Mommy，We Got a Husband

Stellan saw how beat Alaric looked and it tore her up inside. She wanted him to crash, but Alaric was all about grabbing a bite first. So, Stellan tagged along and they hit the grub together. They didn't say a word during the meal, just head down, munching away, but neither of them really ate much.

After they finished, Alaric said, "Galatea, if you're feeling off, go hit the sack early. I'm gonna take a shower."

"Okay," Stellan mumbled.

Alaric headed to the bathroom, and Stellan went back to the bedroom, flopping onto the bed, but sleep was nowhere to be found.

Maybe she was overthinking. She was freaked out, scared that Alaric would always link her to Marigold's death.

Like now, he said he was gonna shower, but it was just an excuse to dodge her. An hour passed, and Alaric was still MIA from the bathroom.

Alaric was actually lying in the tub, totally wiped out, with the water gone cold. Stellan was right; he had no clue how to face her.

He knew it wasn't really Stellan's fault. If he were in her shoes, he might've done the same thing. But it led to this mess.

Another hour later, Stellan heard footsteps outside the door. She quickly faked being asleep, shutting her eyes. Alaric gently pushed the door open, came in, and lay down next to her. Usually, he'd pull her close and let her rest her head on his arm, but this time he didn't. He just lay there and closed his eyes.

Stellan knew Alaric wouldn't be able to sleep either. She had no idea what to say, so they both just lay there, pretending to be out cold.

Caspian, Harry, and Elisa were also wiped after the day. After Cormac brought them back, they crashed on the bed without even bothering to take off their clothes.

Rowena helped Elisa undress, and Cormac did the same for Caspian and Harry, tucking them in. The three kids were out like a light.

"Why didn't Mr. Knight take the kids home but had you bring them here?" Rowena asked, puzzled.

Cormac shrugged, "No clue. Maybe he wanted to talk to Galatea alone or was worried they'd argue and upset the kids."

"Think they'll argue?" Rowena asked, worried.

"Couples argue all the time.If there's nothing left to say, not even a fight, that's the worst," Cormac said.

Rowena sighed deeply, worried. "Stellan and Mr. Knight have been through so much to be together. I hope this blows over soon."

"Of course, every couple has their ups and downs," Cormac said, giving Rowena a grateful smile. "Just like us, we missed ten years, but we're still here. Their little spat will blow over soon." "Yeah." Rowena nodded confidently. "I believe it too. I'll chat with Stellan more, and you talk to Mr. Knight."

"Alright," Cormac said softly to Rowena. "It's late. Let's hit the hay."

Alaric and Stellan had a rough night. When morning rolled around, Stellan still felt woozy.

"If you're not feeling well, skip the office," Alaric suggested.

"Then I won't go today. I'll stay home with you, cool?" Stellan asked.

Alaric gave a slight nod. "Cool."

"You were wiped out yesterday. How you feeling now?" Stellan asked, concerned.

"I'm alright," Alaric replied.

"You need more rest. You haven't been sleeping well these past few days. Let's catch some Z's," Stellan suggested. "Alright," Alaric agreed quietly.

Seeing him agree, Stellan snuggled into his arms, and Alaric wrapped his arm around her.

He could still hold her, which made Stellan smile, feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.

They hadn't slept well last night, but lying in Alaric's arms, Stellan quickly drifted off into a deep sleep until a phone rang. Stellan slowly opened her eyes and grabbed her phone. It was Neil calling.

Seeing Neil's call made Stellan a bit anxious. She glanced at Alaric, who nodded, and then she answered. "Hey, Neil." Neil said, "Stellan, the case is about to be closed. We need you to come in for another statement." Another statement? She didn't want to go, but if it was part of the process, she had to roll with it.

Alaric took a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Stellan. "These are the statements from the two witnesses I found. Make sure your statement matches theirs, and you'll be good."

Stellan looked at it. The witnesses said they saw Stellan and Marigold arguing at the staircase, followed by some physical scuffle.

During the heated argument, Marigold tried to attack Stellan, and Stellan dodged, causing Marigold to lose her balance and tumble down the stairs.

After Stellan read the statements, Alaric said, "Galatea, I know you had beef with her. You mentioned she planned your kidnapping. I hope..."

"I get it," Stellan cut in. "She's gone now. I won't bring up the kidnapping or drag the Knight family's name through the mud. Don't sweat it." Alaric said, "Thanks."

The words Alaric used to argue with her before didn't sting, but his "thanks" now felt like a punch to the gut.

"I'll go with you," Alaric said.

"Okay." Stellan nodded.

Alaric went with Stellan to the police station for her statement. After it was done, Neil smiled and said, "Alright, the statement's done. Stellan is doing much better this time. She recounted the events smoothly, like reciting lines." They knew Neil wasn't easily fooled. He had cut them some slack this time.

But he was probably still skeptical, thinking Stellan might have committed manslaughter. She did this to dodge legal trouble.

But she hadn't. No matter what people thought, the case was closed, and no one would question her again.