing."

And that was it. Stella had no choice.

If Alicia had any idea Dylan lived in the same building, she would’ve fainted from joy... or worse, moved the wedding to next Sunday.

So Stella was silently grateful Dylan remained tight-lipped about his real address.

She led him out of the apartment as if escorting him to the parking area instead of... the elevator ten steps away.

The moment the door closed behind her, Stella exhaled long and deep, feeling her chest finally loosen.

"You seem stressed as you walk me to my car... ah—" Dylan paused, eyes flickering with amusement. "I mean, to the elevator."

Stella stopped mid-walk and turned around.

He was standing in the middle of the hallway, hands in his pockets, looking at her with that gentle teasing expression that made her stomach misbehave.

She managed a weak smile before turning back around and continuing onward.

"Let’s go. I know you must be exhausted."

Dylan moved beside her, his brow slightly furrowed. He pressed the VIP elevator button, then returned his gaze to her face.

"You’re mistaken, Stella. I’m not tired. But you look tired." He said it softly, but the concern in his eyes made her entire face warm.

’No, no, no...don’t blush. He’ll misunderstand.’ Stella tries to calm herself.

But Dylan noticed anyway. He looked at her, confused, thoughtful... then something in his expression shifted.

’Wait... why is she blushing?’ he wondered. And then... Horrifyingly, she realized something. ’No way. Does she... like me?’

Dylan’s mind scrambled so hard he had to look away, fixing his eyes on the elevator door.

Meanwhile, Stella was trying to keep herself from sinking into the floor.

"Working in the ER doesn’t give me a chance to rest. My whole body aches like I’ve run a marathon. I really need to rest—"

But her explanation halted on her lips when she saw Dylan’s expression change; Calm. Reserved. And behind it...disappointment.

Before she could ask what was wrong, he gave her a thin, cold smile. "Sorry. I won’t take up your time then."

Her stomach tightened.

The elevator arrived with a soft chime, the doors sliding open.

Dylan stepped inside. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"No. Don’t say sorry. Dylan, hold on—" she gasped, grabbing the door before it closed.

He turned to her.

"You misunderstood," she blurted, breathless. "I never said you were wasting my time. I didn’t feel that way at all."

"Really?" His tone softened, but his eyes stayed on her, searching.

"Yes. I just... wanted to be honest about my—" She clamped her mouth shut.

Why was she explaining herself?

Why was she terrified he’d take her words the wrong way?

Why was she suddenly acting as if she needed him to understand?

She didn’t have answers! Just a swarm of whys crashing through her head.

Silence stretched between them.

Neither of them moved.

Neither of them spoke.

They simply stared, absorbing each other’s presence like two people caught in a quiet, accidental confession.

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