Stella packed her belongings from her bedroom with a tense, focused energy, while Rika and Zack busied themselves tidying up the mess in the living room. They didn't dare interrupt Stella or Darren. Stella was aggressively tossing items into boxes rather than carefully packing them, and her expression made it clear that she wouldn't hesitate to hurl something at anyone brave enough to approach her. Meanwhile, Darren's imposing presence was enough to keep them from even considering any interference.
Darren wandered into the kitchen to grab some water, but the room felt strangely off. It was like the person who broke in has stolen most of the kitchen appliances. But he knows that not the case. The kitchen look like it was hardly use to cook anything.
Not minding he moved to open the refrigerator and was totally shocked for what he saw. Because it was crammed with all instant making food like Instant microwaveable mac and cheese cups, soups pack, frozen chicken nuggets, frozen pizza, instant Doso and what not.
Frowning, he checked the cupboards, only to find an even bigger collection of instant noodles, chips, pasta, and powdered milk. Shaking his head, Darren grabbed a box and started packing everything, labeling it 'Not Needed' before sealing it shut.
After this he carefully put all the other stuff in seperate box. He ran his hand in too his hair when he was done.
Satisfied with his job he got out of the kitchen and at the same time Rika and Zack were also done with the living room. Meanwhile, Stella was at the door receiving the food delivery she made a while ago.
"let's eat " Stella said clossing the door.
In between Darren's phone rang. It was his assistance Oliver.
"Excuse me" he said and picked up the call.
"What is it Oliver?" Darren asked in a authorised tone.
Oliver on the other side felt terrified. He was order to postpone the meeting and not to disturb Darren for the next few hours. But sometimes important came up and he had to call Darren. He gather his courage and inform Darren about the situation.
Stella in the meantime place the food on the table and arrange it. She glanced at Darren who now has disheveled hair unlike the his previous neatly commed hair. but still his hair gave him amazing laid back look a bit more casual.
The person on the other side of the phone said something to which Darren reply with 'Okay I will be their soon' and hung up the call.
"You are leaving ?" Stella asked.
"Yes," Darren replied, setting his phone down.
"Eat something before you leave". Stella said though she didn't want hm here but he had help her so much, Despite her frustrations, she couldn't ignore how much he'd helped her. Hence, she could atleast ask him to eat before leaving.
"Thanks for asking, but I need to go. Something urgent came up," he replied, grabbing his coat he had placed on the sofa before heading out.
After Darren left.
Stella turned and her pair of eyes met with two eger pair of eyes...
Stella herself didn't know what to say to them. she'd have to fill Zack in from the start.
"I got patched up with my mother and father " Stella began.
"That's a good news". Zack eyes turned brighter with a wide smile on his face, happy for Stella.
"And about Darren… I myself didn't know how I ended up in this". Stella said.
"What do you mean". Zack asked, leaning forward.
"Well, I don't know all the details, but there's supposedly an arranged marriage planned between Darren and me. It hasn't been confirmed yet—I actually found out about it by accident. I didn't even know he was aware of it, too. At first, I thought I could make him dislike me. But..."
"Where are you moving to?" Zack asked, his ears perking up as he thought he heard Darren mention our house. He shook his head, convinced he must have misheard.
"My parents insisted on me staying at the Pearly Lealand..." Stella began.
"Good for you—" Zack started to say knowing the area was super good, but the rest of his words froze on his lips as Stella finished her sentence.
"...with Darren," she added, her tone calm yet resigned.
"What?!" Rika exclaimed, her eyes widening in shock.
Stella nodded slowly. Zack and Rika were the only people she was close to, and she knew she'd have to tell them sooner or later.
"Why?" Was the only word that could leave Zack's mouth "are they forcing you into this?". He added somehow.
Before Stella could say 'no' Rika jumped in, "are they marrying you off to Darren to get benefits from your marriage?"
"No" Stella said shocked at her conclusion.
"Is than Darren forcing your parents to arrange this?"
"No one is forcing anyone" Stella replied firmly.
"Is he blackmailing you?"
Stella's lips twitched slightly in disbelief. She was at a loss for words at the absurdity of their theories and and stunned by the rapid questioning
Rika : is it because of the rumour of him being gay?.
Stella : What does that have to do with anything with this?
"Maybe he wants to clear the rumor with your help," Rika suggested confidently, as though she had cracked the case.
Stella snapped : would you both just stop. It's making me go crazy. Stop reading those kind of novels it's getting into your heads.
Before they could restored and fire off another rapid question the door bell rangs and Stella got up to open the door leaving the two delusional people behind her.
"Did we go overboard?" Zack asked, glancing at Rika.
"No," Rika replied with conviction. "Stella's too soft-hearted and trusts people too easily. She needs to be more cautious."
Zack: ...…
What a unique way we got to do that. He role his eyes.
It was unavoidable for them to worry about Stella.