Left Them Loved Myself (Stella Spencer) novel Chapter 146

getting in or not?” Erica demanded.

“I’m coming, I’m coming,” Simon said, scrambling into the back seat next to Daisy.

Stella sat in the passenger seat while Erica took the wheel.

Before Simon could even get settled, Erica slammed her foot on the gas. The car lurched forward with such force that he was nearly thrown into a face–plant.

‘Great,’ Stella thought. ‘Here we go again.’

Listening to the two of them bickering like children and feeling the cool night breeze on her face, Stella’s mood unexpectedly lifted.

But at the next red light, her good mood evaporated. A sleek Cayenne pulled up in the lane beside them, and the sound of a child’s cheerful voice drifted through the open windows, instantly souring the atmosphere.

“You have to get better soon, Ms. Jansen!

“I’ll make you more soup when I don’t have school.

“It’s a secret, just for you. I won’t give it to anyone else.”

The sweet, chirpy voice cast a sudden silence over their car.

Everyone stole worried glances at Stella in the rearview mirror, trying to gauge her reaction.

Even Daisy, though she didn’t understand what was happening, could sense that her Uncle Simon and Aunt Erica were worried that Ms. Pretty was sad.

Sensing the tension, Daisy started fumbling with the buckle on her car seat.

“Daisy, be good,” Simon whispered.

She looked at him pleadingly. “Uncle, can you help me unbuckle this?”

“What are you doing?” Simon asked.

Daisy was too young to hide her intentions. “I want to go make Ms. Pretty happy,” she declared.

In the quiet car, the little girl’s heartfelt words reached Stella clearly.

She froze, a warmth spreading through her chest as her eyes began to burn.

Sincerity was always a superpower.

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Chapter 146

Crack.

The sound of the buckle releasing echoed in the car.

(46)

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The moment she was free, Daisy scrambled over the seat toward Stella. “Ms. Pretty, here I come!”

Afraid she would fall, Stella quickly composed herself and reached out to catch her. “Daisy, I’m okay. You don’t have to worry.”

Daisy tilted her head back, her little brow furrowed. “Then why are your eyes all red?”

That question caught Stella off guard.

Before she could think of an answer, Daisy propped herself up and, to Stella’s surprise, planted a loud, wet kiss on her cheek.

“A kiss makes it better, Ms. Pretty. Don’t be sad. Daisy loves you.” The little girl’s voice was soft and innocent, but her words were deeply genuine.

Stella let out a small laugh.

Daisy was right. What was there to be sad about? They were people who didn’t matter.

She had a family who loved her, a best friend by her side, and a sweet little girl trying to cheer her up. There was no reason to be sad.

The soft glow of the car’s interior lights illuminated her delicate features, and the smile that graced her lips was so stunning that it left Simon momentarily breathless.

“Daisy, you’re amazing,” Stella said, gently stroking her hair. “Your kiss worked. I’m not sad anymore.”

Daisy’s cheeks flushed a rosy pink as she wiggled with delight. “Hehe, I’m glad you’re happy, Ms. Pretty.”

The two of them sat with their heads together, their quiet chatter creating a warm and happy bubble.

“Get away from her!”

The moment was shattered by a shrill, piercing shout.

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Normally, Irene was used to everyone giving in to her. But Erica looked like she wanted to wring her neck.

Stella chuckled. Seeing the light had turned green, she said, “Let’s go. Don’t let them waste our time.”

As Stella settled Daisy back into her seat, the Cayenne sped away.

Inside, Irene looked at her father, her voice thick with grievance. “Daddy, why didn’t you help me?”

If her dad had helped, that mean lady wouldn’t have bullied her.

Ernest didn’t even look up from the document he was reviewing. “That’s your business to handle, not mine. I’m not getting involved.”

Irene’s lip trembled, but she didn’t press the issue. Instead, she asked, “When is Ms. Jansen going to get better?”

The last two days without Ms. Jansen had been awful. She was getting picked on, and nothing was fun

anymore.

“It might be a while,” Ernest replied.

“Oh…” Irene lowered her head in disappointment. Suddenly, her father spoke again. “If you had to choose between me and your mother, who would you choose?”

His voice was calm, as if he were asking if she wanted water, unconcerned with the answer.

But Irene panicked, terrified he was going to abandon her. “You, Daddy!” she blurted out. “I choose you! I don’t want Mommy at all!”

“Mm,” he grunted, returning his attention to his work. He was completely oblivious to the sheer terror that

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Chapter 146

…

had taken over his daughter’s face.

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The little girl wanted to ask more questions but was too afraid of what the answers might be. She sat in silence, her lips pressed into a tight line, her eyes red and pitiful.

But her father didn’t notice a thing.