Chapter 5
Fiona’s gaze darted away again. “You know how Andrew is-he never drives himself. The driver handled everything. We’ll get the details from him later.” She dug her nails into Andrew’s arm in warning.
Andrew scrambled to recover. “Yeah. I’m just too upset to think straight. Stella’s everything to us. Hearing what she went through, I can’t even put it into words.”
Fiona sidled up to Stella, all forced warmth. “Sweetheart, a few scars don’t matter. Today’s about celebrating your homecoming. The past is behind you. Time for a fresh start. Come on, let’s-”
She reached for Stella’s arm, but Stella stood frozen, eyes locked onto hers. “Mother, tell me why my spot at Quentiham University went to Anna instead.”
Max’s expression darkened instantly. He leaned in, hissing through clenched teeth, “Remember what we discussed on the way here?”
Stella didn’t lower her voice. “So did you help them steal it from me?”
Max flushed, and then paled. He said, “Everyone here witnessed Anna getting into Quentiham. How dare you claim it was yours?”
“Mother,” Stella pressed, “when exactly did Anna get accepted? Because I distinctly remember her only qualifying for community college.”
“I—well, yes, I suppose we owe you the truth in front of everyone,” Fiona said. “Anna was ill so often that she fell behind in school. Though you tutored her, she… well, she simply couldn’t get into a good university on her own merits.
“With you gone, we thought, ‘why waste a Quentiham acceptance? They’re twins, after all.’ And Anna worked so hard. Finished the four-year program in just three years.
“The dean was furious when we confessed after graduation, but by then she’d proven herself, so he allowed the diploma to stand. But darling, now that you’re back, we’ll fix you up with a proper school and get that diploma in your hands.”
Stella remembered the day her acceptance letter arrived. How she’d dreamed of studying AI, of climbing to the top of the field, of becoming someone worthy of Lionel. All of it-ripped away when she was sold to that town.
Now, dozens of people had seen her face-even if they didn’t say anything to her directly, whispers would follow. She had resisted the media at first, but they assured her: her story could help others, and they wouldn’t publish her photo. She believed them.
But at the police station, she’d overheard an officer raging about how the Hayes family had authorized the press to expose everything: her name, her face, and her story.
Now the whole world knew where she’d been and what had happened. Any university would see her as damaged goods. Others might see a bright future ahead, but for Stella, all she saw was darkness.
“I’m so sorry.” Fiona’s voice dripped with performative guilt. “Whatever you need to do, I’ll understand. I deserve your anger.”
Anna chose that moment to chime in with a trembling whisper. “It’s my fault too, Stella. I should’ve refused this idea of taking your place. Don’t blame Mom-” A violent coughing fit doubled her over.
Chaos erupted. Lionel, Max, Fiona, and Andrew all surged forward. “Anna, you okay?” Fiona barked. “The doctor said no stress. This isn’t your fault-you tried to say no. This was my decision.”
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20
Chapter 5
1-Anna tried to speak, but another coughing fit seized her.
Max’s face darkened with anger as he rounded on Stella. “Today is Anna and Lionel’s engagement party. Was this really the time to make a scene? Look at her-you know how fragile her health is. If something happens to her because of this, don’t expect any mercy from me.”
Stella’s voice was icy. “I thought today was supposed to be my welcome party. You told me.”
Max’s expression shifted uneasily. “This is my decision. It’s been three years. Did you expect them to put their lives on hold forever? The engagement was planned long before you returned. We just combined the events-two celebrations at once. What’s the problem?”
Anna’s face was ghostly pale as she reached weakly for Stella. “Please don’t be angry with Max. I know you resent me. Lionel was supposed to be yours, but… I love him. If I lose him, I don’t know how much time I have left.
“Someday, Max, Lionel, Mom, and Dad, they’ll all need you. Just give me a little more time and a little more love. Please.”
“Enough,” Max cut in, pulling out a bottle of pills. “She’s convinced we love you more, and now she’s humiliating the Hayes family in front of everyone. Anna, take your medicine-don’t waste your breath on her.”
Lionel quickly handed Anna a glass of water. Anna took the water, and then took the pills.
Fiona stepped forward, tears streaming down her face. “Stella, you and Anna are twins, both my daughters. Do you really want to stand by and watch her suffer?
“None of this was her choice. We’ll make it up to you, I swear. But look at her-she can barely breathe. For my sake, please. Let’s just continue the party.”
Stella stood frozen, her mind reeling. ‘So I’m the one causing trouble? I’ve never asked to come. I’ve never wanted to bare my scars in front of a crowd. Three years have passed, and somehow, everything is still my fault.’
After taking her medicine, Anna was feeling better now. She stood up and started to approach, but Max moved to stop her. Then she gave him a steady, reassuring look.
With a fragile smile, she linked her arm through Stella’s. “You know, I haven’t slept properly since you disappeared. Knowing you’re safe now is the only thing that’s brought me peace.
“I’ve always dreamed of this. And now that you’re here, I can finally ask. Even if it’s just an engagement, with my health, I might not make it to the wedding. So today, will you be my maid of honor?”
Stella’s gaze flicked to Lionel, searching for any hesitation.
Anna got it. She followed Stella’s look and smiled, “Lionel? What do you think?”
“Of course,” he answered instantly.
The
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