Page 23 of Sexted By a Stranger
Mom looked at me with concern. "Sheila, you've been up all night. Go home and sleep."
"I know, Mom." I was indeed exhausted. "I'll go in a bit."
After the doctor's third round, confirming everything was fine, I left the hospital.
Back home, I relaxed, and the fatigue from days of caregiving surged up. Dinner was still eight hours away. I couldn't help falling into a deep sleep.
I didn't know how long it had been before knocking woke me.
Outside stood a woman in a suit with a gentle smile, holding two beautifully wrapped boxes in her arms.
"Miss Stella? Mia Davis from Éclat Lumière. Mr. Bellomo asked me to deliver these."
My heart leaped. I took them with both hands.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. Have a pleasant evening." Mia nodded slightly and left.
Closing the door, I placed the boxes on the dining table. Untying the ribbons, the large box's black velvet cradled a pearl-gray sleeveless satin gown. No ostentatious decorations—just the flowing sheen of the fabric itself and tailoring precise to the millimeter, outlining breathtaking elegance. The waistline was dotted with small diamonds, almost invisible, occasionally catching the light with tiny sparkles.
Beside the dress was a matching clutch, already containing a rose gold phone and lipstick. At the far right of the box was a black velvet jewelry case.
I carefully picked up the jewelry box and opened it. Inside was an ultra-fine platinum necklace with a small, perfectly cut diamond pendant—a six-pointed star that refracted dazzling light even in my apartment's dim lighting.
I set them down reverently and opened the small box—a pair of pale gray-purple suede heels with soft lambskin soles, completely different from my hard, blister-inducing shoes.
Setting down the shoes, my fingertips brushed the cool, silky dress and that cool diamond. He'd thought of everything.
He invaded my life so forcefully, in every aspect, like being carefully wrapped in an expensive cocoon—warm, secure.
My alarm suddenly rang. I quickly threw away all those chaotic thoughts and started getting ready.
Once dressed, I did a final check of the clutch—phone and lipstick. That necklace still lay in its velvet box. I didn't wear it—too precious.
When I pushed open the rusty iron door of my apartment building, Luca's car was already parked at the curb. Lennox leaned against the car door, smoking. Seeing me appear, he immediately stubbed out the cigarette, revealing a well-trained smile.
"Miss Stella." He opened the door. "Boss is waiting at Helioson Grand."
I nodded in acknowledgment and slid into the back seat.
Lennox glanced at me in the rearview mirror, his gaze lingering on the dress for half a second.
"The dress suits you well." He started the engine.
"Thank you." I unconsciously smoothed non-existent wrinkles.
Lennox turned the wheel onto the main road, chatting casually. "I heard your brother's surgery went well?"
"Still in the rejection period," mentioning Leon, my lips curved up unconsciously, "but the doctor said it's the smoothest bone marrow transplant in the past six months."
"Thanks to Manhattan's best medical team." He said meaningfully.
I looked out the window—yes, Luca had arranged it. My chest warmed slightly.
After a few seconds of silence, Lennox's fingers tapped the steering wheel lightly. "Speaking of which, you were at Celestial for four years?"
"Yes."
