Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)

Stella sat on her bed, her mind whirling from the awkward call she just ended. "Seriously? Who even talks like that?" she muttered under her breath, feeling grateful she had hung up and blocked the number.

As she tried to shake off the unpleasant conversation, a knock sounded at her door. "Star, it's Mom," Lottie called from the hallway.

Stella instinctively moved to open the door, but the sound of running water from the bathroom froze her in place. Her face flushed with panic. Sure, her mom was okay with her and Ronald dating, but having him in her room, fresh out of the shower? That was another story entirely.

Caught in a dilemma, she hesitated, unsure if she should answer or pretend to be asleep. Just then, the water stopped, and Ronald emerged, towel wrapped around his waist and another in hand, drying his hair. He raised an eyebrow at her, noticing the phone still clutched in her hand. "Who called?"

Before she could respond, Lottie's voice came again, softer this time, "Star, are you there?"

Stella glanced from the door to Ronald, who seemed completely unfazed. He casually continued drying his hair and moved to answer the door. Her eyes widened in alarm.

Lottie, preparing to walk away after receiving no response, was startled when the door suddenly opened. She turned to see Ronald, looking freshly showered, and blinked in surprise.noveldrama

"Ronald, what are you doing here?" she demanded, glancing past him to where Stella sat, fully dressed and with dry hair.

Catching on, she fixed Ronald with a stern look. "You rascal!"

Ronald, unfazed, asked, "Is there something you need?"

"Yes, a word with you. Outside," Lottie insisted, gesturing for him to step out. She paused, eyeing his attire, or lack thereof. "And put some clothes on first."

Ronald nodded, heading next door to his room to change before joining Lottie in the study. As he walked in, he could see she was still fuming.

"What's wrong?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.

"What's wrong? You should know better!" she snapped.

Ronald raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue. "Come on, say it."

Lottie sighed, shaking her head. "Honestly, sometimes you're too much. This isn't how a son should talk to his mother."

"Star's check-up today," she continued, "Dylan mentioned the baby needs care. You need to be more careful."

Ronald nodded, understanding dawning on him. "I get it."

Lottie pressed on, "I know you adore her, but you need to hold back for now." She was blunt, but the concern in her voice was clear. Dylan had indeed warned them that Stella's pregnancy needed extra attention.

Before leaving earlier, she'd even told the housekeeper to ensure Stella had plenty to eat. Coming home to find Ronald in Stella's room had been a shock.

"Maybe you should sleep in your own room for a while," she suggested, worry etched on her face.

Ronald sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "You know how Star's health has always been fragile," Lottie insisted, her voice softening. "Just be careful, okay?"

Ronald nodded again, feeling the weight of her concern, yet also a bit exasperated. But he knew she was right.