The Sweetest Temptation
Chapter 303: Anniversary

Chapter 303: Anniversary

A week had elapsed since Matteo and Remo had dealt with Nolan. The unsettling news remained hidden, unspoken, like a secret waiting for the right moment to be let out. Stella’s condition was gradually improving, and Matteo was cautious not to add any more stress to her still-healing body.

In the passing days, her recovery had been remarkably swift. She surprised everyone, herself included, by regaining the ability to walk independently within a mere three days. Despite her persistent pleas to leave the stifling hospital environment, Beatrix had enforced the doctor’s recommendation of a week’s stay.

Finally, that week had drawn to a close, much to Stella’s relief. Beatrix bustled into the ward, accompanied by a nurse pushing a wheelchair. Stella’s expression turned darkly challenging as she watched them approach.

"Here comes the nurse brigade," Beatrix announced with a bright smile, the nurse following closely behind her.

Stella’s voice took on a dangerous edge as she called out, "Beatrix."

Beatrix feigned innocence, her hair tucked behind her ear as she playfully intertwined her fingers with Stella’s. "Yes, sweetie?"

Stella’s tone sharpened. "What’s all this?"

"What’s what?"

"I don’t need a wheelchair."

Beatrix’s response was unwavering. "Yes, you do, Stella. No escaping this one."

Stella’s voice turned plaintive. "You make it sound like I’ve dodged your orders before. Come on, Beatrix. I don’t need this. I’ve been cooped up long enough. My legs are begging for freedom. Don’t you think?"

"The lady does have a point," Rhys chimed in, breezing into the room with two generous plates of ice cream. "A little treat for our lovely ladies."

Beatrix’s eyes lit up at the sight. "Oh, sweetheart, how did you know I was craving this?" She practically purred, momentarily releasing Stella’s hand to take the offered dish. "And chocolate fudge, too? You’re spoiling me. Can’t wait to give you payback later."

"Please spare us the details," Damien interjected irritably, slumping onto the sofa and pressing his palm against his forehead.

Meanwhile, Stella seized the distraction as her chance. She slid to her feet and tiptoed toward the room’s exit, hoping to evade Beatrix’s watchful eye. Her escape bid, however, was short-lived as Damien’s voice shattered her hopes.

"Hey, the guys haven’t arrived yet."

Beatrix’s curiosity was instantly piqued. She spun around to where Stella was supposed to be, only to find an empty space. A quick glance at the slightly disturbed door confirmed Stella’s escape.

"What the... get her!" Beatrix’s command sliced through the air, her frustration palpable.

Damien began to offer a defense, "Beatrix, she said she—" He abruptly stopped, his words dying on his lips, as Rhys forcefully nudged his arm. Confused, Damien turned to Rhys, ready to protest, but his friend’s gaze was locked onto something else. Following Rhys’ line of sight, Damien’s eyes settled on Beatrix.

A storm of anger had clouded her previously delighted expression. Her features were contorted with fury, an alarming transformation that sent shivers down Damien’s spine.

"Yes, ma’am, of course. Right away," Damien stammered, almost stumbling over his words as he and Rhys scrambled to exit the ward. Once they crossed the room’s threshold, they didn’t spare a second and bolted for the exit.

Outside, at the entrance, they stumbled upon Remo and Matteo. Stella was cradled in Matteo’s arms, her expression a mix of amusement and relief.

"Brothers to the rescue," Rhys chimed in with a sigh of relief.

"Seems like she’s become more assertive lately. What else did you expect this close to her due date?" Remo added with a hearty chuckle.

"What’s happening? Where’s Beatrix?" Matteo inquired, concern etched across his face.

"Well, you see..." Damien began to explain, but Stella interjected.

"Something’s up with Beatrix. She’s been more... demanding lately," she admitted, a hint of trepidation in her voice.

"I don’t get it," Matteo replied, but his question was soon answered as a familiar voice called out from the hospital entrance.

"There you are! Thank you, Matteo, for making my job easier. I was struggling to convince her to use a wheelchair, but you seem to have handled it perfectly," Beatrix said as she approached the group. "However, that doesn’t mean I won’t give you a hard time after everything that’s happened." Her tone was both scolding and affectionate, a motherly sentiment woven into her words.

Observing her demeanor, Matteo finally understood what the others had been trying to tell him. Beatrix appeared like a determined mother on a mission. Remo must have sensed his realization, as he couldn’t help but add a comment about her current state.

"Wow, this pregnancy is taking a toll on you," Remo remarked almost absentmindedly.

Every eye in the group widened, fixed on Remo except for Beatrix, who abruptly halted in her tracks upon hearing his words.

"What did you just say?!" Her voice turned icy. It was as if a dark aura was emanating from her very being. The rest of the group frantically shook their heads, signaling for Remo to stop talking. However, he appeared oblivious to their warnings.

"I was just saying—" Fortunately, Rhys sprang into action, clamping his hand over Remo’s mouth before he could finish his sentence. The collective sigh of relief from Damien, Matteo, and Stella was palpable.

"What’s going on, guys? Why the sudden silence?" Beatrix’s voice rang out as she spun around to face them. Rhys removed his hand from Remo’s mouth, and Remo himself wore a sheepish grin, joined by the rest of the group.

"Nothing, honey. We’re just focused on getting Stella safely settled," Damien quickly intervened, walking towards Beatrix and placing his hands on her shoulders, guiding her toward their waiting car.

"Alright, if you say so," Beatrix responded softly, surrendering to the soothing massage of Damien’s fingers on her shoulders.

"Oh, one more thing," she added, snapping the group back from their momentary relaxation to a state of alertness.

"What is it, love?" Damien inquired, his hands still working their magic on her tense muscles.

"Well, now that Stella is part of the family, why don’t we introduce her to the gatekeeper?" Beatrix’s unexpected question instantly rekindled the group’s attention.

"The gatekeeper?" Remo asked, genuine confusion etched across his features.

"Mom. Today happens to be her anniversary," Beatrix’s words hung in the air, casting a shadow over Matteo and Remo’s expressions.