"I'm not even surprised anymore since you seem to know everything," Stella muttered, frowning.
Simon chuckled, pulling her closer by the shoulder. "I like to keep you intrigued."
Stella exhaled, rolling her eyes. "So, three symbols. They represent my powers, don't they?" she asked, her tone quieter this time.
Simon nodded, his gaze never leaving hers. "Tell me what symbols you saw, and maybe I can help."
She shifted on the bed, crossing her legs as she faced him. "I'm sure about the first one—it was the caduceus, which definitely means healing abilities. The other two… one was a flame, and the other was an hourglass with mist swirling inside it."
Simon seemed thoughtful for a moment before responding. "The flame represents your ability to turn water into fire. The hourglass with mist symbolizes memory—you could either manipulate memories or look into them. It's one of the two."
Stella raised an eyebrow, letting out a sharp exhale. "This is absolutely crazy."
Simon studied her silently for a few seconds, his expression unreadable before he finally spoke. "No matter what happens, I'll stay with you."
A small smile crept onto Stella's lips. His words were always so grounding.
"What time is it?" she asked, stretching slightly.
Simon glanced at the clock. "It's three in the afternoon."
Her eyes widened. "I slept that long?"
Simon raised an eyebrow, his smirk teasing. "Did you really think a trip to Alloan wouldn't drain your energy?"
Stella grinned sheepishly. "Fair point."
"Get refreshed and come downstairs," he instructed, leaning in to steal another breathless kiss before walking out of the room.
Stella slipped into a simple green frock and made her way downstairs, expecting to find Simon alone. Instead, she was greeted by a heartwarming surprise. The living room was beautifully decorated with streamers and fairy lights. Mallory and Gigi were on a video call from the laptop, with Agatha standing beside them. Her eyes widened in awe as she took it all in.
"Happy Birthday, Stels!" Agatha cheered.
Elizabeth smiled warmly. "Happy Birthday, my dear."
Mallory, although quieter, managed a small smile. "Happy Birthday, Stella."
Stella's heart swelled with warmth. "Thank you, Gigi. Thank you, Agatha." She turned toward Mallory. "And thank you, Mal."
Her eyes shifted toward Simon, and she immediately realized who was behind all of this. Of course, he planned it.
Stella cut the cake, her gaze lingering on Simon as she fed him the first bite. His eyes held something deeper, something that told her there was more planned for today.
As the call continued, Stella sat at the table, talking to Agatha and Elizabeth while Simon quietly excused himself, saying he had something special planned.
"Let's leave the kids to talk," Elizabeth teased.
Agatha chuckled. "Yes, friends' time." With that, they both ended the call, leaving only Mallory and Stella.
Stella turned to her friend, noticing how unusually reserved she had been today. "You've been awfully quiet," she remarked.
Mallory brushed it off, her face void of expression. "Just a hectic day."
Stella wasn't convinced. "How's everything going for you? Did you get your degree?" she asked, hoping to draw her out.
Mallory hesitated before responding. "Uh… yeah. I did. I'm teaching now at Evarhart," she finally said with a soft, almost reluctant smile.
Stella's face lit up. "Oh my god! Congratulations, Mal!"
Mallory nodded, her smile fading quickly. "Thanks."
Stella tilted her head, concern flickering in her eyes. "I hope you're happy, you know?"
Mallory exhaled quietly, meeting Stella's gaze for a brief moment. "I hope so too," she murmured. "Anyway, Happy Birthday again, Stella." And without another word, she hung up the call.
Stella stared at the dark screen, a strange ache forming in her chest. What's going on with her? she wondered.
Before she could think further, she noticed the time. 6 PM already?
"Time flies too fast," she mumbled.
Just then, Simon walked into the room, now wearing casual jeans and a T-shirt, ruffling his hair. Stella's heart did an involuntary flip at the sight of him.
"Where were you?" she asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.
He ignored her question and instead handed her a brown paper bag. "Wear this. And tie your hair up," he instructed casually.
Stella raised an eyebrow, taking the bag from him. "And why can't I just wear what I'm already in?"
Simon leaned in slightly, his voice dropping an octave. "Because I have a surprise for you, little fish."
Her heart skipped a beat at his tone. Without another word, she took the bag and headed upstairs.
A few minutes later, she came downstairs wearing the black T-shirt and fitted trousers he gave her. Her hair was tied up in a loose bun, and she looked effortlessly beautiful.
"Ready for my surprise?" Simon asked, his gaze fixed on her.
Stella smiled, walking toward him. "Always."
And just like that, she was out the door with him — unaware that the night was about to change everything.
"So… where exactly are we going?" Stella asked, curiosity dripping from her voice as they walked toward the yacht.
Simon smirked, his fingers lacing through hers. "Somewhere… somewhere," he teased.
Stella groaned dramatically, rolling her eyes. "Ugh, I hate surprises," she huffed, making Simon chuckle.
Without warning, he lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss on her knuckles while his eyes locked with hers.
Her breath hitched, and she quickly broke eye contact, staring off into the distance. Why does he always do that?
"Your heart's been skipping quite a bit today," Simon noted, his voice laced with amusement. "I wonder why that is."
Stella shot him a glare, her cheeks heating up. "Shut up."
He leaned in slightly. "It just skipped again," he murmured, his smile turning devilish.
Groaning, Stella shoved him playfully before storming off toward the yacht. "Is there a way to turn your vamp hearing off?" she asked, exasperated.
Simon casually trailed behind her. "Nope. Impossible," he grinned, clearly enjoying her flustered state.
Reaching the yacht, Stella was just about to climb on when Simon grabbed her wrist, pulling her back.
"You sure you want to get on that?" he asked, his voice dipped with playful mischief.
Stella frowned. "What do you mean?"
Simon's gaze shifted slightly beside the yacht, his smirk deepening. "I thought you were looking for an adventure."
Her eyes followed his, and the second she realized what he was talking about, her mouth fell open in pure disbelief.
Her eyes widened, excitement coursing through her veins. "No freaking way!"
Simon's smirk grew wider. "Yes freaking way."
Without hesitation, she spun toward him, holding her hand out. "Keys. Now."
Simon let out a low chuckle, his gaze burning into hers. Always ready to get into trouble, he thought, both fond and amused.