Before Stella could stop him, the man had already tapped on her screen, found the message, and dialed the number without hesitation.
She heard the ringing tone, and her heart skipped. Even if she wanted to stop him, it was too late now.
Instinctively, she reached for the phone, but he gently pushed her back with a light press to her forehead. Then, with a playful wink, he put a finger to his lips in a “shush” gesture.
Stella’s expression darkened just as his voice rang out.
“Who are you? Why are you texting Stella in the middle of the night?”
His tone was sharp—deliberately provoking.
Stella’s eyebrows shot up. She parted her lips to speak, not out of fear that Weston might misunderstand—he would witness this situation eventually—but because this man’s bluntness might trigger him. Weston wasn’t rational. He was unpredictable and dangerous.
Her breath caught as she waited for a response. Instead, there was only a long, flat beep. The call had been disconnected.
The man returned the phone to her with a helpless shrug. “Your ex doesn’t seem very patient.”
Stella’s gaze lingered on the screen, her thoughts turning inward. She didn’t say anything.
Noticing the shift in her demeanor, the man waved a hand in front of her face. “Hey, why the long face? Don’t tell me… you’re still in love with him?”
He chuckled lightly, clearly joking, but Stella didn’t take it lightly.
Instead, she turned to him, her voice solemn. “He’s not exactly a moral man. Honestly, I think… it’s better if we stop this here.”
The man blinked, surprised by her abruptness. He had been impulsive, sure, but Stella realized now she had been, too. She’d jumped into this out of desperation to push Weston away.
She looked at the man, apologetic. “I’m sorry for getting you involved. I acted too rashly.”
He studied her, then raised an eyebrow, half-amused. “Do you think I can’t handle your ex?”
“That’s not what I meant.” She sighed. “This just isn’t right. I shouldn’t drag someone else into my mess.”
She reached for her seatbelt and unbuckled it. Just as she was about to open the door, he grabbed her wrist gently, signaling for her to stay.
“Isn’t that a bit sudden? That reason of yours stings a little.”
Stella looked at him, a touch exasperated. “Didn’t you say we could end this whenever we wanted?”
He paused, then laughed dryly. “Fair enough. I was just starting to find you interesting… but you sure know how to ruin the mood.”
Stella smiled awkwardly and rubbed her nose. “I’ll be heading off then. Sorry for taking up your time.”
“Wait. I’ll drive you home.” He nodded toward the steering wheel. “You were introduced to me by my childhood friend. Even if we’re not going anywhere, I should at least be a gentleman.”
Stella glanced out the window. It was late, and the streets would be empty. She nodded. “Alright. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” he said, drawing out the words with playful exaggeration. He looked at her through the rearview mirror, gave her a small smile, then turned away and started the engine.
The car pulled out of the drive-in parking lot.
As they drove, he spoke again. “You know, this is the first time someone’s dumped me with such an odd reason.”
Though they had both agreed it wasn’t serious, he still couldn’t help feeling a little slighted.
“What kind of man is your ex anyway, that he’s got you this on edge?”
Stella’s face turned cold at the mention of Weston. “He’s nobody. Just a piece of scum.”
The man caught the chill in her tone and wisely let the topic drop. He drove her all the way to the entrance of her apartment building.
Would you like me to continue with the next scene?
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