Left Them Loved Myself (Stella Spencer) novel Chapter 128

The sharp child’s voice suddenly sliced through the peaceful scene, throwing everyone off

Averyone glanced down just in time to see Irene barreling over like a wild little bull and crashing straight into Stella’s leg. She hit so hard, Stella nearly toppled, stumbling back two steps before barely regaining her foooring

“Stella” Erica exclaimed, rushing over to steady her, then shot Irene an annoyed look. “Why did you push your mom? Do you know how dangerous that was? What if she fell?”

Erica thought. Nope, kids like her are just impossible for me to like

Irene wouldn’t even look at her, her eyes rimmed red as she stared angrily at Stella, who was cradling Daisy. “Why are you holding her?”

She’s my mom! She should only be hugging me! Why is she always picking up other kids?‘ Irene sulked to herself.

The more she dwelt on it, the madder she got. Just as she was about to storm over and shove Stella a second time. Erica blocked her way

“Is that it? 1 try talking sense to you, and you just don’t care?” Erica said, annoyed,

Erica was nothing like Stella when it came to patience. Seeing Irene act up, she pulled her right onto her lap and smacked her butt a few loud times, not holding back.

Irene stiffened for a moment, and once the sting kicked in, she screeched at the top of her lungs. “You hit me? You actually hit me? I’m gonna tell Dad and Ms. Jansen! They’ll definitely stand up for me!”

“Oh, sure, whatever,” Erica said, making a big show of ignoring Irene. “I’m just shaking in my boots. But before you go snitching to everyone, you’d better apologize to your mom first. Otherwise…”

Erica didn’t bother finishing, but the way she smacked her palm made it obvious what would happen if Irene didn’t listen.

Irene’s eyes brimmed with tears as she looked up at Stella, her voice full of wounded complaints. “Mom, Erica… she’s being mean to me.”

“I suppose she is. Stella shrugged nonchalantly.

“Aren’t you going to help me get back at her?” Irene whined, her voice growing louder and more desperate.

“Nope, Stella replied, totally unfazed.

“Why… why aren’t you on my side?” Irene cried, sounding even more distraught.

Irene was frantic. Even though Erica hadn’t really hit her hard–just enough for a tiny sting–the fact that it happened in front of so many kids made her pride feel like it was in pieces.

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Chapter 128

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She didn’t really get what embarrassment was, but Irene definitely didn’t want to experience that awful, humiliating feeling again.

“Because at this moment, Erica is standing with me,” Stella said calmly.

Irene’s crying got even louder and more dramatic. “She’s helping you bully me! You’re a horrible mom, and she’s a terrible lady! I don’t want either of you anymore! Just get lost! I never want to see you again!”

“Like we’re dying to keep you around,” Erica scoffed.

Erica rolled her eyes, completely unfazed by the judgmental stares from the other parents and kids nearby. She raised her voice, her tone firm. “I’m only going to say this one last time: Apologize to your mom.”

“I’m not…” Irene blurted out, her voice stubborn and shaky, and her unfinished words were interrupted by a smack.

The little girl burst out crying, her wail ringing across the playground.

This time, Irene actually felt the sting–her butt really hurt.

“Apologize,” Erica ordered, her voice cold and uncompromising.

“I…” Irene was just about to say something when Erica warned, her tone icy. “You’d better think twice before you say anything.”

“I… I’m sorry,” Irene mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.

With the threat of another smack hanging over her, Irene finally gave in.

But Erica wouldn’t back down. “Who exactly are you apologizing to?”

She’d wanted to teach this little menace a lesson ever since she saw Irene’s true colors. Now that Erica finally had her chance, she sure wasn’t about to let it slip away.

“Sorry, Mom!” Irene yelled at the top of her lungs.

Erica finally looked satisfied. “Smart choice.”

Once Erica let her go, Irene threw her a fierce glare, twisting away and dashing off before Erica could get her hands on her again.

Her angry, high–pitched shout echoed behind Erica as the little girl ran off. “Erica, just you wait! I’m gonna go tell Ms. Jansen on you–she’ll totally get back at you!”

“Still such a little drama queen,” Erica snickered, not bothered by Irene’s threats in the slightest.

“Maybe you shouldn’t go to Lloyd Manor tonight,” Stella said, sounding worried. She was afraid someone would seize this chance to pick a fight.

“Afraid Kourtney and Noreen are gonna mess with me?” Erica said, eyebrow raised, her smile full of mischief.

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Erica gave a cold chuckle. “Looks like we wasted our time. She probably texted Sylvia ages ago–never needed us in the first place.”

The door swung open, and Simon stepped out. Spotting Daisy in Stella’s arms, he flashed her a warm smile. “Thanks for looking after Daisy for me, Ms. Spencer.”

“Ms. Russell,” Simon replied, barely nodding in her direction.

“That’s all?” Erica’s eyes nearly popped. “Wow, so favoritism really runs in your family’s DNA, huh?”

“Thanks,” Simon said, voice cool and clipped.

It was a total 180 from how warm and sincere he’d been with Stella just moments ago.

18:11 Mon, Oct 20

Chapter 128

Erica just stood there, completely speechless.

‘How unbelievable. This family’s way too much,‘ Erica complained inwardly.

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“No worries,” Stella said with a smile, handing Daisy over to Simon. “Daisy’s been an angel–she’s super easy to look after.”

“Even though Daisy’s a breeze to look after, I still owe you one,” Simon said, his tone switching instantly to heartfelt. “How about I take you out to dinner sometime? Just my way of saying thanks.”

“That’s not really…” Stella started to refuse.

But before she could finish, Simon had already scooped Daisy up and jumped into the car, driving away without giving her a chance to protest.

“Whoa-” Erica rubbed her chin, looking thoughtful. “Is it just me, or does that guy seriously have a thing for you?”

“Erica, are you kidding me? How could he possibly be into me?” Stella replied, brow furrowed in confusion.

Sure, Simon never treated her anywhere near as harshly as Michael did, but his constant indifference–never once acknowledging her struggles–was more than enough proof. There was no way he ever liked her.

Erica narrowed her eyes, her voice low and teasing. “I’m telling you, that guy’s totally into you.”

“That’s enough,” Stella said, lightly tapping Erica. “Come on, don’t read too much into it. He probably just wants to say thanks for me watching Daisy, that’s all. Anyway, there’s no way I’m getting mixed up with him.”

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