Chapter 77.

(Freya’s POV)

“You're the one who should stay away from me, Stella.”

It was Ash’s voice when the door opened. Both I and Stella were surprised to see him come out. But I could see how Stella looked more shocked than me.

She froze, surprise etching her features. For a moment, she was a deer caught in headlights. I held my breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle on my shoulders. The silence stretched, and I could see the flicker of fear in Stella's eyes. It was a side of her I rarely witnessed—vulnerable, exposed.

“Ash, you misheard me,” Stella stammered, her bravado cracking. “I wasn’t talking about—”

“There’s nothing to mishear, Stella.” Ash’s tone hardened. “I’m tired of this charade. You keep acting like everything’s fine when it’s not.”

My pulse quickened. This was escalating fast, and I could feel the tension radiating between them. I shifted uncomfortably, wondering if I should intervene. I hated confrontation, yet it was clear I couldn’t just stand by.

“Maybe we should a