I froze and clenched my teeth, inwardly cursing. I turned to see Stella, who had just come out with me. I could just tear her apart with my gaze.

"Why are you leaving so soon?" She seemed to have seen through my intentions. She strolled toward me and scrutinized me with an intentional air of confrontation. I realized how much she loved trouble.

She asked, "What's the rush? Why are you so frantic and disoriented?"

"You seem quite attentive to notice such a thing." I feigned shock. Still, I ste