Chapter 284: Conflicted emotions

"Yes, sir," she responded, attempting to cloak her nerves in a nervous laugh as she collected the last of her belongings. Unfortunately, a slight tremor in her hands, barely noticeable to anyone else, betrayed her emotions. And, as she suspected, Matteo's keen perception didn't let it slip past him.

"Are you feeling unwell?" His touch enveloped her hand, his warm palms cradling hers against his cheek as he closed his eyes in a fleeting gesture. It was a tender and unexpected move that elicited a soft flutter in Stella's chest.

"No," she managed to answer, gently withdrawing her hand from his grasp and focusing on organizing her bags. She couldn't afford to waver now, not when a plan was beginning to take shape in her mind.

"Just tired, I'd like to go back home as soon as possible." She replied with a slightly higher tone, a silent effort to ease the tension between them that was fast becoming palpable.