Chapter 326

Stella Johnson wasn’t just sitting around at Michael Anderson’s place doing nothing. The virus in her body—it was unpredictable. She had no clue how far it had progressed, and with Charles Hart clinging to her the way he did, there was just no good ending to that. On the coffee table sat a bowl of untouched bird’s nest. Michael walked out of the kitchen, apron still damp from water. “Not hungry? Don’t like the taste?” She looked up, meeting his gentle smile, and for some reason, her throat tightened. “Mr. Anderson,” she took a deep breath, voice low and scratchy, “there’s something I need to talk to you about.” Michael paused, drying his hands before sitting beside her, relaxed but clearly focused. “Go ahead.” “Can we... pretend to be together?” Stella stared at her clasped hands, not daring to meet his eyes. “Like we did at the charity event. I want Charles to give up.” The air got heavy. Michael’s eyes flickered with surprise, like he couldn’t quite believe what he’d just heard. But