"What about me?" Stefan asked casually.Dorothy wasn’t dreaming—he was talking. She rubbed her eyes thoroughly, but he was still there. He was standing tall, and he talked... He just freaking talked.Dorothy nearly passed out on her bed. She wanted Stefan to get better, but this was too sudden—it scared her.As Stefan moved closer, she inched even farther back, almost pressing herself against the wall. She wished she could disappear into it.Stefan stood there, staring at her quietly while she silently begged the wall to swallow her."You were right," he said, and she blinked, staring at him in confusion.Stefan stepped forward again, but she quickly pointed at him, signaling him to stay back."A crippled person doesn’t just suddenly walk overnight. I could believe it if you were only talking, but you’re standing. Have you been faking your injury?" Dorothy asked, her eyes searching his for answers, but he gave nothing away.She realized how ridiculous her question sounded. She remembe
Stefan quietly stared at Dorothy, watching her go crazy openly."This isn't normal, Stefan. The other day, I saw you struggle to stand. You fell, you were in so much pain, yet you couldn't cry because it was hard to even speak. Then overnight, you're suddenly walking and talking like nothing happened," Dorothy said. She couldn't understand the algorithm—something didn't add up."What's so hard to believe? I recovered after nine years. Why do you make it sound like it happened overnight?" Stefan asked, furrowing his brows."It did happen over nine years, but it feels sudden. I know you understand what I'm talking about," Dorothy replied."I don't know what you're talking about," Stefan shrugged. "Stefan, a cripple don't just walk overnight" Dorothy said and Stefan's face changed, he looked like he was offended for a second. Never had he ever imagined Dorothy calling him crippled."All I know is you people are weird" He replied, staring straight into her eyes. "When it took years to ge
Dorothy bit her lip, intertwining her fingers as her face reddened even more. “If this is too much, I’ll scrap it—”“It’s not too much at all,” Stefan cut her off.Dorothy looked up at him as he continued.“Nothing is ever too much as long as you want it. I’ll take care of everything,” Stefan assured her, and Dorothy couldn’t help but smile widely. She couldn’t believe she would be visiting the Seine River soon.“Make sure you’re ready tonight. Griffin will bring you a laptop so you can order any outfit of your choice,” Stefan said.“Really?” Dorothy’s face lit up. She had thought she was asking for too much when she made the request.Stefan reached out and gently touched her face. His touch was so soft that it made every system in Dorothy’s body momentarily shut down.“Remember, nothing is ever too much when it comes to you,” he repeated, staring deeply into her eyes. Dorothy nodded like she was spellbound, but when she noticed him leaning forward, she instinctively covered his lips
Stefan gently guided Dorothy to the dinner table. He pulled out a chair for her, ensuring she was seated before taking his own seat opposite her. A well-dressed waiter approached them and respectfully handed the menu to Stefan, who motioned for the waiter to give it to Dorothy instead.He turned to her with a soft expression.“Order whatever you like. I had your favorite dish prepared tonight, so try not to eat it all,” he said with a playful tone that Dorothy found hard to believe.She picked out the dishes she liked and glanced up at him.“Aren’t you ordering anything?” she asked when she noticed Stefan watching her intently.“I’ll have the same thing my wife is having,” he replied to the waiter.Wife?? Dorothy couldn’t help but smile to herself, hoping her cheeks weren’t burning red. She didn't know how good it felt to be called a wife feels until now. Stefan had been so sweet to her so far. But was he always like this with Bianca too?The thought dulled her mood. She didn’t know m
Griffin walked into Stefan's office. "Mr. Stefan, you sent for me. Is everything alright?" he asked, his brows furrowing with concern.Stefan was busy on his laptop. He paused and looked at Griffin for a moment before gesturing toward the chair opposite him.Griffin stared at Stefan, puzzled. He didn’t think he had ever sat down for a conversation with him before, but now, he was getting a special invite. Carefully, he took a seat, still giving Stefan a curious and slightly worried look.Stefan slid his laptop toward Griffin. The screen displayed pictures of three young women. Griffin couldn’t help but twitch his eyes in confusion as he stared at them, wondering why Stefan was showing him pictures of women."Which one do you like more?" Stefan asked, leaning back on the couch.Griffin was taken aback by the question. "I'm not sure, Mr. Stefan. Why are you asking me this? I thought you were happy with the young mistress?" he asked, looking visibly stressed.Stefan shook his head. "They
"Where do you want me to start with all these questions you're throwing at me?" Stefan asked dryly."Somewhere, Stefan." Dorothy folded her arms under her chest, staring at him impatiently.Stefan sighed and moved to sit on the bed. He pointed to the empty space beside him, signaling for Dorothy to sit. Dorothy rolled her eyes but sat beside him anyway."No, I have not been pretending about my injury, and yes, I don't want anyone to know I'm recovered. That's why I'm putting up an act now," Stefan answered her questions."But why are you hiding it? Isn't this something you should be happy about?" Dorothy asked, her face scrunching up in confusion."You're right, it is something to be happy about—and I am—but I still think I should keep it a secret for now. So, do me a favor and play along. Can you do that?" Stefan asked softly.Dorothy was silent for a moment before nodding. Stefan smiled a little and patted her hair."Thank you," he said."Why do you love doing that?" Dorothy asked.
