Love at the Next Stop

Chapter 22

Chapter 22 His Stamp of Possession

Meanwhile, Zane was already home. He was sitting on the sofa, smoking, his expression dejected. When he saw that Stella was back, he remarked, “I’m going on a business trip next week.”

Oh, the order came so quickly! I’ve only walked a short distance, yet he’s already aware of it. Nevertheless, his attitude seems good today, unlike his usual arrogant self who wears his hatred for me on his face. “Got it. So, how long is your business trip?” Stella had long since known about his business trip, so she felt a tad guilty now to put on an act with him.

“About a month.”

“So long?” Surprise flooded Stella; she thought that Zane would only be gone for four or five days, but never had she thought that it’d be that long.

“Let’s make peace,” Zane suggested. “After all, I truly loved you before I married you, but it then turned into a love-hate relationship. It’s because I love you that I couldn’t accept it after learning that you’d been intimate with another man. I didn’t know that Ximena faked her pregnancy. Other women merely want me for my money even though I’m not the wealthiest man. I now know that I was too nasty in the past. Please forgive me.”

This was the first time he’d ever spoken to her so gently after their marriage, so Stella could barely believe it. He’s turning over a new leaf! A wealth of warmth suffused her. But then, Miles Grant… Feeling rather conflicted, she blurted, “I’m on my period, so I’m tired. Please excuse me.” In response, Zane merely nodded. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

When Stella went to work the next day, she noticed that her chair had been changed. It wasn’t her original chair, nor was it the same as her colleagues. However, she recognized this chair. It’s the chair in Miles Grant’s office! What’s the meaning of this? Is he putting his stamp of possession on my chair?

Afraid of attracting her colleagues’ notice and causing a huge uproar, she sat down and slipped off her jacket to cover the back of the chair as best as possible.

Early in the morning, Miles had come to the office. When he walked out, he cast a glance at Stella’s desk, and Stella saw him as well, but she promptly averted her gaze. There were tacit feelings between them, but Stella was very much worried since she was married, after all.

In these few days, Stella had mild stomach cramps, and she didn’t eat much either. Five days later, Zane left on his business trip. It was as though he’d changed into a different person, for he even sent her a WhatsApp message after leaving. ‘I’ve already arrived at Guggenheim. Take care of yourself.’ Perhaps he’d suffered a blow from the incident regarding Ximena, for he started turning back to her.

A month later, he came back and even bought her a bomber jacket made of mink. Stella was only 24 years old, so she’d appear old-fashioned if she were to wear a black mink jacket. However, Zane didn’t buy it in black but aqua green, which was why it was very fitting for her youthful and vivacious self. Stella hadn’t been living under a rock, so she knew that it must have cost a pretty penny. It must have cost somewhere around 20,000 to 30,000. He has truly spent quite a fortune. In the blink of an eye, all her past grievances with him disappeared into thin air. Well, he’s quite sincere at making peace with me at the very least.

Hence, Stella wore the aqua green bomber jacket to the office as it was a lightweight jacket, which made it suitable as autumn wear. Naturally, she attracted the envious gazes of her female colleagues at the office. Before work, they all gathered around her. “How nice to have a rich husband! He’s willing to spend his money on you.”

“This jacket alone costs half a year of my husband’s salary.”

This was the first time Stella had ever been envied ever since marrying Zane, so it felt rather delightful.

The moment Miles entered the office, the female colleagues slinked back to their seats. Stella was the only one who remained standing there blankly, forgetting to sit down as she twisted her hands. Even though it was clear that their eyes had met for a moment, Miles walked past her without a single word, merely eyeing the jacket on her before he left.

When Stella got off work, she spotted Miles’ car by the road she usually took to the bus stop. She didn’t think Miles was waiting for her, so she nonchalantly walked past his car. However, his car kept following her and it eventually drew up beside her. “Get in,” Miles ordered.