Falling Into Madness - Dr Strange x OC

Chapter 6

Stella's eyes pried open, a distinct throbbing in her head. She groaned, shaking past the feeling and forcing herself up. The morning light pierced her skull, forcing her eyes shut once more as her hand flew to her temple.

"What... happened last night?" The woman muttered, rubbing the sides of her head. Trying again, Stella's eyes opened, trying to take in her surroundings. Her eyes moved to the elegantly carved bed table at her side, atop sat three empty wine glasses.

'Well that explains the head-ache' The woman thought, scolding herself for drinking too much.

She looked down, avoiding the window as her eyes settled on the red velvet blanket wrapped around her legs. Stella felt confused, taking note of the strange blanket and lack of clothes that she seemed to be wearing.

Her eyes widened as a deep groan echoed from beside her, a sound she knew well, but felt oddly different. Slowly turning her head, the sight of her husband came into view.

Except it wasn't.

A blood curdling scream filled the room as Stella reached down, quickly scooping up the blanket and covering her indecency. The man awoke, groggily sitting up and staring at the woman through squinted eyes, chest bare.

"Good morning to you too." The man said bitterly, voice deep from the morning air.

Stella was stunned, unsure what to say as she resisted the urge to look down.

"I- we- I mean we didn't-" The woman stuttered, mouth agape.

"If it's any consolation, I'm not happy about it either." The man spat, fighting with his own internal conflict.

His one true love was Christien, nothing or no one could change that. It seemed however, that a few simple acts of kindness and a charming smile had left him folded, unable to stay away. Wong had warned him of this and yet, he didn't listen.

There was nothing more to it than that, or so he thought.

"Okay, rude." Stella spat, feeling defensive. She clutched the blanket tighter, her cheeks red. "If I remember correctly-"

"Which I doubt," Stephen interrupted, a scowl on his face.

"If I remember correctly-" Stella repeated through gritted teeth. "YOU were the one pouring the wine and the one who made a move first."

"A kiss is not a move, or has your loveless marriage left you that desperate." The man rebutled, feeling just as defensive.

Stella inched forward, her index finger pressing aggressively against the man's chest. She was upset, so much so that his indecent condition didn't even seem to process within her hungover mind.

"Oh and because you would know what love looks like." Stella spat. "Last time I checked, the only woman you've ever opened up to hates you."

Stephen moved closed, his eyes full of rage. Stella's finger remained firm on his chest, bending back slightly at the closeness. They were only inches away.

"Watch it, Stella." Stephen huffed, letting the blanket fall limp between them. His gaze remained firm, a hard glare shared between the two. "You may know your Stephen, but I assure you, I am not one to be messed with."

"Oh yeah? Well then Dr. Strange-" Her words were like ice, saying his name like it was a joke, rolling off her tongue. "Prove it."

The two stared at each other, eyes squinted and tensions high. Neither knew why they were angry, only that they were. As Stella's gaze softened, Stephen did the same and in an instant, the ice between them melted, replaced with something more... intimate.