Wildflower

Chapter 12: Safety & Control

Stella stared at her reflection in the mirror, feeling a knot of tension in her stomach. The evening was supposed to be a distraction, a chance to forget about everything that had happened with Matheo, even if just for a few hours. Mandy had insisted they needed a girls' night out, some time away from the chaos. She had been right—Stella needed to breathe. But as she ran her fingers through her hair, preparing to leave, it was hard to shake the unease that clung to her.

Luna was already fast asleep in the next room, under the watchful eye of Aunt Susan, who had offered to stay with her for the evening. Knowing Luna was safe at home gave Stella a small sense of relief, but her mind kept drifting back to Matheo's sudden appearance at the spa. The way he had looked at her, his veiled threats—it all lingered like a shadow over her.

There was a knock at the door, pulling Stella out of her thoughts. She grabbed her jacket and opened the door to find Mandy standing there, smiling brightly in her usual effortless way.

"Ready to go?" Mandy asked, her eyes flicking over Stella's outfit. "You look great, by the way."

Stella smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Thanks. I'm not really feeling it, to be honest."

Mandy's smile softened as she stepped inside, gently pulling Stella into a hug. "I know, Stell. But that's why we're doing this. You need a break. Matheo doesn't get to steal your peace of mind."

Stella nodded against her friend's shoulder, appreciating the comfort Mandy always seemed to bring. "You're right. I just... I can't stop thinking about what he might do next."

Mandy pulled back, her expression firm. "You don't have to do this alone. You have us—me, Aunt Susan, Nolan. We're all here to help. Tonight, we're focusing on you. No Matheo. Just some laughs and maybe a drink or two."

Stella managed a small laugh. "I think I need more than two drinks."

Mandy grinned, linking her arm through Stella's as they walked out the door. "That's the spirit. Let's get out of here."

The café they chose was cozy, filled with the low murmur of conversations and the comforting clink of glasses. The warm lighting and rustic décor gave the place an inviting feel, and for the first time that evening, Stella felt a bit of the tension begin to melt away. Mandy led them to a table near the window, and they ordered their drinks—Mandy, her usual wine, and Stella, a gin and tonic that she hoped would take the edge off.

As they settled in, Mandy launched into a funny story about work, recounting the chaos at the restaurant earlier that day. Stella smiled, grateful for the distraction, but her mind kept wandering back to the spa, to Matheo's face, his words.

Mandy's story trailed off when she noticed Stella's distant expression. She put down her glass and leaned forward. "You're not here right now, are you?"

Stella sighed, glancing out the window for a moment before turning back to her friend. "I'm sorry. I'm trying. I just... I can't stop thinking about him. About what he said."

Mandy's eyes darkened, the protectiveness she always had for Stella kicking in. "Matheo doesn't get to keep doing this. He's trying to scare you because he knows he's losing control, but you're stronger than him, Stell. You've already proven that."

"I don't feel strong," Stella admitted quietly. "Every time I think I'm moving on, he finds a way to remind me that he's still there, still watching."

Mandy reached across the table and took Stella's hand, squeezing it tightly. "You are strong, even if you don't feel it right now. Look at everything you've built—Luna, the spa, your life. He's just a shadow, trying to cling to something he lost. But you? You're in control now."