Chapter 26
“Stella, for the hundredth time, I’ve explained it. Rachel and I aren’t what you’re imagining. Can we drop this constant suspicion?“)
Stella responded with a cold detachment. “Whatever your relationship with Rachel is doesn’t concem me anymore. I’ve signed the divorce papers When can we finalize this?
“Divorce?” Haynes let out a dry, sardonic chuckle Stella, you’ve been a stay at home mom for five years. Without our marriage, what will you do? You might not even make ends meet on your own.”
“And as for Keen, you’re not getting custody. Even if it goes to court, you stand no chance with no job or income. A clever woman knows when to quit while she’s ahead. Push too hard, and it’ll backfire.”
Stella felt a chill settle in her bones. All her years of dedication had become her Achilles‘ heel, a bargaining chip for others to manipulate Even Keen, whom she had raised since he was a baby, seemed resentful toward her
What a failure she had been.
Looking Haynes straight in the eye, Stella said, “No job, no income? Before Keen was born, I had a respectable job with a decent salary.”
“You all insisted I quit, saying you couldn’t trust strangers to care for Keen.”
Haynes frowned. “And what did that salary amount to? Better to focus on Keen at home.”
Stella clenched her fists. “True. I might not have Mr. O’Brien’s knack for making a fortune. But I can earn enough to support myself!“? “At least then, I wouldn’t have to endure your family’s jabs about being a parasite. Or your friends mocking me for being a housewife living off you!“2
How pitiful it was! She had sacrificed so much for her family and child, only to be looked down upon.
Haynes brow furrowed deeper. “Stella, why do you care so much about what people think? Besides, Jasper meant no harm.
No harm? Rachel’s malice was a serpent coiled beneath silk, subtle and venomous. Jasper’s, on the other hand, was a blade unsheathed, glinting in the open. Yet Haynes dared to call him harmless. Was he blind–or willfully so?
I
Stella suddenly smiled. “If you’re so noble, why do you care what I say to Rachel? Besides, I meant no harm to Ms. Pearce, Mr. O’Brien. I was joking with her.”
The expression on Haynes‘ face slowly faded. “Stella, do you have to keep pushing things this far?”
When pain hits a certain threshold, maybe one would go numb. Words that once cut to the core now seemed less piercing.
Stella’s eyes were unwavering “Haynes, this divorce is happening. I’m sure of it!”
Haynes seemed momentarily stunned but soon regained his composure. “Remember what you’ve said today. Don’t come back begging.” Stella let out a cold laugh. “Rest assured, Mr. O’Brien. That day will never come.”
Haynes looked at her, his voice calm yet icy. “Mrs. O’Brien, you should know better than to burn bridges. It’s always wise to leave a path open.“%
Stella met his gaze, a small smile on her lips. “You’re right, but you’ll never be that path for me.”
