Chapter 5
Influenced by her mother, Stella had always held a deep passion for jewelry design and dreamed of carrying on her mother’s artistic legacy. So shortly after graduating, she co-founded a design company with a close friend from university.
Though it started small, the company began to thrive through their tireless efforts. However, just as it was preparing to go public, she made the decision to step back, choosing to devote herself entirely to her family. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on.net
Her sudden departure forced the company to cancel many deals that were based on her designs. They had to pay for broken contracts, and the IPO almost failed because of it.
Her former colleagues were angry and disappointed. Even though she still owned part of the company, most of them wanted nothing to do with her after that.
Over the years, aside from receiving dividend checks, she had been completely shut out of all company affairs. Even her once-sharp design skills had faded to a point that almost shamed her.
‘If I go back now, what could I even do?’ she wondered, a thread of self-doubt winding through her thoughts.
The exhibition always showcased the year’s newest designs, and every participating designer had solid experience and a strong professional background.
‘It has been so long since I was last involved. This exhibition is my best chance to catch up. I have to go.’ she thought.
A sudden ringtone startled her. She glanced at her phone. It was her daily reminder to start preparing dinner. Like Stella, Irene loved spicy food, but Stella seldom indulged Irene, worried that the young girl’s stomach couldn’t handle it.
Ernest also had a sensitive stomach, yet his work often required him to attend business meals. Whenever both he and Irene were not home for lunch, Stella would simply eat something on her own. But for breakfast and dinner, she always cooked herself, ensuring every meal was both nutritious and delicious.
At first, she had also missed spicy food, but over time, she seemed to have grown used to doing without it. However, just a few days ago, she overheard Irene complain, “Mom’s cooking is so bland. It’s no fun to eat. Ms. Jansen’s spicy buffalo wings are way more delicious.”
The truth was, she also thought spicy buffalo wings were delicious, but she hadn’t had any in almost ten years. She turned off the notification, deleted all her meal reminders, and ordered a portion spicy curry pasta. She ate it with tears in her eyes and a runny nose, savoring every bite.
That evening, Ernest came home with Irene. Irene was sulking, her lips pursed in a clear pout. “Why did we have to leave before the light show finished? It was just getting good.”
Ernest patiently explained, “Mom hasn’t fully recovered from her injuries yet. Once she’s completely better, I promise we’ll go back and watch the entire show, from beginning to end.”
“But what if Mom wants to come too?” Irene looked worried. ‘Every time Mom’s there, everything gets so awkward. She’s unhappy. Ms. Jansen’s unhappy. Nobody ends up happy. Why can’t our family be like the ones on TV? Then Dad can also marry Ms. Jansen and we all live together. Then I’d have Mom, Dad, and Ms. Jansen. That would be perfect.’
“Don’t worry, she won’t,” Ernest replied calmly. Over the years, Stella had always been compliant. When he insisted their marriage remain private, she never objected.
Beyond the occasional family dinner, Stella would even pretend not to recognize him if they crossed paths in public. ‘The light show isn’t a family occasion. She knows her place.’ Ernest felt sure of it.
“Okay then,” Irene agreed reluctantly, following Ernest inside. ‘Anyway, I’ve had enough spicy snacks these last two days. Now I really miss Mom’s oatmeal. The stuff Betty made last night wasn’t terrible, but next to Mom’s, it hardly even counted as food.’
Irene decided she was going to ask for her mom’s oatmeal. “Mom, I want…” she began, but her voice faltered as she realized her mom wasn’t waiting at the door to greet them as usual.
Ernest was also surprised. He glanced toward the kitchen and saw Betty hurrying out. The room behind Betty was silent and still. “Where’s Stella?” he asked.
“Mr. Lloyd, Mrs. Lloyd mentioned she’s started a new job and won’t be back for the next few days,” Betty replied. Ernest, however, doubted that Stella was actually capable of holding down a job.
“Does that mean I won’t get to eat Mom’s oatmeal anymore?” Irene’s face fell. ‘Betty’s oatmeal isn’t nearly as good. And why does Mom even need a job? Dad gives her plenty of money. Is she really that ungrateful?’
Ernest accepted the news quickly. ‘She must have gotten bored at home and decided to find something to do.’ Since the servants managed all the household affairs, it actually made no difference to him whether Stella stayed, worked, or left.
Betty watched as Ernest and Irene changed their shoes and entered. After hesitating for a moment, she brought out the jewelry box Stella had given her earlier. “Mr. Lloyd, Mrs. Lloyd left this for me before she left.”
‘Mrs. Lloyd loved this necklace and always said it was special. When I helped fix it, she was so happy that she gave me a whole extra month’s pay and so many gifts. But now she just left it to me.’ Betty felt a pang of sadness.
“Dad, Mom’s wasting money again!” Irene said suddenly. Betty stared in shock, unable to believe what she had just heard. She opened her mouth to explain, but Ernest waved her off.
“If she gave it to you, then keep it. She’s probably tired of it after all this time. She can always buy another one if she finds something she likes later. Let’s eat.” Ernest said flatly.
“But this is—” Before Betty could finish, Ernest’s phone rang. ‘This is one of a kind. Mrs. Lloyd designed it herself. You can’t find anything like it out there,’ Betty continued the unfinished sentence silently.
“Hello, Sylvia,” he answered. Irene’s eyes lit up instantly. She tugged at Ernest’s hand, urging him to bend down. “Ms. Jansen filmed the light show just for you. She even got your favorite spicy buffalo wings. You can have them when you see her next time.”
“Can we go now?” Irene urged, shaking his hand restlessly. “Please, Dad. Mom isn’t even home. If we go back now, we can still make it in time for the light show.”
Ernest was no match for his daughter’s pleading. Over the phone, a woman’s voice chattered cheerfully. Ernest finally gave in. “Alright, we’ll go now.” He scooped Irene up and headed out.
Betty stood frozen, watching them leave. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but no words came out. In the end, she simply lowered her gaze, the unspoken words fading into silence as the door closed behind them.
Stella, unaware of Betty’s inner turmoil, had spent the entire night at her easel, pushing herself until she finally produced a design she was satisfied with.
After some hesitation, she submitted her work to Lumière Group, the very company she had once co-founded and where her talent had once shone.