"You want me to sleep beside you?" Stella asked, her voice laced with disbelief.
"That's exactly what I've been saying for the past five minutes," Simon replied, his tone carrying a hint of irritation.
Stella bit back a grin threatening to break across her face, clearing her throat in an attempt to maintain composure.
"And why would I agree to that?" she challenged.
"We could watch your favorite web series—the one you saved in your Netflix account," Simon said nonchalantly.
Her eyes widened in shock. "You hacked into my phone?!" she exclaimed.
"Yep." He didn't even try to sound apologetic. "So, shall we watch?" he asked, patting the space beside him on the couch.
Stella sighed, her disbelief giving way to reluctant amusement. "Fine," she muttered, sitting beside him.
Moments later, the show began, and the room filled with laughter, soft comments, and the occasional shared glance.
Hours passed unnoticed, and by the time the first rays of dawn peeked through the curtains, they had both drifted off. Simon's head rested against the couch, while Stella's was nestled against his shoulder, the faint sound of the show still playing in the background.
After a few days, Stella stood by the door, her eyes fixed on Simon as he leaned against the balcony railing, his voice low and steady as he spoke into the phone. It had been a week since she started staying here, and unexpectedly, it felt like the most beautiful week of her life.
She thought back to the little moments they had shared—watching movies, laughing at silly jokes, cooking meals side by side, splattering flour like kids, and basking in the sun on the beach. They had played in the water with a carefree joy that felt almost too good to be true. This wasn't the chaotic whirlwind of danger or the suffocating weight of secrets she had expected. It was something far simpler, yet far more profound: a life filled with warmth, love, and fleeting happiness.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Stella allowed herself to dream—maybe, just maybe, this one year could become a lifetime's worth of memories.
Simon glanced over, his sharp instincts catching her gaze. He raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his dark eyes.
Stella simply smiled, a soft, genuine curve of her lips that she couldn't hide. Shaking her head as if to say "nothing," she looked away, but the moment lingered in the air between them.
Simon smirked faintly, turning back to his conversation, but his thoughts lingered on her expression.
As he returned to the room, Simon quietly sat beside Stella, his presence as magnetic as ever. She turned to him, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Can I ask you something, Simon?" she said softly, her voice laced with intrigue.
Simon shifted his focus entirely to her, his expression calm and inviting. "Of course," he replied with a small nod.
She hesitated for a moment, as if searching for the right words. "How long have you been a vampire?" she finally asked, her curiosity unrestrained.
Simon leaned back slightly, his gaze steady as he considered her question. "I was born a vampire, Stella," he began, his tone gentle but firm. "I'm nearly 2000 years old."
Her jaw dropped as her eyes widened in astonishment. "You're... old," she teased, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips.
Simon chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. "I am," he said, his amusement evident.
Before she could respond, Simon's expression grew serious. "Tomorrow morning, be ready," he said, his voice low but purposeful.
Stella raised an eyebrow at him, the playful glint in her eyes replaced with curiosity. "Ready for what?"
Simon's gaze softened, but there was a weight in his words. "It's time to find answers, Stella," he revealed, his tone a mixture of promise and determination.
Stella stared at him, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension. She knew that whatever awaited them, it would change everything.
The next morning, Stella woke up to an unsettling quiet. Simon was nowhere in sight. She rubbed her eyes, stretching lazily before rising from the bed. The morning sun streamed through the windows, bathing the room in a soft, golden glow.
After freshening up, she chose a halter-neck beige crop top paired with matching high-waisted linen pants. The outfit was simple yet elegant, perfectly complementing her radiant complexion. She tied her hair in a sleek bun, her face glowing with a natural allure.
Descending the stairs, Stella's sharp green eyes caught a folded note on the table. Picking it up, she read Simon's familiar, precise handwriting:
"I'll be back soon. Have breakfast while you wait."
A faint smile graced her lips. Typical Simon, always in control and always leaving her wondering about his plans. Setting the note down, she let out a soft sigh.
Her thoughts drifted to the conversation she'd had with Mallory and Gigi the night before. Mallory, as expected, had been cautious, her protective nature making her wary of the entire situation. Yet, Stella knew beneath her cold exterior, Mallory's concern came from a place of care. Gigi, ever the loving and wise grandmother, had been supportive, offering words of encouragement that made Stella feel less alone in the whirlwind of emotions surrounding Simon.
Even as uncertainty lingered about what Simon had planned for the day, Stella felt a surge of comfort. She had her loved ones in her corner, and for now, that was enough. Taking a deep breath, she moved toward the kitchen to see what Simon had prepared for her breakfast.
After finishing her breakfast, Stella lingered in the kitchen, savoring the last of her coffee. Moments later, Simon stepped through the door, his presence drawing her attention immediately.
"Shall we leave?" he asked, his voice steady and purposeful.
Stella nodded, grabbing the small suitcase she had packed earlier. Before she could take a step, Simon reached out and took it from her hand without a word.
"I can carry it," she offered, raising an eyebrow.
Simon simply shook his head. "Not today."
With that, they walked in silence, the morning sun casting a golden hue over the path. The sound of waves grew louder with each step until they finally reached the shore. Stella stopped abruptly, her breath catching in her throat.
Her jaw dropped. She blinked, unsure if she was imagining the scene before her.
"Simon…" she whispered, turning to him, but his expression was calm, unreadable.
"Let's go," he said, gesturing toward the unexpected sight ahead.
Stella's heart raced as possibilities flooded her mind, but Simon offered no explanation. Instead, he strode forward, his confidence unwavering, leaving her with no choice but to follow.
Whatever this was, it was only the beginning.