Tasha smirked when she saw Dorothy sit opposite her, but her smirk immediately shifted to a worried, gentle expression—one that Dorothy found instantly unsettling."Dorothy, you're here already. I thought you weren’t going to show up, and I got anxious, so I ordered an orange juice before you what to you want some?," Tasha said, raising the glass of juice to Dorothy's face. She did so gently yet manipulatively and Dorothy knew she should be careful "Cut to the chase. What do you want from me?" Dorothy asked, her expression serious and unamused."Nothing, I promise. I just..." Tasha sniffled, opening her fancy little purse and pulling out a handkerchief to gently dab her teary eyes. "I just want to be close to my family again... I don’t want to fight anymore. And I’ve been thinking—you’re a good person. I shouldn’t have conspired with your mother to force you into marrying Stefan against your will," she said, crying.Dorothy stared at her, still feeling confused. "What do you want exa
"When did you—?" Kai had never looked this confused in his life. He stared at Griffin, hoping to see the same bewilderment reflected in his expression, but Griffin remained calm."We’ll answer all your questions later, Kai. Just do what Mr. Stefan said so we can find the young mistress in time," Griffin told him.Kai glanced between Stefan and Griffin before nodding and dashing out of the office. Stefan settled into his wheelchair while Griffin wheeled him out. They reached the car, and as Griffin drove, Stefan operated a small machine."I just found where the phone is," Stefan muttered.In a small, unkempt house, a familiar phone sat on the table, surrounded by some dangerous-looking equipment. A pair of black leather-clad legs crossed as someone sat on a worn-out chair. Chole stared at the phone, frowning."How do I get the stupid battery out? None of my tools seem to be working," she thought to herself, biting her fingers thoughtfully.Earlier, she had been eyeing Dorothy ever sinc
It was the weekend. Dorothy was set to leave VitMed and head back home. She couldn’t wait to see Stefan again—he had promised to come pick her up.“I should use that opportunity to introduce myself to him. Please tell him I’ve been very good to you in school, so he could do something nice for me too,” Kristin, who was sitting beside Dorothy, exclaimed.“Stefan doesn’t do anything nice for anyone if they aren’t me,” Dorothy replied with a smirk and a proud look.“That’s because he hasn’t met me yet,” Kristin replied. When Dorothy gave her a serious look, she quickly corrected herself. “Not as someone who’s gonna steal your man—because obviously, I stand a chance—but he’s gonna love me as your best friend. Maybe someday he’ll take me out for a treat for being such a good friend to you,” Kristin added, feeling herself.Dorothy couldn’t help but smile and shook her head. Her phone rang—it was Stefan. She knew he was already outside.“I’m leaving now. Don’t miss me too much,” Dorothy tease
The Holmes Residence.Clarissa admired herself in the mirror, twirling slightly. She loved how expensive she looked. Ever since she married Sherlock, he’d showered her with nothing but luxury.A knock came at the door before Agnes stepped in, her face lighting up at the sight of Clarissa.“Gold and diamonds were made just for you,” Agnes praised, her eyes full of admiration.Clarissa’s smile widened. “I know,” she replied proudly.“So, where to?” Agnes asked, leaning against the doorframe.“Sherlock’s taking me to his company today. When I walk in, I want every single person to turn and stare. I wasn’t born to be ordinary,” Clarissa said with a confident smirk.“And that’s the spirit,” Agnes grinned.Clarissa glanced at the time on her Rolex. “Ugh, I’m almost late. That old man’s been waiting forever,” she huffed, grabbing her sunglasses and rushing out.Agnes simply watched her go, shaking her head.Downstairs, Sherlock looked up the moment he saw her coming. “You’re not planning to
The next morning at VitMed, Dorothy stepped out of the bathroom wearing her bathrobe. She massaged her back as she picked up her phone and dialed Stefan’s number.He picked up immediately.“Good morning, love,” his voice was a bit groggy, like he was just waking up.“Good morning. Did I wake you?” she asked with concern.“Not at all, sweetheart.”“Okay. Did you talk to your mom yesterday? How did it go?” Dorothy asked, and Stefan sighed.“I did talk to her yesterday, and she explained everything—but I can’t just forgive her like that, love. It’s too hard to just let it go,” Stefan grumbled.“I understand, Stefan. But baby steps, okay?”“If Finn were still alive and told you he was sorry for killing your parents, do you think you could ever forgive him?” Stefan asked. Even though Dorothy couldn’t see him, she could tell he was looking for an honest answer.“And that’s the difference between Finn and your mother. She did what she thought would protect you. She didn’t kill innocent peopl
