Chapter 19 Whatever else they said after that , Stella didn't care to listen . All the answers she might have hoped for felt ridiculous in the face of his unwavering choice . What had she been expecting when she heard Sylvia's name ? That Ernest would finally look her way ? That he'd convince their daughter not to replace her ? A dry , humorless laugh escaped her . " Stella Spencer , " she whispered to herself , " you really are a fool . They've made it clear how they feel - what more are you waiting for ? " But still ... Seven years of feelings weren't something you could just turn off overnight . Even now , after trying so hard to change , so much of who she was had been shaped during those years with him . Habits were terrifying that way . So were emotions . Stella took a deep breath , pushed those unrealistic thoughts aside , and walked back to the bedroom , lying down calmly on the bed . No Ernest ignoring her . No daughter rejecting her . Maybe ... this wasn't so bad after all . She tried to smile - a stiff , unfamiliar expression - like a doll learning how to emote . Life was already bitter . She had to learn to make herself happy . But her moment of peace didn't last long . The door opened abruptly . Ernest walked in , and their eyes met across the dimly lit room . The night seemed to deepen the coldness in both their gazes . This was the first time Stella had ever looked at him like this - detached , indifferent . And honestly ? It felt liberating . Not having to care about his mood , not having to please him - it was strangely empowering . She almost smiled , but his face was like carved ice - impossible to warm . So she simply turned away . Ernest noticed , of course . Normally , she'd be all over him the moment he stepped in - asking if he'd eaten , if he was tired , how work was - all those meaningless questions . At the very least , she'd help him with his coat or bring him his slippers . But tonight , nothing . He raised a brow slightly , then shrugged it off . He never cared much about her anyway - her attentiveness had always felt more like a nuisance than a kindness . Why bother wondering why she'd changed ? Without a word , he grabbed his change of clothes and headed toward the bathroom . The moment he was gone , Stella let out a slow breath she didn't realize she'd been holding . 1/3 3:26 pm P p p pppp Chapter 19 Being under the same roof as him still weighed heavily on her . They needed to divorce sooner rather than later . It would be better for everyone . Be vouchers She decided she'd bring it up once he was out of the shower . But just as she was steeling herself for that conversation , the bathroom door slammed open with a startling BANG - so loud she nearly jumped off the bed . " You ... " Before Stella could even ask what was wrong , he was already heading out the door without looking back . She could just make out a woman's voice - whiny , upset - coming through his phone : " Ernest ... I just accidentally ... " His reply was softer than she'd ever heard him : " Stay put . I'm on my way ." A moment later , the sound of a car engine broke the night's silence , leaving Stella sitting alone in bed , heart still racing . She patted her chest slowly , trying to calm herself . " It's okay ... " ***** The next morning , Stella woke before sunrise . Last night's scare had left her with bad dreams and broken sleep . She checked her phone - still early . She was about to try dozing off again when an impatient knock rattled the door , followed by a child's voice , sweet but clearly annoyed . Knock knock knock ! " Mommy , why aren't you up yet ? It's late ! " " Mommy , come help me wash my face ! " " Mommy- " The sound was like something out of a nightmare . Stella dragged herself out of bed , head pounding , and opened the door . " Irene , sweetie , it's so early . Don't you want to sleep a little more ? " " I'm not lazy like you , Mommy , " Irene said , pushing past her into the room . " Hurry up and help me get ready . Syl - 1 mean ... " She caught herself , glancing nervously at Stella . When she saw her mom's calm expression , she relaxed . ' Phew . Almost let it slip that t Sylvia's taking me to the amusement park today . If Mom finds out , she'll say no . Or worse- she'll wanna come with us . ' She thought . Just the thought made Irene feel antsy . Little did she know Stella had already overheard their plan at the hospital . Now , watching her daughter think she'd pulled one over on her , Stella almost wanted to laugh . 2/3 20 pm Chapter 19 Her own child - lying to her biological mom for a woman who didn't even care about her safety . How ridiculous . And how ... pathetic she herself must be . Stella almost felt sorry for herself . - Vouchers . " Mommy , what are you staring at ? Hurry up and help me ! I've got stuff to do today ! " Irene's voice - usually so sweet - was now sharp with impatience , snapping Stella back to reality . " Let's go , " Stella said calmly , already turning toward the bathroom . Irene frowned , her little arms still slightly raised , expecting to be carried like always . Usually , her mom would scoop her up , all sweet and careful , like she was something precious . But this time ? Mom just walked away . Didn't even look back . A flicker of irritation shot through Irene . She wanted to stomp her foot , to yell - but then she remembered Aunt Sylvia was waiting . She swallowed her pout and hurried after her mom . " Mommy , how come you didn't carry me ? " Irene asked suddenly while Stella was helping her wash up . Stella didn't even pause . " You're not a baby anymore . You don't need me to carry you ." ' You don't need me at all anymore . ' she thought , ' Well - maybe not me , anyway ! " But you always carried me before , " Irene insisted , her face scrunching up . Stella hung the towel back neatly , her tone flat . " Well , I'm not going to anymore ." " Mommy ! " Irene's voice rose . Something felt ... off . Really off . " Do you know ... About me and Aunt Sylvia going to the amusement park today ? " AD Comment