JASMINE
The hallway went completely silent the moment I said it. I froze mid-step as my brain short-circuited.
Twin… sister?
I turned slowly as Stella stood there with a gentle, amused smile, glasses perched on her nose, looking every bit the elegant, intelligent woman.
Now staring at those eyes, how did I miss it? It is also the same face structure damn it they looked so like the only difference between them was that they are of opposite gender.
Stephan stepped closer to me, his hand finding mine again. His touch was warm, grounding.
"She's my twin sister," he repeated softly, voice full of patience. "Stella Maxwell. She's a psychiatrist. I asked her to see you because I am a bit worried about the changes since the accident. Not because she's anything else."
My cheeks burned hotter at his last statement, the jealousy that had been roaring inside me suddenly felt ridiculous. I had accused him of bringing me to his mistress, and it turned out to be his sister.
"I… oh," I mumbled, looking down at our joined hands.
Stella laughed lightly. "It's okay…. You are not the first person to assume that, though it's surprising it's coming from you."
Stephan squeezed my hand gently, his thumb stroking the back of it in slow, gentle circles. The simple gesture sent warmth spreading through my chest, chasing away the last bits of jealousy.
The feeling of his thumb moving softly against my skin made my heart flutter. I looked up at him. His midnight eyes were soft, focused only on me.
"I am sorry," I whispered. "I thought…"
"I know," he said quietly. "But you don't have to worry about that. There's only you."
The words wrapped around me like a warm blanket, until I got to understand that he was kicking me.
"Hey.." I whispered and it was just his midnight eyes looking at me like I was the only thing that mattered.
Stella cleared her throat gently. "Shall we go inside? I won't bite."
I nodded, still a little embarrassed, but Stephan's hand stayed firmly in mine as we stepped into the office.
"You can have your seat… Mrs. Maxwell," Stella let out a bit rudely like she was still mocking me.
(What more should I know about her?) I asked but there was no response from the system. I rolled my eyes and dropped into the chair.
(System, this isn't fair. If you had told me who she is from the beginning, I wouldn't have embarrassed myself now.)
(Well… I helped several times and you never completed your mission.)
I rolled my eyes again as Stephan sat beside me.
"Well… what do you think is wrong with her? Ever since the accident she has completely changed into someone else. If possible, you could check her brain for me," Stephan said, ignoring me completely.
"Hmmm… I can see there is a difference, especially seeing she dressed like this," Stella let out, glancing at my outfit.
"Having problems with it?" I scoffed.
"Well… Stephan, as much as I want you to be here for my patient, I would like you to stay outside," Stella said calmly and my brow raised at once.
"I am not your patient," I snapped. "And I told him there is nothing to worry about with me."
"Well… as a doctor in this field, I think it's best since he brought you here, seeing how you are dressed," Stella replied, making me snort.
I stomped my feet on the ground and rolled my eyes. "Alright, I will leave you two ladies alone."
Stephan stood up. I quickly stood with him, grabbing his hand.
He took a deep breath and grabbed my hand back, slowly caressing it.
"She wouldn't hurt you or do anything crazy. She just has to ask some questions."
I stared at him for a second and glanced back at Stella, who sat calmly, giving me a straight look.
"Fine… but tell her I wouldn't think twice about hurting her if she crosses her limit," I l warned, and then he smirked, staring back at me.
"Well… that is if you could."
With that, he let out a small smile and walked out of the office. I swallowed hard.
I took in a deep breath and glanced back at Stella. I almost lost my balance when I saw her standing right beside me now.
The heck when did she get to where I was standing?
"Please sit down, Mrs. Maxwell," she said, voice polite but with an edge that made me sit back.
She took her seat opposite me and opened a notebook.
"So… tell me, how have you been feeling since the accident?" she asked, tone professional now.
I shrugged at this moment. "Fine."
She raised an eyebrow. "Fine? That's all? Your husband says you have changed completely. You dress differently, act differently, and even speak differently. What exactly is going on in that head of yours?"
I narrowed my eyes. "If that is how you think you're going to get information from me, you're wrong."
Stella leaned back, crossing her arms. "Well, I don't need your information because I don't feel like treating you anyway." That pissed me off.
I stood up fast, smacking the table with both hands. "Then why am I even here?"
I turned to leave but Stella's voice stopped me. "I heard you beat Henry in school today. I can't believe that."
I turned back to her. "Talk to your little brother or I will hurt him more."
Stella's expression changed. She stared at me weirdly. "Oh… you don't love him anymore?" I ignored her and headed for the door.
She was faster as she rushed toward me, reaching out to grab my arm. I dodged smoothly, years of self-defense training kicking in.
She tried again, lunging with surprising speed. I sidestepped, grabbed her wrist, and twisted it behind her back, pressing her against the wall.
"Don't," I warned.
She struggled, elbowing me in the ribs. I grunted but didn't let go, spinning her around and pinning her against the desk.
"You fight well for someone who used to cry over everything," she gasped, still trying to break free.
I pressed her down harder. "And you talk too much for a doctor… don't regret your actions today… It's a warning."
She kicked back, catching my shin. Pain shot up my leg, but I held on, using my weight to keep her trapped.
For a few intense seconds, we wrestled her trying to twist free, me refusing to let go. She was good, fast, and trained, no wonder Stephan had said that.
Finally, I pinned both her arms behind her back and held her still.
"Enough," I said, breathing hard. Stella stopped struggling. She was still groaning, with her chest heaving.
"Who the hell are you?" she asked, voice strained. "And how come you changed so much? Where did you even learn your skill?" I let her go slowly and stepped back.
She straightened up, rubbing her wrists, eyes wide with curiosity and a hint of respect.
I didn't answer at that moment and the door opened. Stephan stepped in, eyes scanning the room.
"Everything okay?" he asked, voice calm but concerned. I nodded, still catching my breath.
Stella gave a small, tired smile. "Your wife is… interesting." and then Stephan looked at me, then at his sister, a faint smirk on his lips.
"Yeah," he said softly. "She is."