Chapter 44
Stella desperately wanted to storm downstairs and smash everything in the house, but the thought of Eleanor made her hold back.
She thought to herself, “The Hayes family owes me, and I’ll make sure to settle every score with them, one by one
The next day was the weekend, and Henry arrived at the Hayes residence early in the morning
Cleanor was now well enough to join the family for breakfast.
Stella would never eat with the others unless Eleanor was there. Seeing Eleanor at the table, she finally emerged from her room.
Lately, breakfast always included a bowl of polenta, and Stella was finally well enough to enjoy it.
Henry smiled at Stella and said, “Stella, it’s such a lovely day, and since it’s the weekend and I’m free, how about we go out for a while?”
Stella wasn’t keen on going, but Fiona quickly chimed in, “Come on, Stella. We haven’t had the chance to show you around since you came back took how thoughtful Henry is.
“Why not go with him and see how much the city has changed in the past three years!”
Seeing that Stella remained silent, Fiona kept shooting her meaningful glances, subtly urging her to look toward Eleanor
Stella gave Henry a strained smile and replied, “Well, I suppose I have to trouble you then.”
Henry said, “No trouble at all. We’re going to be husband and wife soon, it’s only right for me to do this.”
urally, Stella couldn’t show her dislike for Henry in front of Eleanor.
Naturally,
Eleanor watched as Stella ate more polenta, her face beaming with joy. She said, “Even though you’ve been in the hospital lately, I can see your complexion has improved so much. Keep this up, and I will surely see your old healthy self again.”
Fiona quickly added, “Stella, why not go out for a walk? Who knows, you might recover even faster.”
Stella could tell Eleanor wanted her to get some fresh air.
Eleanor wished she could take Stella out herself, but her own health wouldn’t allow her to be out for long.
Not wanting to add to Eleanor’s worries, Stella reluctantly agreed.
After breakfast, Martin arrived just in time to give Stella her acupuncture session. Once it was finished, Stella finally started getting ready to go out by picking an outfit.
Just then, Fiona walked into her room and asked, “Stella, what are you wearing out?”
Stella pulled out an outfit and showed it to Fiona
Fiona said, “Henry bought this for you, didn’t he? Well, you should wear it. And take this phone. It’s old, but just keep it with you for now. When you get back, you can get any now phone you want.”
Stella thought, ‘Fiona is pulling out all the stops to please Henry. She replied, “No, I won’t need it’ll be with H
thing will happen
Fiona said, “But you’ll need to stay in touch. What if something happens to you aher you go gut she caught herself, realizing she’d almost let her true thoughts slip.
She quickly forced a smile and said, “Stella, I didn’t mean it that way I’m just worried about your sality”.
Stella’s face darkened with barely concealed contempt. She thought, ‘Right, I’m the Hayes family’s golden goose now. If I ran away and Henry pulled bis
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Chapter 44
investment, wouldn’t that mean the end of the family!
She said flatly. “I won’t be taking the phone for now. I’ll stick with Henry the whole time I won’t run of
Fiona, finding it awkward to intist, took the phone back with an embarrassed smile. She said, “Alright, let’s wait till tomorrow. I will take you out in put a new phone and anything else you need.”
Stella couldn’t even be bothered to respond. She thought bitterly, “Now that I’m about to be married off. i suddenly remembers to buy me things! How utterly revolting”
She said, “I’m going to get changed”
Fiona replied, “Go ahead, Henry’s been waiting for a long time. Don’t keep him waiting” With that, she walked out
Stella changed into fresh clothes and emerged, her appearance as striking as ever, a real head–turner.
Henry reached out and took Stella’s hand.
Stella instinctively wanted to pull her hand away, but catching sight of Eleanor still sitting in the living room, she forced herself to stay st
Fiona, still putting on her loving mother facade, said, “Have fun, take your time. Just be back for dinner tonight”
“We’re heading out now, Eleanor. See you later, Mrs. Hayes,” Henry said politely.
“Go on,
then, Fiona replied, waving them off. She turned to Eleanor and said, “They do look so in love, don’t they, Mom?”
Eleanor had been worried that Stella might disapprove of Henry, but seeing her show no resistance, she took it as a sign of acceptance.
still.
Eleanor know Stella’s situation better than anyone, but she couldn’t help feeling heartbroken for Stella She thought. Does she have to end up with someone like Henry! But if this is Stella’s choice, I’ll respect it!
As Stella approached the car, Henry opened the front passenger door for her. She reluctantly slid inside without a word.
Once she was settled, Henry leaned over and meticulously buckled her seatbelt for her, playing the part of the attentive flance. Stella stiffened at his closeness but forced herself to stay still.
As the car pulled away, Max rushed in from outside. He asked Fiona, Mom, did Stolla leave with Henry!”
Fiona kept giving Max pointed looks, a silent reminder that Eleanor was still present.
Max acted as if he hadn’t noticed Fiona’s hints and insisted, “Mom, did Stella leave with Henry?”
Eleanor looked a bit puzzled and asked, “What’s the matter, Max?”
Fiona quickly interjected, “It’s nothing. Mom Max just needs to talk to Stella about something” Then she shot Max another pointed look
Max seemed to realize something and fell silent.
Fiona called out, “Mary, the weather’s lovely today. Why don’t you take Eleanor out for some fresh air?”
Mary replied, “Okay”
Only after Mary and Eleanor had been gone for a while did Max finally turn to Fiona and ask, “Mom, did you to Stella go with Henry!”
Fiona retorted, “What was I supposed to do! Stella didn’t even object. Besides, our entire family depends on Henry’s side. The rest of his investment still hasn’t come through, and our company hasn’t truly turned a corner. Don’t you think we’re worried?”
Max was suddenly at a loss for words.
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Chapter 44
Fiona said, “Relax, it’s no big deal. We’ll make it up to Stella when she gets back.”
Max remained silent.
The weather was indeed quite pleasant.
Throughout the ride, Henry kept enthusiastically pointing out all the city’s new developments to Stella since she’d been gone.
Stella had once known this city intimately, but after three years, it now felt completely unrecognizable. But as Henry kept pointing out the changes, fragments of her old life gradually came back to her.
Noticing that the car drove to the outskirts of the city, Stella’s guard instinctively went up. When they arrived at a mountain resort and she took in the beautiful scenery, a small measure of her tension finally eased.
Henry smiled and said, “All my friends are already inside. Come on, let me take you to meet them.”
There were indeed many of Henry’s friends inside. When they saw Stella, no one showed any sign of displeasure, only warm, welcoming smiles.
Gradually, Stella began to warm up to them.
At lunch, everyone gathered around a turkey feast, but Henry, knowing Stella couldn’t eat such heavy food, thoughtfully had a separate meal prepared just for her.
“If you can’t eat it, don’t force yourself. No problem at all, Henry said with a smile.
Stella gave a small nod.
One of the people nearby chuckled and said, “Stella, even though Henry is a bit older than you, he’s a good man. He’s just had some bad luck.
“He lost two wives in the past, but that’s all behind him now. We’re all happy for him that he met you.”
Another chimed in,
“Yeah, Stella, just give Henry a chance. He won’t let you down, and you really won’t regret choosing him.”
Henry, worried Stella might feel awkward, quickly cut in, “Alright, that’s enough chatter. Everyone, dig in before the food gets cold.”
Then he offered Stella a bottle of water and asked, “Want some water?”
The heat was getting to her, and feeling a bit drained, Stella accepted the water and took a sip. But soon, a wave of dizziness washed over her, and before she knew it, she blacked out.
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