Three Years After They Abandoned Me novel Chapter 204

Chapter 204

Something felt off to Jordan today. There was a gnawing unease he couldn’t shake. His instincts screamed that something was wrong, though he couldn’t pinpoint what. He tried calling Stella, needing the reassurance of her voice, but she didn’t answer.

That same dread from before crept back in, tightening his chest. He quickly dialed Nola instead.

“Mr. Erwin,” Nola answered, “are you looking for Ms. Hayes? She just stepped out, but–oh, wait, she’s back. I’ll hand her the phone.”

The moment Stella’s voice came through, Jordan exhaled in relief.

Later that evening, at home, Stella studied him with a curious frown. “You seem… off today. Everything okay?”

“You noticed?”

She nodded.

“I don’t know what it is,” he admitted, rubbing his temple. “This weird feeling like something’s about to happen. Even now, with you right here, I can’t shake it.”

“You’re overthinking things,” she said, squeezing his hand. “Nothing’s going on.”

Logically, he knew she was right. But his gut refused to settle. ‘Stop this,’ he told himself. ‘Worrying won’t change anything, except maybe make things worse.‘

Forcing himself to relax, he joined Stella for dinner.

Stella’s period had come for just two days, but it was progress. After everything her body had endured, even small signs of recovery mattered. Survival had once been her only goal; now, she dared to hope for more.

Evenings like these helped. With Jordan beside her on the couch, she absorbed snippets of the world she’d missed over the past three years. News, trends, anything to rebuild her footing.

They watched mindlessly, her head resting against his shoulder, his arm draped around her. Contentment hummed through her.

Sometimes, she’d glance around their home, soaking in the quiet certainty. ‘This is mine. This is safe.‘ She imagined it years from now. Children’s laughter rang through these rooms, two or three little shadows dashing about.

Unlike Fiona and Andrew, she’d never play favorites. No child of hers would know the sting of conditional love.

The thought lingered as warmth lulled her under. She didn’t even realize she’d fallen asleep in Jordan’s arms.

When Mary stepped into the living room, she frowned at the sight of Stella curled up on the couch. The nights were chilly, and she worried the girl would catch a cold.

Tiptoeing closer, she whispered to Jordan, “Should I move her to her room?”

Jordan shook his head slightly. “She might wake up if we try.”

“Then let me at least get a blanket. Though, Mr. Erwin, you’ll be—”

“Don’t worry about me,” he murmured, his gaze softening as he looked at Stella. “Let her sleep here.”

Chapter 204

Mary nodded, warmth flickering in her chest. Stella was so deeply asleep that she didn’t even stir when Mary draped the blanket river h With a quiet sigh, Mary retreated, leaving the two alone.

The living room fell silent. Jordan had long since turned off the TV, unwilling to disturb Stella’s rest.

His eyes lingered on her face, his fingers twitching as if yearning to brush a stray lock of hair from her forehead. But he held back, not daring to risk waking her.

Hours slipped by unnoticed until his phone buzzed violently in his pocket. He snatched it up, silencing the vibration instantly. A quick glance confirmed Stella was still asleep. Swallowing hard, he checked the screen.

[Jordan, are you ever going to tell her what you did? Do you really think she’ll stay this happy once she finds out?)

A cold prickle crawled up his neck. His head snapped up, scanning the shadows. ‘Who the hell-?‘ But the room was empty.

Another buzz. [Stop looking. You won’t see me. But I see you.]

His thumb hovered over the keyboard. [Who is this?] But sending a reply felt like stepping into a trap. He deleted the draft, jaw tightening

Then his gaze dropped to Stella, peaceful in sleep, and his expression darkened. ‘Would she… ever forgive me?‘

Stella woke with a start at past 1 a.m., disoriented. The unfamiliar ceiling sent a jolt of panic through her until she recognized the living room. ‘Right. I dozed off during the movie.‘

Her bladder protested, and she carefully sat up, only to freeze when she spotted Jordan sprawled on the opposite couch, his jacket crumpled under his head. Memory flooded back.

“Jordan,” she whispered, nudging his shoulder. “Go to bed. You’ll freeze out here.”

He groaned awake, blinking at her. “Why’re you up?”

Woom after. You should, too.”

“Bathroom run,” she admitted, standing. “I’ll head back to my

Jordan rubbed his face. “Yeah. Good night, Stella.”

“Night,” she echoed.

The next morning, Stella woke up early. Since she still had time before breakfast and the doctor hadn’t arrived yet, she decided to continue her investigation into Anna’s mysterious backer.

She booted up her laptop in her room, picking up where she’d left off.

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