Chapter 87: Liam, Is Your Husband?
The car finally started moving, leaving Stella drowning in confusion.
She kept glancing at the man behind the wheel, hesitant to ask Evelyn about him.
A hundred questions tangled in her mind, but the one that nagged the loudest was: ’Is this man her husband?’
The way he carried himself—sharp-eyed, serious, loyal—he didn’t seem like just a driver.
Still, she decided not to ask at that moment. It would sound rude, right? What if this man were not Oliver’s father? What if this man is unaware of Evelyn’s past?
Silent lingers.
When her curiosity got the better of her, she finally made a plan to speak with Oliver. She glanced at the back seat. Oliver, however, had already given in to sleep, his small head tilted adorably to the side.
His tiny chest rose and fell in perfect rhythm, the kind of peace only children were blessed with.
Her lips curved into a warm smile. ’So much like Evelyn. He sleeps as if the whole world isn’t crumbling outside.’
Sighing, Stella tightened her grip on her bag, the leather strap digging into her palms.
She considered texting Evelyn instead, but then remembered she didn’t even know her number.
The thought warmed her heart, ’Four years apart, and I don’t even know how to reach you. Sis... I’m so happy to meet you again.’
Her chest tightened again as memories in the restaurant slipped their way back into her mind; that bastard’s leering face, his disgusting mouth on her breast. The smell of his cologne mixed with alcohol. His disgusting hands are forcing her down.
Stella shuddered violently. Her heart tightened, anger rising in her throat. She clenched her jaw and shook her head hard, as if she could fling the memory out the window.
’Lewis Harrisson, you bastard! I will ensure you face your heavenly punishment!!’
"Stella?"
Evelyn’s voice snapped Stella back from the terrible storm in her mind.
She blinked rapidly, forcing her breathing to steady before turning her head. "Yes?"
"Are you alright?" Evelyn asked softly, but a worried and curious look lingered in her eyes.
Stella forced a smile, even though her heart felt like it was being torn apart. "Hmm. I’m fine."
Of course, Evelyn didn’t believe her. Her sister wasn’t fine; she could easily see that Stella’s smile was paper-thin, her body still trembling.
"Hang in there. We’ll arrive at the hospital soon," Evelyn said quietly, her eyes flicking to her sister’s shaking hands. She had heard Stella’s muffled whimper earlier.
Stella froze.
"Ho-Hospital?" That single word tumbled out louder than intended. Panic sparked in her eyes. She thought Evelyn would take her somewhere safe, maybe home. But the hospital? That sounded like exposure, questions, shame. "Sis, why?"
Evelyn pointed at Oliver, who shifted in his sleep but didn’t stir. Her whisper was gentle but firm, her eyes urging silence.
"Psst. Lower your voice."
It wasn’t just about avoiding waking Oliver. Evelyn knew her sister would protest, perhaps even refuse. She didn’t want to talk about it now because they needed this—Evidence had to be preserved, and only a hospital could do it properly.
Stella pressed her lips together, her heart hammering. She wanted to argue, but with Oliver sleeping so soundly, the words died in her throat. She turned her face toward the window instead, shoulders trembling.
Minutes ticked by.
The silence stretched thick, broken only by the hum of the engine and Oliver’s soft snore.
Finally, the car slowed and turned. Bright lights illuminated the windshield.
Hope Medical Center.
They had arrived.
But Liam didn’t stop at the main entrance; instead, he drove to the basement parking lot.
When the car finally stopped in front of the private lobby, Liam turned to Evelyn.
"That man... in a white coat will guide you to the right area. I’ll take Oliver to the VIP ward. Someone will lead you to the VIP ward room once you’re done."
"Thank you," Evelyn said, grabbing her bag. She turned to Stella. "Let’s go."
They stepped out of the car and headed toward the male doctor, who was waiting at the entrance. He did not ask questions. He simply nodded and led them straight to the elevator.
The lift chimed at the tenth floor, and the doctor directed them to a small waiting room. It was quiet and luxurious, with massive glass walls that allowed them to wait while enjoying the scenery.
"Madam, a female doctor will be here to begin the examination. Please wait here for a moment," the doctor said politely.
"Thank you," Evelyn replied. He bowed slightly and left, closing the door behind him.
Now it was just Stella and Evelyn in the room.
Stella no longer could hold her curiosity about her sister. She reached for Evelyn’s hand and held it firmly, forcing her sister to meet her gaze.
"Let’s sit," Stella said as she led Evelyn to the sofa. "Sis, tell me... is Liam your husband?"
"Pft!" Evelyn nearly choked on the word.
Stella blinked. "Is he? Oh my god. He is interstellarly handsome. No wonder little Oliver looks so handsome too..."
"No. He is not. Stella, are you saying Liam is your type? He is handsome?" She tried to steer the conversation away, but Stella wouldn’t let go.
"Are you serious?" Stella pressed, narrowing her eyes. "Then why do you trust Oliver with him?"
"Liam is my bodyguard, driver, and assistant. And so far, he is very trustworthy and reliable. So, of course, I trust him with Oliver. And Oliver likes him, so it’s all worked out just fine."
Stella’s expression shifted. "So who is Oliver’s father?"
Evelyn’s hand tightened around Stella’s. "Stop asking. You need to focus on yourself first. Once you are taken care of, we will talk about everything."
"Do we have to do this? I don’t need this..." Stella’s face slowly turned red.
"You are a doctor, Stella," Evelyn said, trying for firmness and slipping into gentle teasing at the same time. "You know how important this is. The hospital will document everything. One day, that bastard will not get away with it."
Stella’s anger eased. She swallowed and nodded, her courage gradually returning.
"Everything will be all right," Evelyn said. "I will make sure that man pays. I promise you, Stella, I will send him to jail."