Stolen Identity: Mute Heiress

Chapter 371: Embarassing

Jamal rushed into the office with his jacket half on and his phone still in his hand. The glass doors slid open, and the familiar hum of the building wrapped around him. Staff members greeted him as he passed, but he only nodded, already scanning the corridor for Stefan.

Stefan was waiting just outside Jamal’s office, tablet tucked under his arm, his expression tight but calm. The moment he saw Jamal, he straightened.

"You’re here," Stefan said, not accusing, just stating a fact.

Jamal let out a breath as they both walked into his office. "I’m sorry. We didn’t go home after we left the club. We got home just before dawn and slept off then."

Stefan nodded, "They’re still at the conference hall."

"Let’s head over," Jamal said, heading for the door.

Stefan hesitated, then said, "Can I ask you for a favor?"

Jamal stopped walking and turned fully to him. "Of course. What is it?"

"Can I step out for an hour or two?" Stefan asked. "I should be back before you’re done with the meeting."

Jamal studied his face. "Where are you going?"

"Did you forget today is Ryan’s burial. Well... cremation," he corrected quietly. "Even if Dawn isn’t going, Genevieve is there. I need to be by her side."

Jamal’s shoulders dropped slightly. Understanding dawned in his eyes. "You’re right," he said softly. "I’m sorry. I should have been here earlier so you wouldn’t have to ask."

"It’s okay," Stefan replied. "I just didn’t want to miss this. I’ve got everything covered so you don’t have to worry..."

Jamal nodded. "Go. Take as much time as you need. I’ll handle the meetings."

Relief crossed Stefan’s face. "Thank you."

He didn’t waste another second. He turned and hurried down the corridor.

By the time Stefan arrived at the crematorium, the air felt heavy. A thin line of smoke curled into the sky from the tall structure behind the building.

Genevieve stood outside, her arms wrapped around herself. Her eyes were red, her face pale. Tears slid down her cheeks silently as Delilah and Jessica stood close, one on either side, murmuring soft words to her.

Stefan’s chest tightened at the sight.

When she looked up and saw him, she broke away from Delilah and walked straight into his arms.

"I’m sorry I’m late," Stefan whispered as he wrapped her up, holding her tight.

She shook her head against his chest, unable to speak. Her fingers clutched the front of his shirt as she cried, her shoulders trembling.

"It’s okay," he murmured, kissing the top of her head. "I’m here now."

Delilah stepped closer. "You can take her somewhere quiet," she said gently. "We’ll let her know when it’s done so she can come back for the ashes."

Stefan nodded, his hand steady at her back. "Thank you."

"Thank you," Genevieve said to both Delilah and Jessica before letting Stefan guide her toward his car.

Inside the car, they sat in silence for a while. The sound of her breathing slowly evened out. Genevieve wiped her face with the back of her hand and stared out the window.

After a few minutes, Stefan spoke. "How are you feeling?"

She took a breath. "I’m... okay." Her voice was hoarse but steady. "I just felt really overwhelmed by emotion when I saw him lying there that way in the casket. Seeing him that way made me feel sorry for him. I can’t imagine living with so much hate and bitterness like he did. I suppose the only time I ever saw him happy was when he was with Josh. He’d have saved himself a lifetime of unhappiness if only he’d not let that one bitter experience blind him and control the rest of his life."

Stefan nodded but said nothing.

"I need to give Dawn a call. I told her I’d keep her in the loop," she said quietly. "Just give me a moment."

She pulled out her phone and dialed. Dawn answered almost immediately even though she was busy having lunch with Tom.

"Genny?"

"It’s happening now," Genevieve said softly. "They’re cremating him. In a couple of hours, I’ll go back for the ashes."

There was a pause. "How are you feeling?" Dawn asked, since she could tell from Genevieve’s voice that she had been crying.

"It was tough seeing him so still and lifeless. But I’m okay," Genevieve replied.

