Chapter 374:

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Blinking open her eyes, she was momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings. It took her a second to realize she’d dozed off in the tub.

«Stella?» Matthew’s voice resonated from outside the door.

Snapping to attention, Stella sat up abruptly, splashing water in the process.

«I’ll be out shortly,» she called out.

Noticing that the bathwater hadn’t cooled much, she surmised she hadn’t been asleep for long.

Nevertheless, Matthew was already waiting. Resolute, she stood up to rinse away the soap suds with the handheld shower.

Just as she was about to step out of the tub, her foot slipped, sending her tumbling back.

«Ah!» Stella let out a scream, gripping the tub’s edge tightly for support.

The door burst open, and Matthew dashed in. Stella was momentarily stunned to see him in such a setting. Unfazed by her expression, Matthew’s primary concern was evident. «Are you alright?» he asked anxiously.

«No, it’s nothing. I just slipped, that’s all. Please, step outside,» Stella articulated, her voice laced with nervousness.

It was only at this point that Matthew realized Stella was entirely unclothed in the bathtub. He froze, his chest rising and falling with rapid breaths. For a brief instant, he was at a loss as to how to respond.

Stella had been in the bathroom for an unusually long time. He had come out of concern. When he heard her cry out, he burst in without a second thought, never anticipating the scene that would greet him.

Sensing Matthew’s lack of reaction, Stella hurriedly raised her arms to shield her chest. Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson as she sank further into the water. «Please, leave now,» she insisted.

She had never felt so mortified before.

It was her own fault, really. She had been too distracted to notice the slippery surface underfoot.

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«I apologize,» Matthew finally said, averting his gaze and turning his back to her. «Are you all right? How’s your wound?»

Stella peeked up to find Matthew looking away, a subtle wave of relief washing over her. She lowered her arms and replied, «I’m fine. You can go now.»

Matthew pursed his lips, not daring to look back. «Tidy up first. I’ll wait outside. Call me if you need anything.»

«Okay.»

Once the door closed behind Matthew, Stella took a moment to collect herself before rising from the tub. Wanting to avoid a repeat of the earlier awkwardness, she proceeded with caution as she stepped out. After taking a quick shower, Stella changed into the clothes Matthew had prepared.

Looking at her reflection, she felt a smile form at the corners of her mouth, touched by his thoughtful gesture. She grabbed the hairdryer and began to dry her damp locks.

Her face in the mirror appeared slightly flushed, devoid of makeup, displaying signs of fatigue.

The day had been a whirlwind of emotions, as unpredictable as a roller coaster. She couldn’t help but wonder about the aftermath of Matthew’s impending announcement.

With a heavy sigh, she wished for smooth sailing come morning.

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