Stella's P.O.V.

"Stella." As I walk to my room, I stop as Alex calls me out.

We've just returned from his beach villa.

I know why he is calling me. He wants me to sleep with him. Even I want to, but I'm terrified.

"Alex, I can't sleep with you." Without turning back, I respond before he can say anything.

As he steps in front of me, I avoid looking at him.

He gently holds my chin and pulls it up to make me look at him. "Stella, I know. You're scared. But please let me take care of you. I know you can't able to sleep alone." His eyes are filled with honesty.

I want to trust him, but I'm afraid to become a fool again. How do I explain him?

"Please come to my room." He requests and I can't able to deny him.

"Okay." I nod.

A small smile spreads across his face, and he presses his lips on my forehead. I close my eyes to feel his touch. It's so soothing.

Taking my hand in his, he takes me to his room.

***

Zoe: How're you now? Sky told me you're not fine.

Me: I had a headache in the morning. But now I'm fine.

Selena: It was such a boring day without you both in the college. I missed you guys.

I chat with Selena and Zoe, lying beside Alex. I wish I could share with them everything about him. Lying to them is so difficult.

Selena: Will you guys come tomorrow?

Me: Of course. I'm absolutely fine now.

Zoe: I think I won't because Sky won't let me go. Although now I can walk, he wants me to take a proper bed rest for a few days.

Selena: He's too much sometimes.

Me: Zoe is very lucky. Sky loves her so much.

Zoe: Indeed, I'm lucky. I just pray you both also find someone who cherishes you the way Sky cherishes me. You both deserve it.

A soft sigh escapes my lips as I glance over at Alex. He's lying beside me, focused on his phone, completely relaxed. The warmth of his presence eases something inside me, even though I'm still scared to trust fully.

Selena: Okay, guys. Good night.

Zoe: Good night.

Me: Good night.

As I'm about to place the phone on the nightstand, my phone dings with a text from Mom.

Mom: Hey, honey. How are you? I'm sorry, I didn't get time to check on you today.

Me: Don't be sorry. I'm fine now.

After talking to her for a while, I place the phone on the nightstand.

I'm glad she went on the trip with her husband when I'm trying to get myself back. I don't want to burden her with all the things I'm going through. She deserves to be happy, and I don't want to pull her into my mess. She's always been there for me, and I know she would be here in a heartbeat if she sensed I needed her, but this time... I don't want to bother her.

***

A Week Later

It's been almost three weeks now since my heartbreak and I'm getting over it quickly because of Alex. He makes me feel alive and happy. I really don't know how would've handled myself without him after the betrayal.

These days, he's taken care of me in ways I never imagined. He never leaves my side. Nobody has ever supported me like this before. Every time I feel low, he shows up, whether it's with that warm smile or those comforting words that somehow make the ache fade away. He understands me, makes me laugh, and just seems to know exactly what I need.

I never thought that Alex would ever treat me like this. It feels like the person whom I met when I landed in New York was someone else. He was definitely not the Alex who's willing to put his own life on hold just to make sure I'm okay. The old Alex didn't leave a single chance to make me feel unworthy, and this Alex makes me feel so special every single moment.

I never would have guessed that beneath that cold exterior was someone who could be so warm, so caring. Maybe this is who he really is, and he's just been hiding it all along.

God! How can I stop myself from my heart melting for him?

We fuck each other almost every night. I know it's more than physical. I feel so complete and contented when he enters inside me like we're two halves finally coming together.

The connection, the bond between us, is growing stronger each day. I try to remind myself of the heartbreak I went through just weeks ago, but with Alex, it's like that hurt is fading into the background. My feelings for him are now so strong that it frightens me. I don't know what we're becoming.

Although my heart is already melting for him, I'm afraid to trust any man again so soon after what Jade did with me. It's not that easy.

But, the good thing is that I'm healing. I'm getting myself. In fact, I'm getting a stronger version of myself now.

"We've reached" As Zoe halts her car in front of the jewellery showroom, I pull back to reality.

I have come to purchase a bracelet for my mother. Her birthday is coming in two days. She deserves something special, and I know this bracelet will be perfect for her.

I nod at Zoe in response before stepping out of the car and walking inside with her.

She is by my side, chatting about designs and styles, but my thoughts keep drifting back to Alex and everything he's done for me in these past weeks. It's hard to believe how quickly he's become such an essential part of my life.

I finally choose a silver bracelet. But as I head to the counter to pay, I notice a girl nearby. She's holding a heart-shaped photo pendant, examining it with a smile. My heart tightens at the sight, and dreadful memories flash in my mind—the way I once bought a similar pendant for Jade on his birthday.

But... he cheated on me. His harsh words echo in my mind. 'Honestly, I was bored of you. I was just pretending to be interested in you. You're lifeless in bed. No moans, no passion.'

What if Alex also gets bored of me one day? What if he, too, decides to abandon me, leaving me shattered again? My hands tremble as I pass my card to the cashier.

Stella, you're strong. You can't let that asshole ruin your life more. He's not worthy of your tears. Just take a deep breath.

I try to calm down myself as I complete the transaction.

Zoe notices my change in mood. "Stella, are you okay? You seem a little off."

I force a small smile. "Yeah! I'm fine, Zoe. Can you just... drop me home, please?"

She doesn't push any further, but her worried eyes follow me as we make our way back to the car.

I don't want to fall weak again. I'm absolutely fine now. That asshole memories don't bother me anymore. Alex isn't like him. He genuinely cares for me and makes me feel worthy. He won't hurt him.

I glance out the window, trying to breathe away the fears clawing at my chest. I want to trust Alex, but letting someone in again feels like a risk my heart isn't sure it can take.

Zoe parks in front of the mansion, glancing over at me with worried eyes. "Are you sure you're okay, Stella? I mean, you don't have to pretend with me."

I know I don't have to pretend in front of her. She'll understand me. But showing my weakness in front of anyone except Alex makes me feel more vulnerable.

I muster another smile, trying to keep my voice steady. "Honestly, Zoe. I'm okay. I think I just need some rest."

She studies my face, looking unconvinced, but finally nods. "Alright. Call me if you need anything, okay?"

I give her a reassuring nod before stepping out of the car and heading inside. As I close the door of my room, the memories of Jade's betrayal, the doubts about Alex, everything I'd tried to push aside at the showroom—they all come rushing back with a force I can't stop.

Alex will also leave me one day. He'll get bored of me.

I clutch my chest as my breathing quickens and my hand shakes. My vision blurs and I feel myself falling, the room spinning around me.