Chapter 4
1189 Words
"Alright kids, can you please tell me what she’s feeling?" I cheerfully asked while showing them a flashcard of a cartoon girl. She looked sad.
“Sad!” they all answered in unison, matching my cheerfulness. I clapped and held up the next card.
“Happy!”
They quickly echoed, “Happy!” After an hour of practicing emotions, I finally dismissed them for recess.
I took out my sandwich, but before I could take a second bite, my phone rang. My heart flipped when I saw the caller—Winston.
“Hey, lovely. How are you?” His warm voice filled my ear.
“I’m on my break… eating a sandwich. And you?” I tried to sound casual, even though I was silently wiping away my nervousness.
“That’s good to hear. Are we having a dinner date later?”
“Yeah, sure.”
“Great. Let’s go to my favorite steakhouse. I’ll pick you up later. Please send me your address—and dress warmly, it’s cold.”
I nodded even though he couldn’t see me. I never expected him to be this thoughtful. He didn’t really need to remind me what to wear, but maybe this is normal. We’re still getting to know each other, after all.
“Yeah, I will. Take care,” I said before ending the call.
I had barely taken another bite when Brody, one of my students, walked over and pointed at my face.
“Happy!” he giggled.
I laughed. “Yes, Brody. Teacher Stella is happy right now. Very good!” I high-fived him. Since we were learning emotions today, I was glad they were paying attention and observing well.
When class ended, I packed my things and headed to the faculty room. My co-teachers greeted me as I sat at my desk.
“Ma’am Stella, I saw what happened in the gym yesterday,” Mariela teased.
I immediately blushed.
“I saw it too! I didn’t know you were dating someone who looks like a young Johnny Depp!” Anna added dramatically.
“We’re… just a new couple,” I muttered shyly. They squealed and teased me a bit longer before I decided to head home. I texted Winston my address.
I was applying lip gloss when my phone rang. Expecting Winston, I picked it up—but it was my father. I froze for a few seconds before finally answering.
“Dad.”
“Why aren’t you spending the money I send you every month, Stella?”
I sighed deeply. “Dad, I’m working now. I earn my own money. You should keep it, or… maybe give it to Mom.”
Even though I knew reconciliation was impossible, I still tried to bridge them ever since I was a child. A part of me still hopes—no matter how small—that one day they’ll treat each other better.
“Your mother doesn’t deserve a single penny. She wastes everything on stupid alcohol.”
A sting formed in my chest, but I quickly forced it down. I refused to let my mood darken tonight—not when I was supposed to have a wonderful evening with Winston.
“Dad, I need to go. I have a meeting soon.”
I put on my gray coat and grabbed my bag just as the doorbell rang. When I opened the door, there he was—Winston—wearing a black coat that made him look even more composed and undeniably attractive.
“Hey. You look lovely as ever,” he said, planting a kiss on my forehead. My heart began to race again. “Were you on the phone with someone?”
“Yeah… my dad called,” I replied, checking my phone. I even missed one of Winston’s calls.
He gave me a small smile and gently took my hand. “Oh, really? Do you want me to carry your bag?”
“No, it’s fine. Thank you.”
He opened the car door for me before sliding into the driver’s seat.
“Are you close with your parents?” he asked while driving.
I gave a bitter smile. “No. I grew up in a household where love didn’t exist. My parents were an arranged marriage.” Just saying it made my heart feel heavy.
He glanced at me briefly before returning his focus to the road. Then he reached for my hand—warm, firm, reassuring. The sadness that lingered on my chest slowly melted into that familiar, overwhelming rush. His voice, his touch, even his presence… everything had such a strong effect on me. Maybe this really is how falling in love feels—good and overwhelming all at once.
“I guess we’re meant for each other,” he said softly, with a hint of bitterness. “Growing up, I watched my parents fight all the time. I still don’t know why they even got married.”
I smiled weakly. “At least they were fighting. That means they still cared enough to react. Mine didn’t even look at each other.”
“I promise our future family won’t be like that, Stella,” he said—so sure, as if he could already see a future with me. My heart fluttered at his words.
—
“How was your dinner?” he asked as we finished eating.
“It was delicious. Thank you, Winston,” I said sincerely.
He just shrugged and reached into his pocket before standing up. My brows furrowed as he walked toward me.
“You don’t need to thank me. You deserve everything, my lovely Stella.” He presented a red velvet box.
“A gift? Again?” I whispered. “I’m starting to feel shy. You’ve given me so much already… and I haven’t given you anything yet.”
He knelt down, gently tucking a few strands of my hair behind my ear. “I don’t need anything. I only need you.”
My breath caught as he motioned for me to open the box. Inside was a white gold necklace—a butterfly pendant with diamond-studded wings that sparkled under the lights.
“It’s beautiful… but I can’t accept something this expensive,” I said softly, overwhelmed.
Winston carefully took the necklace from the box and fastened it around my neck. I gathered my hair to the side so he could clasp it properly.
My heart was pounding so hard I felt almost dizzy. My palms were sweating, and my whole body trembled—not from fear, but from sheer emotion. I had never been loved like this. I grew up in a home where love didn’t exist, so this feeling—the warmth, the attention, the care—felt foreign. Beautiful. Overwhelming. New.
“Winston…” I whispered, eyes stinging.
He gently caressed my hair and smiled warmly. “You deserve everything, Stella. Let me show you how you should be treated. You’re precious.”
What did I ever do to deserve this?
Maybe saying yes to him really was the right decision.
Maybe… this is the beginning of the happiness I never had.
- Writer
