Bella was nearly pleading, but Kristian remained resolute.
Taking her hand in his, he spoke with solemn gravity. Im deeply thankful you survived the car accident. If it were up to me, Id spare you the agony of recalling those memories. I can handle the pain on my own.
His words resonated with a poignant sincerity, painting him as the epitome of a devoted husband. Regardless of Bellas pleas, he remained tight-lipped about the accident.
Kristian could have easily concocted some false tales to placate her, yet he feared that even a minor slip of truth might catch Matthews attention, prompting him to delve deeper.
Knowing Matthews sharpness, he chose not to risk confrontation.
One lie would necessitate another. It was wiser to leave things ambiguously addressed.
Seeing Kristian in a gloomy mood, the others didnt press further.
The four shared breakfast, during which Kristian feigned interest in Stellas recent life, his voice dripping with feigned concern. He complimented her, When I first heard about you, I was aware of your talent as a designer. Its clear now youve inherited your mothers flair. No wonder Bella and I felt an instant connection when we met you. Its the bond of kinship, after all.
Stella responded with a smile, though it lacked genuine warmth.
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Despite Kristians declarations of missing her over the years, his words rang hollow to her.
She felt no bond with Kristian, nor could she detect any genuine affection in his gaze.
She wondered if she was overthinking, but Kristians smile always seemed more like a mask to her.
Matthew casually inquired, Have you and Bella ever lived in Bysea before?
Despite the relaxed tone of his question, Kristian detected an underlying probing nature in his words.
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.
Feeling uneasy and uncertain about how to respond, Kristian listened as Matthew continued, I recall that Stella was adopted by Clint from an orphanage in Bysea. Did that car accident happen in Seamarsh or Dorburn?
The question intensified Kristians anxiety, causing him to sweat.
After a brief, tense silence, Kristian chose to evade the question and replied, I know you care deeply about Stella. But as Ive mentioned earlier, I dont want Bella and Stella dredging up the past. Lets drop this subject. Now that Stella is back with us, Im committed to spending the rest of my Life making amends for our lost years.
His gaze toward Stella was paternal, filled with the relief of a father reunited with his long-lost daughter. To an outsider, he might appear as a deeply Loving father.
Understanding yet persistent, Matthew said, I get where youre coming from. But remember, Im Stellas husband and Bellas son-in- law. Someone tried to harm them in the past, nearly killing my wife. Its crucial that I uncover who was responsible to avoid any future threats. If youre hesitant, perhaps we can discuss this privately after the meal.
Relentlessly, Matthew pushed the conversation, leaving Kristian no room to evade further.
Cornered, Kristian felt compelled to fabricate a response. Dont worry about it. The people responsible for harming Bella and Stella are no longer alive.
Bella and Stella looked shocked.
You mean the culprits are dead? Bella looked outside the door to ensure no one was passing by. Did you murder them? she asked in a muffled voice.
With Bellas face filled with anxiety, Kristian immediately refuted, You were gravely wounded and our child was missing. I couldnt possibly be in the right state of mind to deal with those people. When you were finally stable, I realized I should have gotten rid of them, but after much investigation, I found out they were already taken care of. It could be that they were killed by another person.