Lucas’ expression darkened as he spoke. “You still don’t realize what you did wrong?”
Yvonne snapped back, her frustration mounting. “What did I do wrong? I went out to relax! Besides, I was the one who took Ella there. What does it have to do with her? Why are you blaming her?”
Seeing the tension rising between the couple, Stella quickly intervened. “Yvonne was just trying to help me unwind. We didn’t do anything inappropriate. She simply watched me play the piano.”
Lucas glanced at Stella indifferently, his eyes betraying no emotion. However, she could feel the chill radiating from him. “I’m sure Ms. Steele has better places to be now that the training center is closing. With Weston by your side, you won’t need Yvonne’s help, or anyone else’s, for that matter.”
Stella’s gaze flickered for a moment, and she lowered her eyes, a small smile playing on her lips. “Yes, staying with Weston certainly comes with its own advantages. Thanks for the reminder.”
She felt a pang of guilt towards Yvonne, but none towards Lucas. The remark clearly took Lucas by surprise, causing him to sneer. He turned to Yvonne, his tone sharp. “Are you done here? If so, let’s go.”
Yvonne, not wanting to leave, shot back, “You should go to work, Lucas. Leave me alone.”
“I took the day off,” Lucas responded coldly. “Yvonne, don’t test my patience.”
Yvonne’s frustration boiled over. “I’ve told you a thousand times! Weston didn’t force Ella into anything! I can’t believe you’re blaming her. Why aren’t you holding Weston accountable?”
Lucas cut her off, his hand gripping her wrist firmly. “I’m not blaming either of them. Their issues are not my concern. What I know is, this whole mess has been giving me headaches lately.”
He didn’t voice the real reason behind his frustration. He didn’t like the idea of Yvonne paying attention to anyone other than him. They had grown up together, and Yvonne had always been devoted to him. After their marriage, work had consumed his time. Yvonne had often complained about the lack of attention, but in recent months, her complaints had faded.
He’d tried to spend more time with her, but Yvonne always seemed too busy with work or, more recently, with Ella. Lucas couldn’t help but feel neglected. He had always been the one who received all of Yvonne’s attention, and now someone else was taking her focus. This irritated him more than he cared to admit.
Yvonne’s eyes darted toward Stella. “Ella, I—”
“I’m fine,” Stella interjected with a smile. “You should go. I’m going back too.”
Yvonne hesitated, then looked at Stella one last time. “I’ll be in touch soon.”
As Yvonne left with Lucas, she recalled Ella’s younger brother. She had managed to cover for Stella by telling him she was away on a business trip. However, once the training center closed, her brother would eventually learn the truth. What excuse would Stella give him then?
Stella understood Yvonne’s worry. She glanced at the clock and thought for a moment. It was still early, and she decided to head back home.
She hadn’t been there in a few days, and a strange feeling washed over her as she returned. It felt different, like coming home to a place that no longer felt entirely like hers.
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