Chapter 39
When Lionel emerged, Eleanor and the others rushed over.
“How’s Stella” Eleanor asked as she trembled so violently that Mary had to brace her.
Lionel removed his surgical mask and looked at them calmly. “Weak but stable, She’ll need several days‘ recovery here before discharga
“Thank goodness,” Eleanor breathed in relief, reassured by the news.
“Che’s in her ward. You may see her now”
“Thank you, Lionel,” Eleanor said earnestly
Lionel gave a cont nod and walked away–eyes never touching Anna.
Anna could sense that something had changed with Lionel.
On the surface, he seemed the same as ever since Stella had come back. But where he used to flash Anna a quick grin before leaving, now he didn’t even spare her a glance,
Eleanor entered the ward first. The room’s comfort eased her tension. “Stella, I’m here,” she whispered.
Stella stirred awake. She stared at Eleanor and tried rising, but dizziness hit her and slammed her back down. She almost fell on the floor.
Eleanor lunged to steady her. “Don’t move, sweetheart.”
“Grandma” Stella’s voice rasped, face contorted with pain.
Tears flooded Eleanor’s eyes. “Thad no idea, I never would’ve let this happen if I know.”
Mary handed Eleanor a tissue as Stella reached for Eleanor’s tears. “My fault, Ms. Hayes, I shouldn’t have burdened Mrs. Hayes with your struggles. I’ve
only made things worse,” Mary said.
Stella shook her head. “It’s okay, Mary. You cared. That’s what matters
Mary’s heart cracked. Decades serving this house, she’d watched Andrew and Fiona lavish Anna with love while grinding Stella to dust.
She was merely a maid. She tried to help, but every attempt only backfired. Now, grief sat heavy on her tongue.
“Andrew,” Eleanor snapped, “get over here.”
Andrew approached with a grim expression.
“Apologize to Stella. Now!”
“Apologize? To her?” Andrew looked at Eleanor in disbelief
“Mary spelled it out plain as day. Stella stayed silent this whole time, but you,” Eleanor said, “you tore into her like some rabid beast. Now apologize”
“I’m her father” Andrew protested. “I have the right to discipline her. I won’t apologize.”
“But mistakes demand apologies. Even from parents. It’s your fault this time.”
“Never.” His pride was a fortress. Even if he knew he was wrong, he would never say sorry.
Eleanor suddenly beat him, and he dodged in disbelief, “Mom? Have you lost your mind?”
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Chapter 39
You show zero remorse for breaking your daughter. Do what I say
“She started this. She stole stuff and got Max heat up!” Andrew snapped. “It’s all her fault, so I beat her
Eleanor laughed bitterly. “Stella? Staal Decause the survived Dusty Pines? Because she had a tough time All prejudice. How ridiculous you Ex, Andrexi
“Listen, she’s here for me, if she wanted revenge? You pained it. Years of cruelty without a single apology, yet you stander her and always play the father card. You’ve thaned me
“Mom,” Andrew murmured, hurt by her harsh words.
Eleanor’s voice dropped to ice. “Either apologize or get out Stella won’t see you again.”
“I’ll stay and look after Stella, Fiona offered, stepping forward.
Suddenly, Anna collapsed dramatically to the flour and made a loud sound.
“Annal” Fiona shricked. “We are out too long. She’s overexerted. Andrew, drive us home now.”
Andrew freaked out and scooped Anna up, cooing reassurance. “Anna, hold on. We’ll get you home quick.”
Max followed. The room fell silent.
Stella watched them leave, face calm but jaw tight. Eleanor witnessed everything, heart heavy.
She squeezed Stella’s hand. “I know how often they do this. They’re blind. Don’t be sad. Even if they won’t love you, I do.”
Stella didn’t want to bum out Eleanor. She forced a smile. “It’s fine, I don’t care.“”
“How does Anna’s fainting act always work? She’s tougher than they think,” Eleanor muttered.
“Could it be just another excuse to abandon me? The thought hollowed Stella’s chest
“Mary, it’s late. Take Grandma home,” Stella urged.
“I’m staying,” Eleanor insisted, heading to the couch,
Mary looked stressed. Stella soothed, “Grandma, head home, please. The hospital’s grim, Nurses can help me?”
“And leave you feeling unwanted?” Eleanor asked.
Stella hesitated. The hospital felt freer than home, but also lonely. Yet, seeing Eleanor exhaust herself hurt.
“I’m really fine, Grandma. Send a nurse and head home, okay?” Stella tried weakly
Eleanor hadn’t budged. Stella shot Mary a silent pleading look
Then Mary intervened “Mrs. Hayes, I’ll stay. You hovering stresses her
Eleanor relented. “Fine, you stay. I’m heading back,
“Both of you, go home,” Stella interjected. “If there’s trouble, I’ll call Lionel’s on duty tonight, Don’t worry
Eleanor knew Stella might want to leave the hospital if she kept pushing. “Alright, go ask Lionel to keep an extra eye on you,” she said
a bunch of warm reminders before heading out, feeling kinda reluctant.
The door clicked shut. Silence swallowed the room. Alone, Stella Temembered Andrew’s merciless blows and how he’d shattered their bond.
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