Stella's P.O.V.

After visiting the doctor, we head straight to Sky and Zoe's apartment. Selena, Zoe, and I go into the bedroom, while Sky and Alex stay in the living room.

Zoe and Selena waste no time and pull me onto the bed between them. They exchange a quick look, and then Zoe gives me a curious smile. "So... are you going to tell us what exactly is going on between you and Alex?"

My cheeks flush instantly. I knew we came here for this conversation only.

Before I can answer her, Selena says, "Zoe, we have already seen in the college what's going on. They both are so much in love. But the question is, how did this happen? Seriously, Stella, the two of you couldn't be in the same room without arguing about something."

I let out a laugh, my mind flashing back to all those arguments and sarcastic exchanges, which now feel like distant memories. Alex changed so suddenly. One day, he wasn't leaving a chance to annoy me, and the next day, he became so sweet to me. I couldn't digest it. But the way he took care of me when I was in my worst state, and how he jumped into the fire today to save me, proved that he truly loves me.

"Where did you get lost? Say something." Zoe shakes me, bringing me back to the earth. "We want to know all the details."

"Yeah!" Selena nudges my shoulder, smirking. "We didn't expect you both to fall in love. That's why we are even more curious."

I glance at them in surprise. It seems like they've forgotten that Alex is my stepbrother. They look so chill.

I clear my throat before asking them, "So you two are... okay with this? I mean, Alex is my stepbrother. Aren't you guys... weirded out?"

Selena rolls her eyes and laughs. "Stella, come on. It's not like you two grew up together or anything. And besides, who cares about labels? We just want you to be happy."

Zoe crosses her arms, giving me a pointed look. "So, this was the reason you didn't tell us? You thought we wouldn't understand?"

I nod. "Yeah!" I take a deep breath. "That was part of it. But... there was something else, too."

They exchange glances before Selena asks, "What was it?"

"I wasn't sure I could trust Alex. You both already know what Jade did to me." My voice falters as I remember the heartbreak and betrayal. After composing myself, I continue, "Even though Alex was completely different from him, it felt too soon to trust someone again. I was scared of being hurt."

They stare at me with understanding.

"Stella, we get it." Zoe squeezes my hand. "But Alex isn't like your ex. Today, he has shown you—shown all of us—how much you mean to him. Today, he literally walked through fire for you without a second thought."

Selena nods in agreement. "If anyone deserves a second chance at love, it's you, Stella. And Alex... he's proving he's willing to do whatever it takes to make you feel safe."

A smile spreads across my face as I tell them, "I trust him now. Today just made me realize I'm ready... to give myself fully to this, to him."

Zoe grins, pulling me into a hug. "That's all we wanted to hear. We want our Stella to be completely happy again."

Selena joins in, wrapping her arms around us both. "Here's to new beginnings, then."

For the first time in a long time, I feel a deep sense of peace. I know I'm finally ready to let love in again.

Sky's voice calls from the hallway, "Hey, you three. Come out and talk later—the food is here!"

We exchange smiles before heading out of the bedroom. When we enter the dining area, we find Sky setting up the food on the table and arranging plates and dishes. Alex is sitting on a chair, wincing slightly because of the pain in his arm. I feel a pang in my heart seeing this. I just want to take away his all pain.

As soon as he spots me, his expression shifts, and he tries to look unaffected.

Zoe takes a seat beside Sky, giving him a pointed look, her arms crossed. It's clear she's a little upset, but I wonder why.

As I sit beside Alex, he asks, "So how did it go?"

As Selena takes the seat beside me, I whisper to him. "You were right. They're supporting us."

"I told you." We both exchange a smile.

Sky picks up a serving spoon and attempts to put food on Zoe's plate, but she stops him, holding up a hand with a glare. "I can serve myself, thank you very much."

I look between them, frowning. "Okay, what's going on between you two?"

Zoe sighs, shooting Sky a mock glare. "I'm mad at him because he knew about Alex and you, but kept it from me."

Alex explains, "Hey, don't blame him. I asked Sky to stay quiet. I wanted Stella to tell you herself. So, don't be mad at him."

Zoe's anger disappears and a mischievous smile spreads across her face. "Oh, don't worry, Alex, I was just using this as an excuse to be mad at him. He hardly ever gives me a real reason—he's just so annoyingly perfect."

Sky laughs, leaning over to kiss her cheek. "I'll try to be a little less perfect for you, then, Trouble."

Zoe rolls her eyes but smiles.

I turn my attention back to Alex and notice the way it's getting difficult for him to hold the spoon with his left hand. Without a second thought, I pick up a forkful of food and bring it to his lips. "Here, let me feed you."

"Okay." He smiles and opens his mouth, accepting the food.

I can feel my cheeks warming up when Selena sees us and lets out an exaggerated sigh.

"Great. First, I had to watch one couple all lovey-dovey, and now there's another one," she teases, rolling her eyes dramatically.

Laughter erupts around the table, and before I know it, I'm laughing too. A warmth spreads through me, and I pause for a moment, realising that, finally, I'm surrounded by people who genuinely care about me. I'll feel contented.