~ Seattle, Hill family villa ~
Next morning, Stella returned to Hill family villa. Her movements were slower than usual, and her clothes showed sign of prolonged wear. It was obvious that she didn't sleep at least one night, and she didn't change her clothes either.
She went to master bedroom, freshened up and got a fresh set of clothes. She was tired, but she wanted to talk to Edward first.
Mr. Joe informed her that Edward is in the study.
Stella entered study room and found Edward sitting at his desk. His hands were in a praying position, palms connecting, and his nose was hovering few inches above his index fingers. He was staring at an invisible spot on his desk.
"You don't look like you slept enough…", she noticed dark circles around his eyes.
He gave a vague nod and looked up to her.
"Same as you.", he observed that she does not look much better than he does. "What is going on?" He didn't delay in wanting to know what keeps his wife awake at night.