Chapter 40
Chapter 40
The question dropped like a bomb, making everyone turn to look at Sylvia.
Sylvia had braced herself for Stella to badmouth her, but instead, Stella simply said, “This is the lady here to observe Irene’s parent-child activity.”
Sylvia couldn’t help but glance at Stella, surprised by how brief her response had been.
But Stella didn’t even look at her. After speaking, she walked toward the break area where Linda had pointed out Irene’s class.
This time, Ernest was a bit surprised. He watched Stella’s back thoughtfully, his gaze lingering.
Irene, not understanding the adult drama, was just happy that Sylvia was staying. She even hoped Sylvia could join the games too.
Being part of the whole thing was a totally different vibe from just watching-plus, Irene’s mom and dad were already there. Linda didn’t give it a second thought. She just smiled and led everyone toward the break area.
Before long, everyone had gathered, and the school staff gave the usual opening speech. Then the games officially began.
The first event was a special three-person, two-legged race.
The rules were simple: each team of three lined up behind the starting line with their ankles tied together with a rope. Once the signal was given, they had to race toward the finish line. The team that crossed first would win.
Since it was all kids, who were super energetic and a bit wild, they had a full half-hour to get ready.
This was exactly why Stella thought it would be such a waste of her whole day. With such long preparation times for each game, by the time a few were done, it would be dark.
“Dad!” Irene called out as she ran back with the rope the teacher handed out. “Can you tie this for me?” she asked, waving the rope at him.
Ernest didn’t move. He just glanced at Stella. His look was clear-he expected her to do it.
Makes sense,’ Stella though. ‘A guy like him would never stoop down and tie anyone’s ankle with a rope. That’s just not his style. Even if one of them is his own daughter, and the other is his wife.
Seeing her stand there, unmoving, Ernest paused for a moment, then crouched down and began tying the rope around his and Irene’s ankles, followed by his and Stella’s.
Stella was stunned, almost in disbelief. Ernest, who had always been so distant, was now kneeling before her and touching her feet with hands that had never even come close to hers before.
Even when Ernest finished, Stella just sat there, still in shock, trying to process what had just happened.
“Mom!” Irene’s frustrated voice snapped Stella out of her daze.
“Huh? What’s up?” Stella instinctively replied.
Irene frowned harder. She was about to say something when Ernest unexpectedly cut in. “The race is about to start. We should head to the starting line,” he said. Get full chapters from.net
His voice was as cool as ever, but Stella caught a hint of softness there. It wasn’t much, but compared to the icy attitude he’d
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Chapter 40
had toward her for the past seven years, it stood out. But compared to how he treated Sylvia, it was nothing.
“Let’s go, Ernest said.
Stella didn’t think much of it and instinctively started walking toward the starting line, forgetting her ankle was still tied to
Ernest’s.
She lost her balance and almost fell, but Ernest quickly caught her around the waist, keeping her steady. “You okay?” Ernest asked.
That concern left Stella even more confused. And then, on top of that, he actually helped her.
Everything that had been happening felt so out of the ordinary that it was starting to break apart Stella’s understanding of things.
She didn’t reply to him or even think to move out of his embrace-she was just stuck there, completely dazed.
The gym was crowded, and the lights above them shined down like spotlights, making it feel almost cinematic, drawing the attention of many.
“Wait, isn’t that Mr. Lloyd? Looks like he’s holding a woman-probably his wife. They’re giving off such couple vibes,” someone whispered, clearly excited.
“See that? Even a bigshot like Mr. Lloyd is all about treating his wife like a queen in public. You better step up your game if you want to keep me happy,” another teased, nudging their own spouse.
“I’m so jealous. Rich, gorgeous, and crazy good to his wife-why didn’t a guy like that pick me?” someone else groaned, exaggerating their envy.
“For real! My husband hasn’t so much as glanced at me in, like, forever. And now he can’t even bother to show up for his own daughter’s school event,” another woman complained, rolling her eyes.
As the crowd gossiped and showered praise, Sylvia, lounging in the break area, caught every word. The words stung. Her eyes narrowed as she shot Stella a cold look.
“A fun new twist,” Sylvia muttered, her eyes full of spite. “Sure, she might catch his attention now, but if she can’t keep his heart, what’s the point?”
Over on Stella’s side, she snapped out of her thoughts and quickly moved away from Ernest’s arms, adjusting her clothes. She looked at him, her expression complicated. “Thanks.”
It wasn’t the way a wife would speak, and it wasn’t the clingy way she used to act around him.
Ernest didn’t think much of it. He just smiled slightly. “No big deal. I just wanted Irene to be able to race later.”
Now it made sense. If Stella had fallen, they would have been one teammate short, and Irene wouldn’t have been able to compete.
Stella nodded. “Got it.”
“Mom, why are you always so clumsy?” Irene groaned, sounding completely exasperated.
Stella barely had time to catch her breath before Irene started up again. “Don’t you realize? If you fall and get hurt, I won’t be able to join the race. And then how am I supposed to get first place?”
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Stella thought Irene just wanted to win for herself, but Irene surprised her when she added, “If I don’t get first, I can’t keep my promise to Ms. Jansen. I promised I’d give her the champion medal.”
Those words made Stella’s already chilled heart turn even colder.
So, my getting hurt doesn’t matter, but winning the medal for Sylvia is the most important thing?’ Stella thought, her head spinning. ‘How pathetic.
Stella gave a short, hollow laugh. Suddenly, all the fun seemed to disappear from the games. They just felt silly and pointless
now.
“Mom!” Getting no answer, Irene grabbed her by the arm and said, “Why are you just zoning out? If I don’t win first place, 1…”
“And what exactly are you going to do?” Stella asked, lowering her gaze, her tone quiet but stern. The light behind her cast a shadow over her face, and the intensity in her eyes made Irene instinctively shrink back.
Irene fumbled over her words, the bravado draining out of her. In the end, she just mumbled, “I’d probably be really upset.” her voice barely above a whisper.
Stella fixed her gaze on Irene and asked, “So, it’s you who wants the medal?”
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AB
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