Beatrice had an impatient look on her face as she sat in the restaurant. The moment Kai informed her that Stefan wanted to see her, she rushed over as quickly as she could.The restaurant's glass door swung open, and Stefan stepped inside. His eyes scanned the room until they landed on her, and then he made his way to her table."Stefan, thank you for agreeing to see me again," Beatrice said, moving in for a hug, but he stepped back."We don’t want to go too far now. I only agreed to talk to you because of my wife. Please, don’t touch me."Beatrice nodded and tucked a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear before sitting down. Stefan took the seat across from her, and silence fell between them. He just sat there, staring at her intensely.Beatrice sighed."I didn’t come here to be stared at and sighed over. I have other places to be, so please don’t waste my time," Stefan said, frowning.Beatrice never imagined that Stefan would one day treat her like this."First, I want to say I’m
Behind her veil, she had a confused look. Was Abraham late, or did he not remember they were supposed to have a wedding ceremony here today? While she was lost in thought, Agnes hugged Clarissa but whispered in her ear.“Abraham isn’t coming because he’s not the one you’re getting married to. You’re actually getting married to his grandfather. And act cool—there are so many businessmen here, you don’t want to blow things up in front of them,” Agnes said before stepping back.Clarissa couldn’t believe her ears. She was getting married to Sherlock instead of Abraham. She was marrying a ninety-two-year-old man—and she had already invited her friends, even Dorothy.The priest began reciting the wedding speech and prayers.“Clarissa Florence, do you take Sherlock Holmes as your lawful wedded husband, to be with him through all seasons of life, till death do you both part?”There was no reply from Clarissa, causing murmurs from the crowd. Agnes sat still, tense, hoping Clarissa wouldn’t mes
As promised, some guards came to pick Clarissa and took her to the mall. It was a private mall owned by the Holmes family, filled with stunning designs and luxurious brands."Ma'am, may I help you with anything?" an employee asked respectfully, approaching her with a polite tone.Clarissa smirked and took off her glasses. "I'm getting married tomorrow, and I'm looking for the perfect wedding dress that complements my beauty," she said proudly."Aww, congratulations on your marriage in advance," the employee replied cheerfully."Whatever. Just find a dress for me," Clarissa said, rolling her eyes. The employee gave her an understanding nod, though she silently noted how rude Clarissa was.After a few minutes of trying on different styles, Clarissa finally found one that suited her best."I'm picking this one," she declared, and the employee nodded, sending staff to package it."You have good eyes. That’s one of the best wedding dresses we have," the employee said with a small smile."I
Since Dorothy wasn't coming back until the weekend, Kade felt like he had no reason to stay at school and was set to leave when a familiar lady blocked his path."Where to, Kade? Don’t tell me you're leaving so soon," Kristina said with a smirk."What do you want?" Kade asked, frowning."Come on, lighten up at least. We’re not fighting, Kade. Since Dorothy is out with her husband, how about you and I go grab a drink?" Kristina asked, wiggling her brows playfully."I don’t drink, so I don’t care for one. Now excuse me," Kade tried to walk past, but Kristina blocked him."Then we can take a walk or do something else. Please don’t let me spend this Saturday alone," she pleaded.Kade sighed helplessly, and Kristina smiled widely. She knew what that look meant. Happily, she grabbed his arm and led him away."You won’t regret hanging out with me today. We’re going to have so much fun," she said excitedly as they left together.—In Stefan’s mansion, Dorothy was still sleeping. He had spent
It was a free Saturday. Dorothy had just finished taking her shower and was getting ready. She had spoken with Stefan yesterday, and he promised to come pick her up today. Maybe she could tell him about his mom.Someone knocked on her door, and her smile widened, thinking it was Stefan. She was still dressed in a revealing gown when she opened it—but to her dismay, it was Kai. He immediately turned his back while she quickly grabbed a bathrobe to cover herself, her cheeks flushing red."Do you go around answering your door dressed like that?" Kai couldn't help but ask."I'm sorry, I thought it was Stefan. He told me he was coming," Dorothy mumbled."Well, Stefan isn't here," Kai replied."Why?" Dorothy asked, a little disappointed. She had been excited to have him come over."An important business matter came up. He couldn't miss it, so he asked me to get you. Buzz me when you're completely dressed," Kai said before walking away.Dorothy sighed and was about to close the door, but a w
"Hi, my name is Beatrice," the woman introduced herself, and Dorothy paused, thinking hard about where she’d heard the name before. Then it clicked. Her eyes widened."You're... You..." the words caught in her throat. This had to be Stefan's mom. The resemblance was unmistakable."Can I come in, please?" Beatrice asked gently. Dorothy didn't know what to do. Should she kick her out or let her in? In the end, she went with the second option, opening the door for Beatrice.Silence followed. Dorothy stood six feet away, watching her closely, waiting for her to speak."I’ve been looking for you for some time now because... I need your help," Beatrice said, her eyes glassy with tears. "My son wants nothing to do with me—and I understand that. But I need you to bring us back together."Dorothy sat down for a moment, quiet, then finally responded, "You want me to help fix your relationship with your son?" she asked slowly, trying to grasp it."I just don't know what to do anymore...""Then w