This is about her
1161 Words
Caroline hadn't forgotten Stella's defiant talk earlier in the day, and as soon as Nathan entered his study, she followed him in, her expression stormy.
"Nathan, what's wrong with Stella? She even said she wanted a divorce. Has she lost her mind?" Caroline demanded, crossing her arms.
The mention of divorce only heightened Nathan's irritation. He'd messaged Stella earlier, but his texts had gone ignored—a first in their three years of marriage. He was as baffled as his mother about this sudden change in her behavior. He, too, wanted to know if she was serious or simply being irrational.
When Nathan didn't respond right away, Caroline continued her tirade, "Well, after this Parker family event, you may as well go through with the divorce. It's been three years, and she hasn't even given you a child. What good is a wife like that?"
"Mom," Nathan said with a hint of impatience, "please, stay out of things between Stella and me."
Caroline scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Oh, do you think I want to meddle? You're 26 already, and look at Victoria's son—he has two children! It's time you started thinking about your future."
"I know, Mom. I still have work to do," Nathan said firmly, hoping to send her off. Once his mother left, he rubbed his forehead, but just as he settled back in, there was another knock.
Eleanor poked her head in, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Hey, busy?" she asked, stepping inside before he could answer.
Nathan sighed. "A bit. What's up?"
Eleanor glanced around, then asked with a touch of excitement, "Where's Stella?" She'd seen the stir her social media post caused and was relishing the thought of riling Stella up. After all, Eleanor had always preferred Grace as her brother's mate, and with Grace back in town, she saw Stella as little more than an obstacle.
"Hospital," Nathan replied, his tone short. Why did everyone feel the need to interrogate him about Stella?
"Oh!" Eleanor replied, feigning surprise. "You know, Brother, now that Grace is back, don't you think it's time you considered divorcing Stella?"
Nathan frowned, his tone sharp. "That's enough, Eleanor. I know you're fond of Grace, but don't go stirring things up with idle talk." Divorce? The thought hadn't even crossed his mind before Stella had brought it up. Even with Grace's return, he hadn't seriously considered ending his marriage. He had loved Grace once, but if he was honest with himself, Stella was the one who had proven dependable. Grace had always needed care and attention, while Stella had been quietly devoted.
"Alright, alright," Eleanor replied, her tone laced with mock obedience. But as she left, she couldn't help but feel a little pleased. Even if she hadn't convinced him today, she knew the idea was now in his head.
After Eleanor left, Nathan glanced at his phone and pressed Stella's contact again. Ordinarily, she'd pick up by the third ring, but this time, the call went unanswered. He couldn't help but wonder if she had hung up on him intentionally.
......
In her hospital room, Stella had just finished eating when she saw Nathan's name flash across her phone screen. She pressed the hang-up button without a second thought. The doctor had warned her that her estrus period was taking a toll on her body, and her mood needed to stay stable for the sake of her recovery. Now that she was certain about divorce, her main priority was her own health. She didn't need anyone to disturb her, especially not Nathan.
When her phone displayed six missed calls, Stella sighed and picked it up, ready to deal with whatever Nathan had to say.
"Stella, are you seriously ignoring my calls?" Nathan's voice came through, laced with anger.
"Yes," Stella replied, her tone cool. "Who do you think would answer your calls at this point?"
Her tone seemed to take him aback, and his voice lowered slightly. "The Parkers' family is hosting a private dinner this weekend. You're coming with me."
Stella let out a small, incredulous laugh. "Nathan, did you already forget? I told you just yesterday—I want a divorce. Do you understand what that means?"
There was a pause on the other end, and then Nathan's voice hardened. "Stella," he said, his voice lowering, "let's not make this ugly. The apartment your mother lives in is still under my name, and your brother's tuition for that private school isn't exactly pocket change."
"Oh, so now you're trying to threaten me?" Stella's voice was edged with laughter. "Nathan, have you forgotten that when we got married, my father's connections and projects helped your family immensely? My brother's tuition is nothing compared to what the Millers have done for the Winters family."
Nathan let out a frustrated breath. "Alright. What's it going to take for you to go to this dinner with me?"
Stella's lips curved into a faint smile. "I'll text you a bank account number. Transfer $500,000 to me. And make it clear that it's a gift."
She could practically hear him gritting his teeth. "Fine."
Moments later, her phone buzzed with the transaction alert. Stella couldn't help but smile, feeling a rush of satisfaction. She wasn't sure how much she would be able to get in the divorce, so she planned to secure as much as she could now. Her father's business had boosted the Winters family greatly when she and Nathan married, and now, it was time for her to reclaim some of what was hers.
In her mind, she had wasted her loyalty on someone who didn't deserve it. Her pride wouldn't let her linger here any longer. The divorce would give her a fresh start, and she was ready to focus on her career again. There was no doubt in her mind—better days lay ahead.
......
Meanwhile, at the Wachtell Law Firm, Caleb looked up, visibly exasperated as he saw Asher enter his office for the fourth day in a row. "Seriously, Asher, what brings you here again?"
Asher gave a slight shrug, his lips curving into a faint smile. "Can't a man just visit a friend?"
Caleb put down his pen, crossing his arms with a raised eyebrow. "Oh, please. Are you really just 'visiting,' or are you here to find out whether Stella came back for a follow-up?"
Asher didn't respond right away, merely raising an eyebrow in Caleb's direction.
"I knew it!" Caleb exclaimed, shaking his head. "This is about her."
Asher's expression remained calm as he rose from his seat and straightened his jacket. "You're welcome to believe whatever you want, Caleb." With a faint, unreadable smile, he added, "Anyway, I'll come by tomorrow."
Caleb rolled his eyes, watching him head for the door. "Hold on," he called out. "Are you going to the Parkers' dinner on Saturday?"
Asher's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression thoughtful. "Maybe. I'll go if I'm in the mood."
- Writer
