Chapter 144

Jason was caught off guard when Dr. Reed called him—Stella agreeing to see Charles? That was the last thing he expected. She'd said before she never wanted to see him again, ever. So for her to show up now? Weird. Jason even started wondering if maybe Stella had some hidden agenda. Sure, Charles wasn't stupid. He'd definitely overthink the whole thing once he found out. But the guy had been stuck on Stella for days—how could he be thinking straight? That's why Jason hadn't told Charles in advance. He figured maybe it'd be better as a surprise. Seeing Stella walk in himself might lift his spirits a little. Charles lay weak and pale in bed, eyes dull as he stared out at the overcast sky. That's been his whole mood lately—just quiet emptiness. Then...the door creaked open. Stella stood in the doorway. The moment Charles saw her, his eyes flew wide open, disbelief and hope crashing through him like a wave. The way he looked at her—like someone finally seeing the sun after drowning in darkn