Left Them Loved Myself (Stella Spencer) novel Chapter 15

Irene flopped against Stella’s knees, her voice bright and chirpy.

She looked up, eyes shining, waiting for the usual hug and shower of praise.

Yeah, it used to annoy her–but after days without a single ‘good job,‘ she kinda missed it.

But Stella just said, ‘Mm–hmm,’ quiet and flat. No hug. No smile.

Her voice gave nothing away, but that soft, empty sound made everyone pause.

This wasn’t the Stella they knew–the one who lived for her husband and daughter.

Sebastian frowned, his eyes moving from Stella’s calm face to Irene’s crumpled one. Something unspoken flickered in his tired gaze.

Dinner was served. So–called ‘family gathering‘–really just Grandpa’s excuse to get everyone in one room.

Ernest’s married sister hadn’t come, so there were only six of them.

Even though Stella had decided to divorce, she kept up appearances–helping Irene with her food, just like always.

Grandpa kept shooting looks at Ernest until, finally, Ernest started putting food into Stella’s bowl.

A piece of barbecue pork ribs landed in front of her. She pressed her lips together.

All these years married, and he still didn’t know she didn’t eat fatty meat.

“Mommy, I want that one,” Irene chirped, pointing at a plate across the table. She hadn’t noticed a thing.

“Okay,” Stella said, reaching for the dish.

That’s when Grandpa spoke, “Stella. Where’s your ring?”

Silence. Every eye dropped to her left hand. Even Ernest’s.

Everyone knew–back when Stella married Ernest, there hadn’t even been a proper wedding. That ring was the only thing Ernest ever picked for her himself.

She never took that ring off. Not even when the band dug so deep it left a mark.

And because of that, Grandpa had ordered Ernest to wear his, too.

But now… Ernest’s ring was still on. Stella’s was gone.

“It gets in the way at work,” she said lightly. Not the right moment for the divorce talk.

Grandpa didn’t reply. He just cough softly and went back to eating.

The meal felt heavier than ever. Afterward, he set down his tea cup. “Stella,‘ he said, his voice low but firm. ‘Come upstairs. I

want a word.”

His voice carried the weight of years–steady, deep, and leaving no room for doubt.

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3:25 pm pppp

Chapter 15

His eyes shifted to Ernest, who had just returned from a phone call. “You too.”

Neither said a word as they followed him up to the study—the room where family matters were settled.

The air was thick and still. Behind the wide marble table, Grandpa Lloyd’s face was grim.

“Ernest!”

Grandpa Lloyd’s voice was low, but it cracked through the study like a whip.

“Explain yourself. What’s this nonsense I’m hearing about you and that Jansen woman?”

Ernest didn’t even blink. “What nonsense?”

His face flushed with anger. “Watch your tone. You think just because you’re a married man with a child, you’re above reproach?”

“Grandpa, it’s fine,” Stella cut in, her voice even. “Sylvia is his employee. It’s normal for them to work together.”

Stella’s voice cut through the tension like a knife. The air in the study eased almost instantly.

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3:25 pm

Chapter 15

Ernest watched her–calm, direct, without a hint of sarcasm.

When his eyes met hers, she didn’t flinch. No blush, no nervous glance away. Just stillness.

Grandpa sighed heavily, his expression a mix of frustration and resignation.

He knew Ernest wouldn’t listen–but Stella never pushed back. She always gave in, playing the role of the perfect wife.

If only she’d stood her ground sooner, he thought, maybe she could’ve reined him in.

“Ernest,” the old man said, his voice gravelly with emotion, “she’s a good woman. Look what you’ve done to her. Can you honestly tell me you feel no guilt?”

“None.”

Just as the two men seemed ready to clash again, Stella felt a wave of weariness.

She was done. There was no point letting Grandpa fight her battles anymore–not when she’d already decided to leave.

Besides, over the years, her presence had strained the bond between grandfather and grandson more than she’d realized.

She opened her mouth to speak–to finally say the words that would end it all–when a knock interrupted her.

The door opened, and the bitter, familiar scent of herbal medicine drifted into the room. “Sir, it’s time for your medicine.”