Chapter 43
With that, she shoved past them, heading for the door. But Fiona immediately grabbed her arm, saying, “We’re having you marry Henry for your own good. Are you really going to hold that against us?”
Stella didn’t waste another word. She wrenched her arm free from Fiona’s grip and stormed to her room.
Fiona hissed with fury. “Come back here!”
Max frowned. “Mom, let’s just leave her be. She needs to sort this out on her own.”
Back in her room, Stella touched her stinging cheek. ‘Twice now, she thought bitterly. ‘I never expected my parents to understand me or shower me with love. But I hoped they wouldn’t see everything I do as a mistake.
‘Maybe I should never have been born. But I’m not giving up. If I survived that hellhole of Dusty Pines, I could survive this. I only came back for Eleanor.
Stella had thought about taking Eleanor away, but she knew the rest of them would just hound them relentlessly. “For now, I’ll stay here. It’s time to really plan my new life,’ she thought.
The next morning, Stella woke to the sounds of activity outside.
As she stepped out of her room, she saw Henry sitting downstairs, waiting for her.
Acting as if nothing had happened the night before, Fiona stood up with a bright smile. “Stella, you’re awake. Henry came early this morning and brought you breakfast. Come down and join us.”
Henry smiled expectantly at her, his eyes full of anticipation.
Stella gave him a brief nod as a greeting.
Fiona called out warmly, “Come on. Let’s sit at the table and chat while we eat.”
At the breakfast table, Fiona made sure Stella was seated next to Henry, with herself and Max on either side of her.
Henry, sitting next to Stella, was in the seat of honor, direct Ass from Fiona.
Fiona beamed at Stella and said, “Look at all this food on the table. Henry made it all for you. He woke up at four this morning, worried you might miss breakfast, Isn’t he thoughtful?”
She continued, “We even sent a portion to your grandmother. She was so happy when she heard Henry was here. After breakfast, why don’t you take Henry to see her?”
Although the words seemed casual, Stella could sense the hidden message. If Eleanor was pleased, she would have no say
in the matter.
Stella remained silent, and her compliant demeanor pleased both Fiona and Andrew.
Henry continued to pile food onto Stella’s plate, but she didn’t touch a single bite.
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Chapter 43
Max glared at her, clearly frustrated. “Stella, what’s going on? Henry personally served your food. Why aren’t you eating
Henry chuckled lightly. “It’s alright. Stella and I are still getting to know each other, so I’m not sure what she likes yet i she doesn’t want to eat, that’s fine.”
Max shot Stella a pointed look, as if to say, “See how considerate Henry is
Stella let out a soft laugh. “You really are my wonderful parents, aren’t you? Don’t you know I can’t stomach food in the mornings? I’m tired. I’m going upstairs.” With that, she turned to leave.
Fiona snapped, “Stella, stop right there. Henry is still here. Where do you think you’re going? If you won’t eat, at least stay
Henry gently intervened. “It’s alright, Mrs. Hayes. If Stella doesn’t want to eat now, that’s fine. I’ll stay with her, and we can eat whenever she’s ready.”
Fiona smiled and said, “Oh, it’s nothing. She’s just being a bit willful. You really shouldn’t spoil her like this.”
Henry gave Stella an affectionate look. “She’s still so young. After everything she’s been through these past three years, she deserves love and care now that she’s back. I’m about to be her husband. If I don’t spoil her, who will?”
He turned to the others. “Go ahead and eat. I’ll accompany Stella to see Eleanor.”
