Three Years After They Abandoned Me novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Anna hugged Andrew’s arm. “I was worried about you and Max. I couldn’t sleep.”

“Always so thoughtful,” Andrew sighed, shooting Stella a venomous glance. “Unlike some people who only know how to

cause trouble.”

Anna bit her lip. “Dad, Stella hasn’t done anything wrong.”

“That’s what scares me,” he muttered. “At least if she acted out, I’d know what to expect.”

Fiona touched his arm. “Lower your voice. You’ll wake Eleanor.”

That only stoked Andrew’s anger. Anna was perfect in his eyes-kind, delicate, and obedient. Yet for some reason, Eleanor doted on Stella. But Stella’d put them through all this.

Fiona guided him inside with a meaningful look. “Come to bed. It’s over.”

Max then moved closer to Stella, an odd smirk playing on his lips. “So? Touched by my heroics?”

Stella blinked at him, momentarily stunned. In all her years, Max had never spoken to her like this-like they shared some secret camaraderie. The unfamiliarity left her frozen.

“I saw Troy at the hospital,” he continued, pulling up slightly. “Beat him to a pulp, didn’t I? After all the shit he put you through back then, and today, running his mouth again. Someone had to teach him a lesson.

“Made sure it was public too. Now everyone knows: talk bad about you again, and they’re dead.”

In silence, Stella’s face remained a blank slate.

Max’s grin faltered. “Seriously? Not even a ‘thank you”?”

This wasn’t the reaction he expected. Before, the slightest kindness from him would light her up.

But after going to bat for her today, he got nothing. If he hadn’t seen those scars on her arm or wondered what three years in Dusty Pines had cost her, he wouldn’t have bothered.

“It’s late. Gotta sleep,” Stella said tonelessly, walking away with that strange, halting gait.

Max didn’t notice the pain in her steps, but the ingratitude. Here he was, trying to make amends after realizing she hadn’t poisoned Anna, extending an olive branch. And she couldn’t even pretend to care. The injustice of it spiked through his temples.

“Stella!” he barked, clutching his head. “I have a headache.”

The childhood diagnosis flashed in his mind-that underdeveloped heart valve, the doctors warning of chronic headaches. Stella used to hover anxiously whenever this happened. But now, she didn’t even glance back as she disappeared into the house.

By the time she collapsed onto her bed, every muscle screamed in protest. But sleep wouldn’t come. The ceiling stared back at her, wide-eyed and endless.

After barely making it through the night, Stella was startled by another knock at her door. She stayed silent until she recognized the voice outside-then, softly, she said, “Grandma.”

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36

Chapter 11

Eleanor pushed the door open with a warm smile. Stella’s return had clearly lifted her spirits, and she looked happier than she had in years. Her expression was just as gentle as Stella remembered from childhood.

“Stella, you’re already up?” she said, her voice affectionate. “It’s so early. Why not rest a little longer?”

Stella forced herself upright. “Couldn’t sleep.”

Eleanor gave her hand a reassuring pat, understanding. The years away hadn’t been kind, so of course she’d need time to adjust. “Come,” she said. “Breakfast is almost ready.”

Stella nodded.

Noticing her unsteady movements, Eleanor slowed her pace as they walked.

By the time they reached the dining room, the rest of the family had already gathered. The air was heavy with silence. No one brought up last night’s events.

Max, having taken his medication, seemed back to normal, sitting at the table as if nothing had happened.

Eleanor was the first to serve Stella, offering her an omelet. “You always loved this. Here, just like old times.”

“Thank you,” Stella smiled.

The others followed suit, piling food in front of Stella until her plate was nearly overflowing.

Eleanor glanced around the table, her smile brighter than it had been in years. “Finally, we’re all together again,” she said.

Then, turning to Max, she added, “Now if only you’d settle down, bring home a wife, and make a big family, then this family would really be complete.”

Max, still bitter toward Stella, barely looked up from his meal. “No rush. The company keeps me busy enough. Pity that last night’s engagement party for Anna and Lionel didn’t exactly go as planned.”

Stella stiffened slightly.

Fiona, noticing Eleanor’s discomfort, quickly interjected. “Lionel’s parents are nice. They called last night. They said even though the engagement didn’t happen, they already consider Anna part of their family. Next time, it’ll be a wedding.”

Max shot Stella a sidelong glance. “Assuming no one ruins that one too.”

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