Yvonne and Lucas spent some time alone in the study before finally stepping out. As they exited, they spotted Stella walking toward them from the courtyard. “Ella!” Yvonne called out, but as they approached, they noticed Stella’s pale face, as if something had drained her energy. Concern etched across their faces, Yvonne asked, “What’s the matter? You look awful…”
Yvonne grabbed her hand anxiously, feeling how clammy it was. “Do you feel unwell? Should I have my husband take a look at you?” she asked, her tone full of worry.
Stella shook her head and smiled faintly. “I’ll probably head home earlier tonight. I wanted to keep you company, but I’m afraid I’ll have to break my promise. I’m sorry.”
Yvonne smiled warmly, trying to reassure her. “It’s fine. We can hang out next time.” She tightened her grip on Stella’s arm, offering comfort. “Shall I have my driver take you home?” she offered kindly.
“Sure, thank you,” Stella replied. The last thing she wanted was to run into Weston and Guinevere again, but fate had other plans. As she walked to the parking lot, she found herself face-to-face with them.
The driver was already waiting in the car, and from a distance, Weston saw Stella and Yvonne exiting the building. He opened the passenger door for Guinevere, then stood there, unmoving, as Stella walked toward them.
When she was within earshot, he casually offered, “I’ll give you a ride?”
Stella, however, completely ignored him and walked past without acknowledging his words, continuing her conversation with Yvonne as if nothing had happened.
Yvonne, however, had heard Weston’s offer clearly. “Mr. Ford, since when did you become so eager and helpful?” she asked with surprise. “This doesn’t seem like something you’d do.”
Weston didn’t respond to Yvonne’s question. Instead, he turned his gaze back to Stella, saying flatly, “It’s on the way.”
Stella’s fists clenched at his words. Before she could respond, Yvonne, ever perceptive, interjected, “You don’t even know where Ella lives. How could you know if it’s on the way?” Her gaze shifted between them, a subtle tension building. “Do you two not know each other?”
Stella quickly shook her head. “We don’t,” she replied. Then, she grabbed Yvonne’s hand and urged, “Let’s go. My house isn’t on the way for Mr. Ford.”
She practically had to push Yvonne into the car.
Yvonne, sensing something was off, looked at Stella curiously. “Are you hiding something from me?”
Stella’s lips turned pale, and she opened her mouth to speak but found no words coming out. She glanced instinctively at Yvonne but quickly looked away.
She genuinely saw Yvonne as a friend and didn’t want to lie to her, but… it was complicated.
“I’m sorry, I…” Stella began, but before she could finish, Yvonne waved her hand dismissively.
“Forget it. Don’t force yourself to tell me if you don’t want to,” Yvonne said lightly. With a nonchalant shrug, she added, “We’ve only just met, so it’s fine. You know where to find me if you want to talk. I’m not the type to pry.”
Her words were comforting, and Stella couldn’t help but feel grateful. Yvonne knew how to put people at ease. She smiled warmly at her friend, replying simply, “Thank you.”
Yvonne’s ability to make others feel comfortable was one of her strengths. Stella appreciated that, and for a moment, she felt lighter. It was true what Guinevere had said—being friends with Yvonne was an advantage. Initially, Stella hadn’t realized the extent of Yvonne’s family’s influence. She had simply grown close to her because they got along so well. It was only later that she became aware of Yvonne’s prominent background.
As the car pulled away, Yvonne, returning to the building, looked over at Weston getting into his own car. Her mind wandered, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was going on between the three of them. The tension between them was palpable, though she couldn’t quite place what was causing it.
Guinevere had once mentioned a woman who resembled Stella, and Yvonne now wondered if it was this woman who had caused the awkward atmosphere. That made sense. It was strange how often she had mistaken Ella for Stella, almost as if the two were one and the same. Yvonne hadn’t fully believed it was a coincidence, but now, seeing the situation unfold, she began to wonder if there was more to the story than she had realized.
As she climbed into her car, her thoughts were still occupied with the strange dynamics between Weston, Guinevere, and Stella.
Skip to content