32. A Warmth Action From Diego

Stellina didn't stop feeling uneasy. Since yesterday, Arianna had been suffering from a fever. Stellina had repeatedly checked Arianna's forehead to see how she was doing. But it turned out that one day after yesterday, Arianna's condition had not improved. Stellina's heart sank as she saw Arianna lying on the bed, asleep. Stellina finished putting a compress on Arianna's forehead. After that, she straightened up and watched Arianna with a sad look on her face. "Arianna, why are you so sick all of a sudden?" muttered Stellina while letting out a nervous breath at the end of her sentence. Arianna of course did not answer. Not wanting to disturb Arianna, Stellina finally turned around and walked out of the room. Stellina closed the door slowly, then stepped slowly into the dining room not far away. At the dining table, Diego had just sat down and picked up the cutlery. Eston was absent today as he had to attend to his work. Stellina followed to the dining table, sat down opposite Diego and took the cutlery that the waiter had prepared. "How is Arianna now?" Diego asked as he spooned food onto his plate. Stellina was silent for a moment, and the look of concern on her face made Diego guess. Of course Arianna was not well. That's what Diego caught from the look in Stellina's eyes. "It's not getting better, Diego. It's still warm. I just changed the compress," Stellina replied in a low tone. Her weak voice was like someone with no appetite. On the other hand, while chewing his food, Diego watched Stellina for a moment. Seeing Stellina, who had been so lethargic since the first day Arianna was sick, made him feel heartless. Diego took a deep breath and let it out. He knew exactly how Stellina had taken care of Arianna on the first day she fell. During that time, Stellina's appetite seemed irregular, very different from her usual days. "She'll be fine, Stellina. She's probably just tired," Diego replied, though he didn't know what kind of tiredness Arianna was feeling. Diego gave Stellina a small, reassuring smile. But it didn't seem to have any effect on Stellina, as she only gave Diego a quick glance. "If she's still not feeling well, I'll take her to the hospital," Diego added so that Stellina wouldn't worry too much. Stellina nodded as she stuffed a spoonful into her mouth. She was still thinking about Arianna's condition yesterday. While sleeping, Arianna was even delirious with fear as if she was having a nightmare. Unfortunately, Arianna did not tell in detail why she looked scared. On the other hand, Stellina immediately remembered something. "Arianna was hit by a sudden illness. I wonder if the heat will get higher—" "No, Stellina. I told you, it'll be fine soon." Diego immediately cut off Stellina's words just so she wouldn't hear the possibility. Stellina was both silent and dumbfounded. She could not react for a few seconds. Before finally sighing softly as her shoulders slumped limply. "Yes. I hear what you're saying, but maybe I'm just too worried about Arianna," Stellina replied, feeling uncomfortable about showing her frustration in front of Diego. Diego didn't answer and continued eating. But in between, Diego couldn't help but notice the look on Stellina's face. For some reason, even though it had lessened, Diego was still uncomfortable with Stellina's irritation. On the other hand, Diego then picked up a glass of Stellina's favorite juice. He handed it to Stellina to distract her. "You're not Arianna's biological mother, but why are you so worried?" Diego asked, unable to contain his curiosity. This wasn't the only time Diego had noticed how worried Stellina was about Arianna. Stellina was new to the house and hadn't lived with Arianna and him for long. Yet Stellina's affection seemed to outweigh that of Vellina - Arianna's biological mother. "I'm not allowed to love and worry about Stellina, even if I don't?" Stellina asked back with a bit of a snarl. Diego had stopped moving his hand. Unfortunately, Stellina's piercing gaze instantly froze his entire body. "B-not what I meant," Diego replied in a slightly stuttered voice. Suddenly nervous in front of Stellina. "Of course you can, have I ever forbidden you?" "Your question was about forbidding me," Stellina replied, snapping back at Diego. Diego, on the other hand, didn't answer Stellina's words because he realized his mistake. Perhaps since Arianna's illness, Stellina's sensitivity had increased a little. Diego immediately curved his thin smile. "I didn't mean that. It's just that... I mean, you don't have to worry about Arianna to the point where you drop. Even if Arianna's condition doesn't improve, you remember that Arianna has a well-fed family, right?" Hearing Diego's long answer made Stellina instantly silent. There was a twinge of guilt that she had repeatedly snapped back at Diego. Unfortunately, the guilt was masked by pride. As a result, Stellina was a bit out of place in her seat. After nodding in agreement, Stellina remembered her regular cake shop. If Arianna was unwell, the only thing she wanted was something makes her happy. Something fun. Stellina had one favorite cake. Every time she eats it, she feels so relieved and calm. It was a cake from her regular shop that really touched Stellina's heart. But on the other hand, Stellina was hesitant. "Diego," Stellina called out. "Hm?" Diego replied as he chewed his food. Stellina thought for a moment. After that, Stellina looked at Diego very intensely and seriously. "How about I buy a cake at my local shop?" she asked. Instantly, her eyes turned bright with enthusiasm. In contrast to Stellina's enthusiasm, Diego had a flat face. In fact, Diego did not smile at all. He frowned as if Stellina's question sounded strange. "Why buy a cake?" Diego asked back. While chewing casually, he showed no concern at all. Stellina instantly faded her cheerful smile. The enthusiastic feeling that had been building up in a second instantly faded away. Stellina's gaze became annoyed and pointed at Diego. "Why are you asking that question? Of course it's because I want to make Arianna happy." "Yeah, I mean, you can have our personal chef make the cake you want. What kind of cake, anyway?" "Tiramisu cake," Stellina replied in a terse tone and then put her cutlery on the plate. With a serious look on her face, Stellina let out a rude sigh. "Don't underestimate the tiramisu cake I'm going to buy now. If you try that, you'll be looking around for a patisserie." Diego's eyebrows rose. He noticed the annoyance in Stellina's tone and expression at this moment. His chewing slowed down and suddenly Stellina's intimidating aura made him clumsy. "Ah... your local patisserie sells tiramisu cake," Diego replied with a short laugh as he nodded his head. "So, you don't want to send our personal chef-" "Of course not. Arianna should try eating something from outside, somewhere simple. I can guarantee it won't disappoint this time," Stellina said reassuringly, emphasizing each sentence. Diego gulped as his throat suddenly constricted. At that moment, because Stellina was so determined, there was no reason to refuse. If Diego had refused, especially considering that Stellina had been looking after Arianna all night, it would have felt ungrateful. Stellina was already very fond of Arianna, Diego's daughter. Diego finally nodded his head in agreement. That made Stellina flash a big smile once again. In an instant her enthusiasm returned and she couldn't wait to buy Arianna a cake. "Wait," Diego paused, "but you can't go alone. You will go with Fabian." Stellina just shrugged her shoulders with a nonchalant expression. Actually, she didn't care about that, all that mattered to her was buying Arianna her favorite tiramisu cake from childhood. Stellina ended up giving Diego a thumbs up. "No problem. I'll go with Fabian to the pastry shop." Diego did not have any reaction. When Stellina had refocused on her food, Diego's eyes secretly glanced at her. Watching Stellina eat her food with such gusto and passion made Diego couldn't help but smile. Only a small smile because his feelings suddenly warmed up. Before Diego realized and immediately faded his own smile.