Chapter 4: Shadows From The Past

Jack’s POV

I waited at the bottom of the staircase, my phone in hand, pretending to check emails. I could hear the soft click of Stella’s heels as she descended the steps, each sound like a quiet drumbeat in my ears. I told myself I wouldn’t look up. I wouldn’t care. She was just a woman. A woman I had married for convenience.

Then I looked.

My breath caught in my chest as I raised my head and saw her.

Stella stood there, the red silk dress hugging every curve, the slit at the side revealing just enough to make me shift uncomfortably. Her blonde hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and the way the dress shimmered under the lights made her look like something out of a dream.

My heart gave a jolt—just a quick, traitorous beat—but I quickly masked it with indifference. I cleared my throat and looked away, focusing back on my phone even though my mind was no longer on work.

“Let’s go. We’re late,” I muttered.

I didn’t wait to see if she followed. I didn’t trust myself to look at her again without betraying something—something I didn’t want to admit. Instead, I walked to the car, expecting her to trail behind. I could hear her soft footsteps approaching, and when she finally slid into the passenger seat, I forced myself to keep my eyes on the road.

But it wasn’t easy.

From the corner of my eye, I could see the way the fabric of her dress shifted with every movement. The faint scent of her perfume lingered in the air, floral and soft, stirring something in me I hadn’t felt in years—something dangerous.

I gripped the steering wheel a little tighter.

The silence between us was thick, and I told myself that was for the best. I couldn’t afford to get distracted. Stella Rivers was a puzzle—one I had no interest in solving, even if she had a way of getting under my skin. She wasn’t mine to admire. I had made that clear to her when I said our relationship was strictly business.

And yet, my traitorous eyes kept drifting to her. Each time she shifted, I stole a glance. Each time her lips pressed together in thought, I found myself wondering what was going through her mind.

Stop it, Jack, I scolded myself silently. She’s not for you. None of this is real.

“Where are we going?” Stella’s voice broke through my thoughts.

I didn’t answer right away. Instead, I focused on the road ahead, avoiding her gaze. “It’s a work event,” I said simply.

“That’s all?” she asked softly, almost to herself.

I glanced at her for a split second before looking back at the road. “That’s all.”

I could feel her eyes on me, but I didn’t give her the satisfaction of meeting her gaze. I didn’t need the distraction of those piercing brown eyes or the questions I couldn’t answer.

When we arrived at the venue, I stepped out of the car first, holding the door open for her without a word. The second she stood beside me, all eyes seemed to turn to her. I noticed the way men’s gazes lingered on her—lingered too long—and something hot and possessive coiled in my chest.

I brushed it off quickly.

This wasn’t jealousy. It couldn’t be.

“She’s my wife,” I heard one man whisper to his friend as we walked past, their voices hushed but audible enough for me to catch. “Lucky bastard.”

I ignored it, keeping my stride steady, though I found myself instinctively placing my hand on the small of Stella’s back as we entered the ballroom. She stiffened at the contact but said nothing.

The room was filled with glittering chandeliers and people dressed in designer gowns and tuxedos. The hum of conversation swirled around us, but I barely heard any of it. I was too aware of Stella beside me—too aware of the way she carried herself with an elegance I hadn’t expected.

“Smile,” I said quietly, leaning close to her ear. “We’re being watched.”

She turned to me with a faint glare but quickly plastered a polite smile on her lips. “You didn’t even tell me what this event is for.”

“It’s a charity gala,” I replied, guiding her deeper into the crowd. “Networking. Donors. Public image. You know the drill.”

She let out a soft, exasperated sigh. “Of course.”

I tried not to notice how her lips pursed when she was frustrated.

As the night wore on, I played my part—the charming, untouchable Jack Norman—shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with people whose names I barely remembered. Stella remained by my side, graceful and poised, and it didn’t take long for people to notice her.

“You didn’t tell us you got married, Jack,” a business associate said with a sly smile, eyeing Stella.

“Didn’t think it was anyone’s business,” I replied coolly.

The man laughed and turned to Stella. “And you, Mrs. Norman, where have you been hiding? Jack’s been keeping you a secret.”

Stella smiled politely. “I’m not one for the spotlight.”

Her words were simple, but I caught the slight edge in her voice. She didn’t like being here, and yet she played the part perfectly.

Why does she fit so well here? I wondered, feeling an unfamiliar twist of admiration.

Then, I saw her.

Rachel.

My jaw tightened as she approached, her presence as unwelcome as ever. Her red lips curled into a fake smile as she stopped in front of us, her gaze flickering between Stella and me.

“Jack,” she purred, her voice oozing false sweetness. “I didn’t expect to see you here tonight.”

I forced a tight smile. “Rachel.”

“And this must be Stella.” Rachel turned her gaze to Stella, her expression calculating. “You look stunning.”

“Thank you,” Stella replied, though I noticed her grip tighten on her clutch.

Rachel’s smile sharpened. “It’s a shame, though. All this effort for a man who doesn’t love you.”

Stella’s face paled, and before I could react, Rachel leaned closer to her, dropping her voice just enough for me to catch.

“Did Jack ever tell you about his real priorities?” Rachel whispered, her tone mocking. “Or are you just another pawn in his game?”

“Rachel,” I snapped, my voice low and dangerous. “That’s enough.”

Rachel straightened, her smirk unwavering. “Touchy subject?” she teased, then turned on her heel and walked away, leaving tension hanging in the air.

I looked down at Stella, her expression unreadable as she stared at the floor.

“Don’t listen to her,” I said firmly, though I wasn’t sure why I felt the need to reassure her. “She just wants to stir up trouble.”

Stella didn’t look at me. “Is she right?”

“About what?”

She finally lifted her head, her brown eyes meeting mine with a sadness that made something in my chest twist. “Am I just another pawn to you?”

Her words hit me harder than I expected. I opened my mouth to reply, but before I could say anything, Stella’s phone buzzed in her clutch.

She pulled it out, her face going pale as she read the screen. I stepped closer, frowning. “What is it?”

Her hand shook as she turned the screen away from me but curiousity took the best of me so I peeped.

The message was simple, chilling, and impossible to ignore:

“You can’t hide the truth, Stella. Meet me at St. Agnes Hospital. Tomorrow. Same time. Same ward. Eight years ago.”

I stared at the message, a cold dread settling in my stomach.

“What truth?” I thought to myself. 

I always knew Stella was hiding something from me and I knew, whatever truth was waiting for her tomorrow, it would definitely change everything and give me the answers I need.