Despite having spent several days together, tonight marked a formal occasion to confirm their familial bond, lending a subtle but distinct gravity to the evening.
Lost in a daze, Stella suddenly realized they had arrived at the restaurant.
As Stella stepped out of the car, she reached for her phone, intending to call Haley and inquire about her whereabouts. Before she could dial, she lifted her gaze and spotted Haley waving eagerly in her direction.
She tucked her phone away and strode purposefully towards Haley.
Just as Stella was about to greet Haley, she noticed that the smile on Haley’s face seemed forced, her expression stiff.
Nervousness prickled at Stella’s senses as she asked, “What’s wrong? Are you feeling alright?”
“I’m fine,” Haley replied, though her voice lacked conviction.
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Stella keenly noticed the evasion in Haley’s eyes, a flicker of apprehension darting within them. Clearly, she was hiding something.
“What happened?” she inquired, her voice filled with a mix of concern and determination. “I’m your daughter, your only family here in Seamarsh.
Whatever it is, please don’t hide it from me. I’ll do everything in my power to help you solve it.”
Haley cast a glance at Stella, her shoulders sagging with a helpless sigh.
“It’s not a big deal. I’m just concerned it might impact your relationship with Matthew.”
Stella furrowed her brows in confusion. “Matthew? What’s wrong with him?”
“Matthew came to see me today,” Haley revealed, her voice tinged with a mix of apprehension and uncertainty.
Stella’s frown deepened, her confusion growing with Haley’s revelation.
She had just spoken to Matthew on the phone earlier today, yet he hadn’t mentioned anything about meeting Haley.
“Why did he meet you?” Stella questioned, her voice tinged with a hint of concern and curiosity.
Haley pressed her lips together, a hesitant pause stretching before she spoke slowly. “He suspected that I was not your mother. But I don’t blame him. He loves you so deeply, he’s always cautious. He was afraid I pretended to be your mother just to get close to you. Fortunately, there’s a DNA test. I can finally openly declare that you are my daughter.”
She reached out and clasped Stella’s hand, her eyes slightly red, betraying the emotional weight of the moment.
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Sensing Haley’s distress and understanding Matthew’s concerns, Stella squeezed her hand reassuringly. “Don’t dwell on it too much. I’ll talk to him when I return. He won’t suspect you anymore.”
Haley nodded, her expression solemn. “I have something to tell you.”
“What is it?”
Lowering her head slightly, Haley spoke in a low voice, her words heavy with vulnerability. “In the car accident, my face was seriously injured. It was disfigured, and there were many lasting effects.”
Stella’s eyes widened in empathy as she tightened her grip on Haley’s hand, a wave of compassion washing over her.