Chapter 26
Chapter 26
Fiona smiled sheepishly. “Stella, you’ve just come back, and I really hoped to keep you here for a few more years.
“Without you at home, I missed you terribly for these past three years. Now that you’re finally back, I really want us to spend more time together and get closer.
“But,” Fiona said, pausing, “the Bass family specifically asked for you. As soon as they heard you were back, they wanted you to marry into their family.
“I know you’re still young, just twenty-one, but the Bass family wants you to marry to help ward off bad luck.
“Do you remember Naomi Bass? She has been in poor health and is in a coma right now. Her family is worried, and they’re hoping that your wedding might bring her back.
“Though it’s superstitious, they still want to give it a try. You met Henry Bass when you were little. He’s decent-looking and only slightly older than you.
“They had a fortune-teller check your birth charts, and yours matches perfectly with Henry’s. After marrying him, you can continue your studies.”
With that, Fiona stole a nervous glance at Stella. “Stella, I genuinely believe this would be an excellent match. The Bass family is fully aware of your… circumstances.
“I know you may not like hearing this, but if you refuse this offer of marriage, it’ll be difficult for you to find a suitable husband later. The Bass family has a sterling reputation. You’ll live a good life if you marry into the family.”
“Is that all?” Stella asked, her face expressionless and her tone icy cold.
“Yes, I spoke with your grandma. She thinks it’s a good match, too, and she has always been close to Naomi. She also made it clear that the final decision was yours. If you disagree, that’s perfectly fine.”
“I refuse,” Stella said flatly.
Fiona seemed taken aback. She gaped, and after a long pause, she finally said, “I get it. I’m just letting you know. If you disagree, that’s fine. Why don’t you get some rest for now?” With that, she left with a dark expression.
Stella found it bitterly ironic. Fiona couldn’t wait to marry her off. To the Hayes family, keeping her at home was like sitting on a ticking time bomb.
If she married Troy, she would no longer be tied to the Hayes family, and the Carver family wouldn’t have any reason to go after them.
Stella thought to herself, ‘Since returning, I’d never intended to marry anyone. I knew exactly what kind of life awaited me. If I can’t even trust my own parents, how could I possibly entrust my life to a man?
‘At least I live in modern times where being single is completely normal. It’s perfectly fine if I never marry!
*****
Determined to leave, Stella quietly slipped out while no one was paying attention.
First, she went to an ATM to check her account and confirmed all her funds had arrived. Then she bought a new phone and got a SIM card with her ID.
The first thing Stella did was contact Jordan. [Here’s my new number.]
1/2
Chapter 26
Jordan: (Would you like to meet up?]
Stella paused, considering. She had known Jordan for nearly five years, but their entire relationship had been virtual. They had never even exchanged photos.
Jordan had never mentioned meeting up before, and Stella hadn’t considered it, either. But now that he brought it up, she realized she did want to see him, just not in her current state.
Stella: [Not a good time, sorry.]
Jordan: [No worries. Just glad you’re back safe. There are a few things I should fill you in on.]
Stella texted back with a brief okay. Her laptop wasn’t working, either, so she went to the mall and bought a new one.
