Chapter 41
Chapter 41
“Mom, please, just listen to me,” Fiona pleaded. “Stella has already agreed to this. In fact, it was her idea. She wants to do something for this family. We couldn’t possibly turn her down, could we?”
“What? Stella proposed this herself?” Eleanor’s voice rose with disbelief. “Don’t try to fool me. Just because I’m old doesn’t mean I’m senile. Do you think I’ll fall for that? Absolutely not!”
“Mom, we’re not lying to you,” Fiona insisted, flustered. “And if you don’t believe us…” She suddenly noticed Stella standing there and pulled her over. “Tell your grandmother yourself. Wasn’t it your idea to marry him?”
Fiona and Andrew were shooting warning glances at Stella, silently signaling her not to talk nonsense.
Eleanor was visibly unwell, sustained only by sheer willpower.
Extending a trembling hand, Eleanor said, “Stella, come here and tell me the truth. If they’ve forced you into this, you must tell me. Even if it costs me my life, I won’t let them make you marry.”
Stella had planned to tell Eleanor the truth herself when she returned. She knew the truth couldn’t stay hidden for long.
But before Stella had a chance, they’d already spilled the beans. She was angry at them for that.
Right now, though, her priority was reassuring Eleanor. “You guys go out for a bit,” Stella said firmly, turning to the others. “I need to talk to Grandma alone.”
Max was hesitant to leave, but Andrew and Fiona pushed him out of the room.
As the door closed, Max shot Stella a warning glare, silently commanding her to screw things up.
The door clicked shut, and Eleanor grasped Stella’s hand. “Stella, tell me. Did they force you into this? I don’t believe a word they said!”
Stella crouched down in front of Eleanor, whose eyes widened in surprise. “Grandma,” she said softly, “I know how much you care about me, and you’re afraid the family will mistreat me again now that I’m back. But this time, it’s different.”
“Grandma, you know my situation. Even though the doctors confirmed nothing happened during that incident, no one would believe it.”
“Since I got back, I never thought I’d get married or fall in love again. But Henry treats me so well. He’s a bit older, and his situation isn’t perfect. I know you probably think I’m settling by marrying him.
“But Grandma, won’t your biggest concern be my marriage? I may still be young and could wait a few more years, but this opportunity has come. I want to give it a try.”
“Get up quickly,” Eleanor whispered,/extending a trembling hand.
Seeing her grandmother’s frailty, Stella rose to her feet.
Eleanor pulled her into a tight embrace. “My dear, is this all for me, isn’t it? If you don’t love him, then please, don’t marry
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Chapter 41
him.
“I know your situation, but I still believe the right person will come along someday. Please, won’t you reconsider?
Stella smiled gently and replied, “I’ve already thought this through. Look at this dress. Doesn’t it look better than my own dresses? And these hair extensions. Don’t they suit me perfectly?”
Eleanor had noticed how much more radiant Stella seemed since entering the room. “You’re truly beautiful,” she said tenderly.
Stella explained, “Henry bought all these for me. He treated me to dinner today. And when Troy tried to harass me, Henry stepped in and protected me.”
“Troy has gone too far. I’m going to confront his grandmother right now!” Eleanor had once been a woman of significant standing in their community. Troy’s grandmother was nothing in comparison. But as she attempted to rise, her strength failed her.
Stella quickly steadied Eleanor. “Grandma, please lie down. Henry has already handled it. Even if his kindness is temporary, I’ll make sure he always treats me well. Trust me.”
“But…” Eleanor’s voice wavered. She just couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.
“Don’t worry, Grandma. I know exactly what I want,” Stella said.
Eleanor reached out, gently caressing Stella’s cheek, tears streaming down her face. “You had such a bright future ahead of you, my dear, and now, because of everything that happened, it has been so unfair to you.”
