Chapter 34
Stella fixed her gaze on Emily.
Emily squirmed under Stella’s piercing gaze, her face a mix of guilt and confusion. “Stella, w why are you staring at me like that? D–Did I say something
wrong?”
Stella looked at Emily and said, “I always knew money makes the world truly disappointed me.”
go round, but I never thought I’d see it happen so close to home. Emily, you’ve
Emily tried to explain, “Stella, it’s not what you think. I came to you because is two could get along, we could all still be friends. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
Stella turned her back in silence.
Emily hurried after her. “Stella, I truly believe you’ve got Anna all wrong i
sincerely hope you can calm down and be close sisters with Anna. If you
many
“We’ve been practically inseparable for the past three years, and I’ve really gotte
ways. She really cares about you as her sister.
to know her. I’m your childhood best friend. I’d never hurt you.”
Before Emily could finish, Stella fixed her with an icy stare. “Emily,” she said cold.
“we’re done as friends. Now, please get out of my room.”
Emily was stunned. Then her face twisted in anger as she snapped, “Stella, you’re always like this, judging others as you want. Did you really think I ever wanted to be your friend?
“You know what? I’ve always hated you. The only reason I stayed by your side was because…” Emily suddenly stopped, her face freezing as she realized she’d said something wrong.
Stella merely cast her a cold glance and remained silent.
Emily shot Stella one last look, then turned and stormed out. Moments later, the sound of her choked sobs drifted in from the hallway.
Anna pushed open the door. “Stella, what did you do to Emily? Why is she crying?”
Emily’s crying also caught the attention of Andrew and Fiona downstairs, and they immediately rushed upstairs.
“Stella, what have you done? Emily came all this way to see you. How could you make her
cry?” Fiona demanded.
Andrew pointed a finger at her. “Stella, you’ve truly disappointed me! We’ve coddled and pampered you all this time. Was that not enough? Do you have to bring down the whole family before you’re satisfied?”
Max’s accusations also came crashing down, leaving Stella gasping for air. Without a word, she slammed the door shut.
As their fists pounded on the door, Stella instantly locked it and pressed herself against the wall, her head spinning.
Emily wasn’t crying anymore, but she was still sniffling. “Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, Max, thank you. Please don’t blame Stella. It’s only natural for her to be upset with me. We’ll make up in a few days. I’m sure of it.”
Fiona said, “Oh, you’re such a sensible girl, Emily. It’s all Stella’s fault for making you upset. Don’t be sad anymore.”
“It’s getting late, Mr. and Mrs. Hayes. I should probably head off now,” Emily finally said.
Anna offered, “Emily, let Max drive you home.”
Emily said shyly, “Oh, I couldn’t possibly trouble Max like that.”
“Let’s just go,” Max said,
apter 34
Gradually, silence fell outside.
Stella sank to the floor, her body wracked with excruciating pain, but none of it compared to the agony in her heart.
Stella thought bitterly, ‘My parents never loved me. Fine. But why did even Emily, my childhood best friend, betray me, too? Am I really that terrible?”
Stella ended up sleeping on the floor all night. Strangely enough, she slept soundly.
She woke to the sound of voices already coming from outside.
Now so gaunt and light–footed, Stella emerged without the four of them even noticing her.
