Chapter 20
Chapter 20
Irene couldn’t think of any other reason her mom would be acting so strange.
And when Stella nodded without even trying to hide it, Irene completely lost it.
55 vouchera
“Mommy, why can’t you just be reasonable? Why do you always need me and Daddy’s attention all the time? Aunt Sylvia is so nice–why can’t you just get along with her?”
Each question was more ridiculous than the last.
Stella almost laughed–a dry, humorless sound. She didn’t even feel like responding. “Are you coming or not?” she asked flatly.
When Irene found out that Ernest had left in the middle of the night–again–to see Sylvia, she felt like her world was ending.
She wanted to go too, but how? She couldn’t exactly hail a cab by herself, let alone travel halfway across the city.
So she had no choice but to ask her mom for a ride.
She even thought she was being clever by not telling Stella the real destination–just asking to be dropped off “near the amusement park,” claiming her dad would pick her up.
time cal
Look how carefully she’d planned it all–just to spend time with her precious Sylvia.
If Stella hadn’t already known the truth, she migh
actually believed her.
“Moms are the worst,” Irene muttered under her breath, though she made sure not to say it too loudly–she still needed that ride. “Sylvia is way better.”
Stella heard every word. She thought it, might hurt–or at least bother her a little.
But she felt nothing. Her heart had gone numb a long time.
ago.
Downstairs, the living room was empty except for the butler and a few staff members preparing breakfast.
When he saw them, the butler approached promptly. “Will the Miss Irene and madam be leaving now?”
“Yes,” Stella replied. “Thank you for your help these past few days.” ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ.net
“It is my duty to serve the family, madam,” he said with a gentle smile. Then he added, “Shall I inform Mr. Lloyd?”
He meant Sebastian Lloyd.
“No need, I already know.”
Before Stella could refuse–not wanting to disturb the old man’s rest–a steady, authoritative voice came from above.
Stella turned in surprise. Sebastian was slowly descending the staircase, his cane tapping firmly against the wooden steps. There was an unspoken weight in his presence.
“Stella, sweetheart,” Sebastian’s voice was gravelly but firm. “Level with me. Did someone in this house upset you? Is that why you’re in such a hurry to leave? ”
1/3
3:26 pm P PPP
Chapter 20
He’d been a soldier. He knew how to command a room just by standing in it.
“You tell me who it was. Even if it’s that hard–headed grandson of mine, I’ll make sure he answers to me.
50 vouchers
“Grandpa, don’t worry,” Stella said softly, guiding him to his chair. “No one’s bothering me. I’m just giving Irene a ride.
“Morning, Great–Grandpa!” Irene chirped, popping her head out.
Grandpa gave her a warm smile, but his eyes quickly returned to Stella. He sounded almost unsure. “Stella, after you drop her off… will you come back?”
Stella didn’t answer.
What was there to come back to? She was done. Why stick around where she wasn’t wanted?
The old man sighed. He could read her like a book.
He was running out of time. All he wanted was to see Ernest and Stella happy. Was that too much to ask?
But nothing worked–not yelling, not guilt, not even threats. He was out of moves.
“Alright, go on,” he said, his shoulders slumping. The energy seemed to drain right out of him. “If you ever miss this old man, you call me, hear? I’ll come find you.”
If this family hurt her, she shouldn’t have to come back. He got it.
“I will, Grandpa,” Stella said, her throat tight.
She didn’t trust herself to say more. She took Irene’s hand and walked out without looking back.
If she stayed any longer, she’d cave–and she couldn’t afford to.
“Sir,” the butler began gently, “if you want the young madam to stay longer, we could-”
“Let it be,” Sebastian cut him off, waving a tired hand. “Some people don’t know what they have until it’s gone. You can’t force someone to stay.” He sighed. “I’m old. I don’t have the fight left. Just let me help that girl while I still can.”
“Yes, sir.”
The room fell quiet. Sebastian sat alone on the sofa, watching as the two figures–mother and daughter–faded into the morning light outside.
Finally, he let out a soft, weary sigh.
“Mom, you can stop here.”
The outline of the amusement park had appeared in the distance. Irene, leaning against the car window, turned and called out to her.
“Okay.” Stella slowly pulled over to the side of the road and helped unbuckle her seatbelt, but made no move to leave.
“Mom, aren’t you going?” The little girl frowned. Was Mom trying to ruin her day with Sylvia?
“I’ll leave once your dad gets here.”
2/3
Chapter 20
Stella didn’t want to stay either, but as a mother, she couldn’t just leave Irene here alone.
At least not until Ernest arrived.
But that only made Irene more convinced–Mom was definitely trying to sabotage her day with Sylvia.
“Mom, can’t you just take a hint? Even if you’re trying to get Daddy’s attention, this isn’t the time.
Her soft, childish voice held no innocence–only sharp, piercing words.
You already know how much I was looking forward to today with Aunt Sylvia. How could you be so mean and try to ruin it?”
“You… what did you say?”
Stella was stunned. Even after hearing her daughter’s hurtful words so many times, it still felt like a knife to the heart
“So in your eyes, me staying here is just to get your dad’s attention?”
“Isn’t it?” Irene shot back, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Mom always cared most about Dad. Even when Dad ignored her, she’d still cling to him. She’d even been mean to Sylvia just to get his attention.
Just thinking about it made Irene angry.
Stella opened her mouth, wanting to explain–but no words came out.
What could she say?
That she was worried about her safety?
Yes, that was the truth.
But faced with Irene’s thought of “I know exactly what you’re up to“, Stella’s throat tightened. She couldn’t get a single word
out.
Whatever. Let her think what she wants.
3/3