They arrived at an upscale restaurant. Hey turned to Stella and asked, “What would you like to order!”
Stella replied softly, “I’m sorry, I don’t have much of an appetite. Please go ahead and eat, r’il just keep you company
Henry understood her situation. His eyes softened with concern. “It’s alright,” he said gently. “Take your time. Once you’re feeling better, fit treat you to anything you want.”
Stella had been through so much that she wasn’t easily moved anymore.
Henry ordered a few dishes and ate across from her, occasionally glancing up at her with a gentle smile.
Stella didn’t check her phone or look at him. She simply sat there, lost in thought.
Once Henry finished his last bite, he set his fork down and looked at her. “Is there anywhere you’d like to go? Maybe a movie or an amusement park?”
Before he could say more, Stella interrupted, “Mr. Bass, may I speak with you for a moment!”
“Of course,” Henry replied, his tone calm.
Stella hesitated for a moment before saying, “I’ll marry you, but there are conditions.”
Henry nodded. “I know. Your father has already discussed it with me. He has agreed to give your family 20% of the company’s shares, which seems
reasonable to me.”
He continued, “fou’re about to become my wife. How they treat you will reflect how they treat me. I won’t tolerate any disrespect toward you in your family.”
Stella interrupted him again. “No, I mean conditions about us.”
Henry paused, slightly taken aback, but then he smiled softly. “Alright, I’m listening”
Stella said, “I don’t mind getting married, but I’d like to keep it private. We can sign the papers and have a quiet dinner with our families. People will find out eventually, especially given my situation.”
Henry smiled warmly. “I understand, Stella I’m really touched that you’re considering me. Honestly, I never cared about the public side of things since chose you.”
Stella paused, surprised by his answer. She had meant to say she didn’t want to become the subject of gossip, but seeing t didn’t correct him.
that he misunderstood, the
Instead, she said, “Also, since you’re investing in their company, I want you to ask for an extra five percent of the shares for me¦
Henry paused thoughtfully, as if something had just clicked. “Stella, people always say you’re smart, and they’re right. You’re thinking about our future, aren’t you? Alright, I’ll talk to your family about it.”
“And then my condition… Stella didn’t spell it out, but she trusted he’d understand.
“I know,” Henry said with a reassuring smile. “I’ll take care of you for a while and help you recover. If you want to study during this time, you can do it here at home. I’ll arrange for tutors to come and teach you.”
“Thank you,” Stella said.
said gently. “You’re welcome. Anything else?”
Henry smiled and said
Stella shook her head, signaling that there was nothing more to say.
1/3
Chapter 31
These are all simple requests. I can easily take care of them, Henry added,
Stella reminded him, “I’ve been out long enough. I should get going now.”
Henry stood up and offered, “Let me drive you home.”
Stella shook her head. “No need. I can go back on my own.”
“Alright.” Henry replied. “I start making the arrangements and bring you home as soon as I can.”
Stella looked at him as if she wanted to say something more, but in the end, she remained silent and walked away.
The moment Stella stepped inside the house, she heard Eleanor’s voice. Concerned that something might be wrong with Eleanor, Stella hurried toward
her
“You heartless wretches!” Eleanor said. “The company is failing, and you’re selling Stella to Henty? Do you even realize how old he is? He’s lost two wives already, and now you want Stella to be a stepmother? What are you thinking? I won’t allow it!”
“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 sene. Do you think
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, herp 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 Fions pushed him out of the room.
As the door closed. K 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
ht 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.
2/3
10:09 Wed, 30 Jul GO
Chapter 31
“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 com, 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 him.
“I know
w 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 ma
“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, 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.”