"I’m glad," Dawn said. "I’ll check on you later, alright?"

"Okay."

When the call ended, Stefan started the car. "Since we have some time why don’t we go on a date? Just to pass the time."

She turned to him with a faint smile. "Who goes on a date while waiting for her father’s ashes?"

He shrugged lightly. "You will. Someone has to be first."

She let out a small laugh. "You’re unbelievable."

"Come on," he said. "Let’s go see a movie."

She thought about it, then nodded. "Okay."

When they arrived at the cinema, the place was nearly empty. They got their tickets and when they entered the hall, they realized they were the only ones there.

"Feels like we paid for the entire hall," Genevieve said, giggling.

The lights dimmed, and the screen came to life as they settled into their seats. The popcorn sat between them, untouched.

Genevieve turned to him with a playful glint in her eye. "Have you ever made out in a cinema?"

Stefan’s lips twitched and he raised a brow. "For someone who didn’t want to go on a date earlier, you’re suggesting something very bold."

She laughed. "We are here now. And we’re alone. I don’t see why not."

He chuckled. "Are you sure you won’t need to see your therapist again? I have a feeling you’re having a relapse."

She gasped and hit his arm lightly. "How could you say that?"

"We did spend almost all night... and morning making love. And now you want to go again. Right here," he pointed out.

She rolled her eyes. "I didn’t hear you complaining."

He smiled. "I’m still not complaining even now," he said softly. "I’m just wondering how you’ll cope when you travel without me."

Her smile faded a little. "Is that your way of saying you are worried I might cheat on you?"

He looked at her carefully. "Do I need to be worried?"

She shook her head in disbelief and turned away from him. "I can’t believe we’re having this conversation. Forget I said anything and let’s just focus on the movie."

Stefan reached for her hand. "I’m sorry if you feel hurt or offended. That’s not my intention. I’m being a hundred per cent with you, Viv. I want us to be able to honestly communicate about everything."

She looked at him. "Have you stopped to think about how embarrassing this conversation might be for me?"

"There’s nothing wrong with feeling embarrassed. It’s a normal and natural human emotion," he said gently. "And this conversation is between us. There are no outsiders here. We should be vulnerable with each other."

Genevieve shook her head and looked away from him but he reached out and tilted her chin so she faced him.

"You told me about your past and sexual struggles even before we started dating. Are you saying you could be vulnerable then, but not now? I’m your boyfriend, Viv. I want to know how best I can support you."

Her blue eyes softened and she sighed softly. "I can control myself, Stefan. My suggestion had little to do with sexual addiction. It is about you," she admitted quietly. "I’ve always been insanely attracted to you but after yesterday, I can’t get enough of you. I feel like I wouldn’t be satisfied if I swallowed you whole. You don’t have to worry about me cheating on you. It’s not just sex I want. It’s you I want."

Stefan was speechless for a moment then he smiled. But before he could respond, someone cleared their throat.

They both froze and turned to see that a couple of ladies were now seated in the hall without them noticing.

Genevieve shut her eyes in embarrassment. "Oh my God. Tell me I didn’t just say all of that out loud!"

"You did, darling," one of the ladies said and the others giggled.

"Now I want to ground to swallow me!" She cried, burying her face in Stefan’s chest.

Stefan laughed softly and wrapped an arm around her. "Do you want to know when I started falling for you?" He whispered, wanting to distract her.

She pulled back and looked up. "There was an exact time?"

"Yes," he said with a grin, amused she’d fallen for it.

"When?"

"Back in my hotel suite in Westend. The night you poured wine on yourself. That’s when I started falling for you."

"You’re kidding right?" She asked in disbelief.

He chuckled. "I’m not. I dreamt of you that night and woke up with the hardest hardon I’ve ever had."

She laughed out loud then covered her lips with her hands. "I think we really should watch the movie now."

He nodded, smiling, as they both turned to face the screen.