EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL

LOVE SPEAKS

Jeff arrived home, sinking onto one of his couches in the sitting room. The entire drama from the hotel replayed in his mind. He regretted every moment of his pointless questioning. How could he have been so foolish and naive to ask her those questions at such an inappropriate time? He questioned himself rhetorically.

For the fact that he has fallen in love with Stella is the major reason why he couldn't stop feeling guilty

As the light faded, Jeff managed to retire to his bed for some sleep. Meanwhile, in her room, Stella soliloquizes about Jeff's audacity. Was it because of his father's status as a senator? What nonsense. To Stella, Jeff's questioning was annoying and unreasonable. However, she couldn't completely condemn him because of the significant amount of money he had sent her and the influence of his high-class connections. She knew she had to tread carefully, especially considering Senator Bernard's power and influence.

Even though Jeff had offended her, Stella also blamed herself for her misfortune. "Just look at me," she continued, "I was hoping to develop romantic feelings for someone, and now everything's ruined. Why shouldn't I believe I'm cursed?" She lamented, blaming herself for the awkward encounter with Jeff.

It was Sunday morning, and Jeff, just waking up from sleep, wore a troubled expression. One might say he had woken up on the wrong side of the bed. However, the opposite was true. He couldn't shake thoughts of Stella, the tall, fair lady with a gap-toothed smile he had met at the hotel the night before. Lost in fantasies about her, luck suddenly favored him.

Remembering that Stella had given him her contact, he dashed to his wardrobe in search of the trousers he had worn last night.

A smile illuminated his face as he found the paper. Without hesitation, he quickly dialed her number.

Stella, good morning, it's Jeff from the hotel yesterday."

"Okay, Jeff, what can I do for you?" Stella replied, feigning indifference.

"I called to apologize for my silly and annoying questions. I know I offended you," Jeff said, but Stella hung up while he was still talking.

"She hung up on me? This girl's got some nerve," Jeff muttered to himself. He tried calling her again, but her phone was switched off.

"This is serious," Jeff lamented, sinking into self-pity. "What should I do now?" He asked himself, not expecting an answer.

Obviously, I have to go see her later in the evening, but I should text her first," Jeff reasoned to himself as he began composing a message to Stella, informing her of his visit and pleading for her not to run away again.

Stella, on the other hand, felt relieved after receiving a call from Jeff. She had been anticipating his call, hoping he would feel remorse after she deliberately walked away from him. Stella found herself in a happy mood, almost feeling fulfilled.

Later in the day, Jeff was seen dressing up in his jeans, white polo, and denim jacket, with white sneakers on his feet. He took his time to dress well, ensuring he looked captivating in order to win Stella over.

His black GLA Mercedes Benz was ready for the journey. After a few minutes, Jeff finished getting ready and headed to the hotel to see Stella.

Stella, who had been eager to see him, quickly changed her mood upon Jeff's arrival, not wanting him to perceive her as cheap. "Hello, beautiful," Jeff greeted, but Stella offered him a stunned look before inviting him to sit down.

Jeff's heart raced as he spoke. "I'm not going to pretend as if nothing happened. I'll just go straight to the point. I'm really sorry for bothering you with my reckless questions. I realize now that I made you relive painful memories, and you were understandably upset with me. If only you could see into my heart, you'd see how sincerely sorry I am. I'm here to apologize and beg for your forgiveness."

Stella listened intently to every word Jeff spoke, unable to stop admiring him despite her inner turmoil.

"I should forgive you? Do you even realize how you made me feel?" she questioned, her voice laced with emotion. "And why do you need me so desperately?"

"Because I love you," Jeff answered, his words sincere but lacking consideration for their impact.

"You love me?" Stella repeated, incredulous. "That's a big word, you know. Besides, how could you love someone like me?" She gestured towards herself, indicating her self-perceived unworthiness. "Especially considering your social class and family background..."

Stella was still speaking when Jeff interjected, protesting her assumptions

Jeff spoke with understanding, acknowledging Stella's circumstances and expressing his belief in her potential for a better life. Stella, overwhelmed with emotion, allowed her tears to flow freely. Touched by compassion, Jeff embraced her and reassured her that everything would be alright, to which Stella nodded in agreement.

Feeling the weight of his emotions, Jeff couldn't wait any longer to express his feelings for Stella. After gazing at her for a moment, Stella jokingly remarked on his intense stare, bringing Jeff back to reality. Despite his nerves, Jeff gathered his courage and confessed his love for Stella, expressing his admiration and desire to make their relationship work.

Stella, feeling confused and scared, struggled to find the right words to respond. "You love me, so what am I supposed to say?" she asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.

Just say yes to me, and I promise you that in a few months from now, I will make you my wife," Jeff urged earnestly.

Stella couldn't help but burst into laughter at the mention of becoming a wife. "Well, it's not bad to love, neither is it a crime to start something new, but only on one condition will I say yes," she replied.

Anxious to hear the condition, Jeff urged, "Please tell me what condition."

Stella's expression turned serious. "You must promise me that you will not use my past against me," she stated firmly.

Confused, Jeff asked for clarification. "How? I don't understand. Please, what do you mean?"

Stella clarified, "I mean that just because you met me doing this kind of job at the hotel, you must not use it against me later in our relationship."

Realizing her meaning, Jeff quickly defended himself. "Oh, now I understand. I cannot do that, okay? Believe me on this one; I will never use your past against you."

"Okay, then," Stella agreed, and they embraced. Jeff offered a kiss, and Stella quickly returned it, sealing their agreement.