Chapter 288: Truth

"Hey, look at me. It's just you and me here," his words cut through the chaos, a lifeline grounding her in reality. "Tell me what's going on, Stella. We'll figure this out together."

A glimmer of recognition ignited in her eyes, and a tremor passed through her body as her defenses faltered. She allowed herself to be enveloped in his arms, her tears staining his dress shirt like a downpour on parched earth.

"Oh, Matteo, I never thought it'd come to this," she confessed, her voice quivering with a cocktail of relief, fear, and vulnerability. As her tears flowed, he lowered himself to the floor, enfolding her within his protective embrace, offering her solace amidst the storm that threatened to consume her. 

"Tell me," His voice softened, coaxing her to open up. Stella sniffled, her emotions still raw, and began her hesitant narration.