Stars of My Heart

Two police officers enter the medical bay, their expressions serious.

"Excuse me, Miss Emily, we need to ask you a few questions," one of them said politely but firmly.

Matthew, beside her, helped her lie back down on the bed and turned to the officers, his protective posture evident.

"Can't we do it some other time? She just woke up."

"Excuse me, sir, but we need to clarify an important detail," the other officer replied.

Lying down, Emily looked at the men and, despite her fatigue, nodded softly.

"Okay. I'm at your disposal."

One of the officers stepped forward, taking out his cell phone and showing her a photo.

"Do you know this man?"

Emily frowned in confusion, until the memory of the previous night came to her.

"Yes, I saw him. He tried to break down the door to my hotel room."

The officers exchanged meaningful glances before continuing.

"This man appears on the security cameras right behind you at the hotel entrance. He was the one who attacked you."

Emily blinked in surprise.

"But... why?"

"We don't know yet," one of them explained. "However, we discovered that he has been following you constantly since you arrived in Florence."

Matthew, visibly worried, wrapped Emily in a protective hug and faced the police officers.

"Do you have any more information about him?"

"From the preliminary investigation, he is from Aurora," the police officer revealed. "We are in contact with the authorities there to get more details."

Emily, still stunned, suddenly remembered something.

"There was a period when I was followed and received anonymous calls for days on end. Maybe it was him."

Matthew narrowed his eyes, clearly irritated.

"Honey, why didn't you tell me this?"

Emily sighed, looking away. "I didn't think it was necessary. I reported it to the police, but they never found anything."

Matthew kept his gaze on her for a moment before sighing.

"Next time, you let me know, love. I need to know."

She relented, her shoulders relaxing.

"O-Okay."

One of the officers interrupted their conversation.

"This information is very important. We will look into it immediately. Excuse me. We wish you a speedy recovery."

After the officers left, the room fell silent. Emily seemed lost in thought as Matthew walked them to the door. When he returned, she looked up at him, worried.

"Rest, my love," Matthew said. "The police will figure it all out and sort this out."

Emily sighed, closing her eyes briefly before making a space on the bed and holding out her hand to him.

"Mat?"

Matthew looked away from his phone and looked at her curiously.

"Come here," she said, indicating the spot next to her.

He smiled, putting down his phone and lying down next to her. Emily snuggled into his chest, letting out a sigh of contentment.

"It's better now."

Matthew smiled as he ran his fingers through her hair.

"I'll always be here for you."

The room was enveloped in an atmosphere of calm, although the whirlwind of emotions still hung in the air. Emily, now in Matthew's arms, felt a mix of relief and insecurity.

"Mat..." she murmured, her eyes still closed, her head resting on his chest. "Why would someone do this to me?"

Matthew tightened his hold around her, his voice low and full of determination.

"I don't know, but I promise we'll find out. No one will hurt you again, Emily."

She sighed, seeking strength in his presence.

"I just... want to understand. It doesn't make sense."

Matthew kissed the top of her head tenderly.

"The important thing now is for you to rest. There's no point in torturing yourself with questions that will soon have answers."

Emily nodded, although her mind was still restless.

A few hours passed in silence, until the sound of footsteps in the hallway caught both of their attention. Matthew stood up slightly, attentive, while Emily held his hand tightly. A knock on the door interrupted the moment.

"Who is it?" Matthew asked, not hiding his protective tone.

"Gabriela."

He relaxed and went to the door to open it. Gabriela entered quickly, holding a bag and with a worried expression.

"Emily, how are you?"

Emily tried to smile, but her tiredness was evident.

"I'm better, just trying to process everything."

Gabriela pulled up a chair and sat next to the bed, placing the bag on the floor.

"I brought some comfortable clothes and your toiletry bag. I thought you would want something familiar."

"Thank you, Gabi." Emily smiled, sincerely this time, and reached out to touch her hand.

Gabriela looked at Matthew for a moment, as if to assess the situation, and then turned her attention to Emily.

"I talked to director Roberto. He's worried and said we can postpone filming for as long as you need."

Emily took a deep breath.

"No, I... I don't want to delay everything. I'll be fine."

Gabriela frowned, clearly disagreeing, but didn't insist.

"Okay, but only if you really feel capable."

Matthew intervened, his voice firm.

"She won't go back to the set until she's able. We're not going to risk anything else."

Emily snorted slightly, but she knew he was right.

"Okay, okay. I'll rest for now."

"Great." Gabriela smiled. "I'll take care of a few things, but I'll be back later. If anything, call me."

After Gabriela left, the room returned to silence. Emily closed her eyes, but her heart was still restless.

"Mat..." she called again, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I'm here, love."

"Do you think... this will end soon?"

He held her hand, reassuring her.

"It will. I promise."

Emily finally let her tiredness take over, falling asleep to the comforting sound of Matthew's calm breathing beside her. While she slept, Matthew lay awake, thinking about how to protect the woman he loved from any future threats.

After watching Emily sleep for a while, Matthew got out of bed carefully so as not to wake her and went to the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

Taking out his cell phone, he opened the gallery, selected a photo and sent it in a message before making a call. The call was answered in just two rings.

"Find that man in the photo quickly," he ordered, his voice low but firm.

On the other end of the line, there was a brief confirmation before Matthew ended the call.

Leaning against the sink, he looked at the mirror, his reflection displaying a serious and worried expression. After a sigh, he made another call.

"Activate the Lancaster family forces. I want them to find someone," he said directly, without any room for doubt, ending the call immediately after.

Two minutes later, his cell phone rang again. He answered it promptly, his expression already revealing that he had been expecting this call.

"I knew you would call, Dad," he said directly.

On the other end of the line, Diego remained silent for a moment before asking:

"What's the problem, son?"

Matthew sighed, running his hand through his hair.

"Emily was attacked in Florence."

"And how is she?" the concern was evident in his father's voice.

"In the hospital, but nothing serious. Just an impact to the head that left her unconscious for a short time."

There was a long silence before Diego continued.

"I need to tell your grandfather about this."

Matthew closed his eyes for a moment, knowing what was coming next.

"Matthew... have you ever considered suggesting that Emily leave the entertainment industry? She'll be exposed, like she is now."

Matthew opened the bathroom door and looked at Emily sleeping on the bed. His expression softened for a moment before he answered firmly.

"I can't do that, Dad. This is her dream."

Silence hung between them until Diego sighed on the other end of the line.

"Understood. Take care of her."

Without another word, the call ended.

Matthew returned to the bed, sitting next to Emily. He watched her sleep for a moment before laying back down, wrapping her in a protective hug. Leaning down, he kissed her forehead tenderly.

"I'll never let anyone hurt you again," he murmured softly, closing his eyes as exhaustion finally caught up with him.