Chapter 36
Henry walked over, Max’s hown deepened.
When Henry reached Stella’s side and saw her swollen check, his stomach twisted. “Stella, does it hurt?” he asked softly
“Does it hurt?” No one had asked her that in ages, She couldn’t believe it a total stranger actually cared.
Henry didn’t get an answer, but the hurt in her eyes as she looked at Max told him everything. He whipped around to face Max “She’s your sister. How could you hit her like that, right out here in the open?”
Max brushed him off with a wave. “Henry, you don’t know what she did. I’m teaching her a lesson, so she won’t bother you once you two are married. He raised his hand to strike Stella again.
Henry stepped in front of Stella. “Not happening. You’re not laying another finger on her.”
“Henry, she’s not your wife yet.” Max shot back “She’s my sister, and she screwed up big time. I have every right to set her straight
“You should deal with this at home,” Henry said.
“No way: Ever since she came back, she’s been acting like we all owe her or something nitpicking everything at home. Now that everyone’s watching, let’s see if she ever tries this crap again after being embarrassed like
Max glared at Stella like she’d committed a mortal sin
Henry planted himself right in front of Stella. “If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I might’ve just let it go. But I did, so there’s no way I’m gonna let you treat her like this.
“She’s gonna be my wife soon.Please, just do this for me.
Max stared Stella down. Her cheeks were red and putty from his slaps, but her eyes were still stubborn as hell.
she’s still not sorry?” Max thought, fuming. ‘Who am I even doing this for? I’m just trying to keep her in line, but she just won’t
Seriously? After all that, sh
Finally, he let out a snort, then turned to Emily. “Sorry for the drama, Dinner’s on me.”
Emily nodded, a little shy. “Should we ask Stella to come too?”
“I’m good. You guys go ahead,” Stella said, already turning away
Max watched her storm off. “She’s not coming. Let her cool off and think about what she did,” he said,
Anna walked over to Lionel and caught him staring at Stella. Her fist clenched, but she forced a smile. “C’mon, Lionel Let’s go.”
Lionel turned to nod at Anna, and they walked out
Henry caught up to Stella and tried to get her to see a doctor. When she refused, he ran to the pharmacy, came back with some ointment, and gently
dabbed it on her check
Henry sighed. “Your brother never should’ve slapped you in public like that. How’re you gonna show your face around here now!”
Stella eyed Henry. His over the top kindness creeped her out. “Alright, what’s your game with me?”
The blunt question threw him for a second, it showed all over his face. “I’m into you, just being real. But I’m no prize–two ex–wives, kids, way too old for
you
“Back when I had a crush on you, you were eighteen and I totally chickened out. Honestly? Part of me’s glad you went through all that crap, because it
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Chapter 36
made you finally notice me.
“But you’re back now. No use digging up old stuff. Just let me treat you right from here on
Stella stared at hon. Her usually hollow eyes locked onto Henry s. giving him chills.
“What’s up?” he asked cautiously.
Stella looked away.
Henry finished rubbing in the ointment. “Warna grab dinner? What’re you in the mood for?”
“I’ll pay,” Stella said flatly, not wanting to owe him.
“Nah, it’s fine,” Henry said, reaching for her hand. “We’re tying the knot soon. Who pays doesn’t matter.”
Stella pulled her hand back instinctively. Henry just smiled, brushing it off.
Stella paid anyway Henry’s liking for her grow even more obvious. He grinned. “You know what, Stella? Since I was a kid, no woman’s ever bought me dinner. Seriously happy right now. I swear I’ll treat you right.”
Stella didn’t want to hear it. She just murmured “goodbye” and headed home. Henry offered to drive her, but she said no
Henry, sharp as he was, sensed Stella wanted space and didn’t press her. He let her go back alone,
Stella didn’t hail a cab. Instead, she hopped on a bus, got off at her stop, and walked the rest of the way. She took it slow, but figured the exercise was good for her.
Martin said walking more–as long as she didn’t overdo it–could help her recover. She knew she’d never be fully better, but she aimed to get back on her
He’d also mentioned that with exercise and meds, other things might perk up too. Like her hair growing back thick and healthy.
Nobody could fix this for her. She had to keep pushing through alone.
When Stella finally reached home, she was beat and needed a breather. Right then, two cars pulled up.
From one car, Max rolled down his window and glared at her. “Listen up, Stella. You screwed up first today. As your brother, it’s my job to set you straight. If you spill any nonsense to Grandma–you’ve been warned.”
Stella blew him off. The car had sped over, so she figured Max was freaking out about her telling Eleanor.
ing him too. If she’d just owned up and apologized properly, he wouldn’t have hit her. But she kept being
Max got even madder. Slapping Stella had stung stubborn drove him nuts
Seeing Stella’s defiant face again, he lost it. Somehow, his tire kicked up a pebble that hit her right in the eye. The pain was blinding, freezing her for a second. Then the other car pulled in.
Stella thought she’d gone After resting up a bit, she decided to head upstairs/Turning around, she found Lionel right there in front of her. Their eyes locked, but Stella pretended not to see him and made for the stairs, only for Lionel to block her way. “Let me take a look at that eye,” he said, pulling her closer and cupping her check. His handsome face leaned in close.
blind. The agony felt endless, but once it eased, she knew her sight was okay.
That face had been that close way too many times, always getting her heart racing and cheeks burning. She’d always thought it was forever, never imagining he’d marry Anna.
Chapter 37
Chapter 37
