The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 28

Now, the boy looked up at her, his eyes wide pools of innocence, and declared with childish voice, "You bumped into me, so you have to take responsibility."

Stella examined the little boy with concern. "Do you want me to take you to the hospital?"

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded slightly.

"Should we call your parents first?" Stella asked gently.

This time, the boy shook his head vigorously with an unmistakable look of defiance.

Stella's brow furrowed. Was this child avoiding his parents because of something troubling at home? Perhaps he was being mistreated.

Either way, a hospital visit seemed wise. She would have to alert the authorities if there were any serious injuries.

With these thoughts in mind, Stella spoke softly, "Alright, let me have a quick word with my friend, and then we'll head to the hospital."

She took the boy's hand in hers, noting how cold it felt, much like her son Keen's hands when he was unwell.

The doctors had said Keen's condition was congenital, which couldn't be cured overnight but required ongoing care. Stella remembered the nights spent at his bedside, her heart fracturing with each labored breath he took, each cry that medicine couldn't soothe.

So, she did everything she could to help, like learning holistic health, different therapies, and concocting homemade remedies.

Maybe it was her maternal instincts, but despite the disappointments with Keen, her heart ached for this little boy.

The boy looked surprised when Stella took his hand. Her touch was gentle and warm, and he instinctively tightened his grip, following her lead.

Stella noticed the boy didn't resist and gave him a reassuring smile. But then, he suddenly looked down as if shy.