Three Years After They Abandoned Me novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Fiona’s composure cracked. The memories surged up, and she buried her face in her hands. Andrew set down his fork with a heavy sigh.

Stella’s voice was ice. “This is pointless. In Dusty Pines, I ate once a day, if I was lucky. The doctor warned me: jumping straight to three meals would wreck my system. I’m supposed to start with two, small portions. I can’t eat this. Excuse me.”

She pushed back her chair to leave.

Eleanor’s heart constricted with a sharp, stabbing pain. All Stella had wanted was to sit with them, and now Max had twisted it into some petty grudge.

She watched Stella limp toward the stairs, guilt choking her. She wanted to beg Stella to stay. But what right did she have? None of them truly understood what Stella had endured.

Max slammed his fork down. “Stella, must you ruin everyone’s meal? You’ve got a tongue-use it before we sit down. We’re not mind readers. Or do you expect us to drop everything to cater to your moods?”

Stella didn’t turn. The only sound was her slow, unsteady footsteps.

Max opened his mouth again, but Eleanor stopped him. “That’s enough.” Eleanor’s voice cracked like a whip. “One more word, Max, and you’ll leave this table.”

Jaw clenched, Max stabbed at his food. ‘Acting. All of it. She wouldn’t be happy until we’re all drowning in guilt. But he knew better than to argue with Eleanor.

*****

After dinner, Eleanor turned to Max and asked when Martin would arrive. Max shrugged indifferently. “No idea.”

Eleanor frowned. “Is that any way to answer?”

Fiona nudged him under the table, a silent warning to mind his tone.

Sighing, Max pulled out his phone to call Martin, just as a servant stepped in to announce his arrival.

The Hayes family had always put their faith in traditional medicine, and Martin was one of the best. His schedule was usually packed, making appointments hard to come by.

Eleanor rose to greet him warmly. “Dr. Dewitt, we’re so grateful you could make the time to see us in person.”

Martin smiled kindly, “After hearing about her condition, I couldn’t say no. Poor girl, she’s been through so much. Since I had a free moment, I thought I’d come myself.”

“Then we won’t keep you waiting. She’s upstairs. We can have her come down.” Eleanor motioned for a servant to fetch Stella.

But Martin shook his head. “I’ll go up. I’ve treated others like her before, and they were all…” He trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

Eleanor’s heart ached. Ever since Stella had returned, she’d hidden beneath long sleeves and pants, refusing to let anyone see what lay beneath. Eleanor had tried, but Stella always dodged her concern. She knew Stella was just trying to spare her the pain.

She said, “We really appreciate this, Dr. Dewitt.”

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Martin smiled again, “I can’t promise miracles, but I’ll do everything I can.”

“Of course. Right this way.” Eleanor gestured toward the stairs, letting Martin lead the way.

The family was about to head upstairs when a servant hurried in. “Mr. Hayes, there’s a document for you.”

“Document?” Max frowned, as if he couldn’t recall what it might be. The servant handed it over.

Fiona paused. “What is it?”

Max unfolded the papers, and the room fell still. Official documents usually went to his office-getting one at home was unusual, and the air grew tense, thick with unease.

Fiona and Andrew exchanged glances as Max’s expression darkened. “Max? What’s wrong?”

His voice was tight. “A police report. About Stella’s disappearance.”

Anna moved closer, curiosity getting the better of her.

Eleanor shot an apologetic glance at Martin. “Sorry, would you mind giving us just a moment?”

“Of course. Take your time,” Martin said.

As Eleanor stepped forward, Fiona quickly tried to take the report. “Let’s focus on Stella’s health first. This can wait.”

But Anna had already started reading aloud. “The kidnapper realized keeping me in the country was too risky, so he took me

toward the border.

“I didn’t recognize the area, but I knew if I left, I might never come back. I fought, but he overpowered me. He drugged me, shoved me into a car. I’ve watched this on TV and felt something wrong-”

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