Page 31 of Wanted

“It’s just for tonight,” he assures. “We’ll figure out something tomorrow.”

“You better, or you’ll end up sleeping on the sofa. Injured or not.”

He laughs, and his hoarse laugh makes me do the same.

“You’re dangerous with that pretty good-girl face, Stella. Anyone who doesn’t know you might take you for a meek little lamb.”

As I said before, this lamb has grown stronger, and now has the strength needed to defend herself.

Although, it’s by only sheer determination.

For now.

* * *

I put my hair up in a messy bun on top of my head before putting the leftovers away from dinner. Watching Lionel rinse the plates and load them in the dishwasher is so weird, it seems the Pacific breeze has changed a lot of Lionel’s personality. More than I’d expected.

“Is something wrong?”

“Why do you ask?” I reply as I run the soapy sponge over the granite countertop.

He looks at me with raised eyebrows, clearly waiting for me to elaborate.

“It’s just unbelievable that you’re helping me, and you’re doing it with just one arm.”

I know he’s bored of having to function with restrictions, several times he has been close to throwing the sling out the window.

“Real men aren’t afraid to do the dishes.” His response leaves me speechless.

I have no words.

Lionel notices but doesn’t push any further, he just continues scrubbing pans. I’m busy thinking about what we talked about on the terrace.

The goals I hope to achieve.

First, I need to study for the mother of all tests, then college while still running my business. After that, open my online store, reach new customers, and find a way to expand to increase my sales. Not only that, I have to research if I need a permit or license to sell my soaps nationwide, as well as calculate the cost for packaging, shipping, and taxes.

And beyond that—beyond the woman who succeeds with her business. Who do I want to be as a person?

What does Stella Annabel expect of herself?

Happiness. It’s the first thing that comes to mind, we all want to achieve happiness. And that’s been the root of all my problems.

A few months ago, I thought I was happy, but after meeting Lionel, I realized I was only settling. In reality, my life was not moving toward a goal. I was merely letting myself get carried away by the current.

With all that’s happened recently, it’s made me open my eyes. I shouldn’t trust placing my happiness in the hands of another person, but be the one capable to hold my happiness with my own two hands.

With or without Lionel.

I’m determined to be happy. Because I deserve it.

Because nothing is impossible.

And speaking of Lionel, is this a trick like all the ones that dazzled me before we got married?

Because one thing is for sure, the moment Lionel had my signature on the marriage certificate, the prince turned into a toad, and the problems began. The fantasy didn’t last past midnight.

There are so many reasons for me to be hesitant.

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