Left Them Loved Myself (Stella Spencer) novel Chapter 5

Chapter 5 Mom’s Wasting Money Again

Influenced by her mother, Stella had always held a deep passion for jewelry design and dreamed of carrying on her mother’s artistic legacy. So shortly after graduating, she co-founded a design company with a close friend from university.

Though it started small, the company began to thrive through their tireless efforts. However, just as it was preparing to go public, she made the decision to step back, choosing to devote herself entirely to her family.

Her sudden departure forced the company to cancel many deals that were based on her designs. They had to pay for broken contracts, and the IPO almost failed because of it.

Her former colleagues were angry and disappointed. Even though she still owned part of the company, most of them wanted nothing to do with her after that.

Over the years, aside from receiving dividend checks, she had been completely shut out of all company affairs. Even her once-sharp design skills had faded to a point that almost shamed her.

‘If I go back now, what could I even do?’ she wondered, a thread of self-doubt winding through her thoughts.

The exhibition always showcased the year’s newest designs, and every participating designer had solid experience and a strong professional background.

‘It has been so long since I was last involved. This exhibition is my best chance to catch up. I have to go.’ she thought.

A sudden ringtone startled her. She glanced at her phone. It was her daily reminder to start preparing dinner. Like Stella, Irene loved spicy food, but Stella seldom indulged Irene, worried that the young girl’s stomach couldn’t handle it.

Ernest also had a sensitive stomach, yet his work often required him to attend business meals. Whenever both he and Irene were not home for lunch, Stella would simply eat something on her own. But for breakfast and dinner, she always cooked herself, ensuring every meal was both nutritious and delicious.

At first, she had also missed spicy food, but over time, she seemed to have grown used to doing without it. However, just a few days ago, she overheard Irene complain, “Mom’s cooking is so bland. It’s no fun to eat. Ms. Jansen’s spicy buffalo wings are way more delicious.”

The truth was, she also thought spicy buffalo wings were delicious, but she hadn’t had any in almost ten years. She turned off the notification, deleted all her meal reminders, and ordered a portion spicy curry pasta. She ate it with tears in her eyes and a runny nose, savoring every bite.

*****

That evening, Ernest came home with Irene. Irene was sulking, her lips pursed in a clear pout. “Why did we have to leave before the light show finished? It was just getting good.”

Ernest patiently explained, “Mom hasn’t fully recovered from her injuries yet. Once she’s completely better, I promise we’ll go back and watch the entire show, from beginning to end.”

“But what if Mom wants to come too?” Irene looked worried. ‘Every time Mom’s there, everything gets so awkward. She’s unhappy. Ms. Jansen’s unhappy. Nobody ends up happy. Why can’t our family be like the ones on TV? Then Dad can also marry Ms. Jansen and we all live together. Then I’d have Mom, Dad, and Ms. Jansen. That would be perfect.’

“Don’t worry, she won’t,” Ernest replied calmly. Over the years, Stella had always been compliant. When he insisted their marriage remain private, she never objected.

Beyond the occasional family dinner, Stella would even pretend not to recognize him if they crossed paths in public. ‘The light show isn’t a family occasion. She knows her place.’ Ernest felt sure of it.

“But this is—” Before Betty could finish, Ernest’s phone rang. ‘This is one of a kind. Mrs. Lloyd designed it herself. You can’t find anything like it out there,’ Betty continued the unfinished sentence silently.

“Hello, Sylvia,” he answered. Irene’s eyes lit up instantly. She tugged at Ernest’s hand, urging him to bend down. “Ms. Jansen filmed the light show just for you. She even got your favorite spicy buffalo wings. You can have them when you see her next time.”

“Can we go now?” Irene urged, shaking his hand restlessly. “Please, Dad. Mom isn’t even home. If we go back now, we can still make it in time for the light show.”

Ernest was no match for his daughter’s pleading. Over the phone, a woman’s voice chattered cheerfully. Ernest finally gave in. “Alright, we’ll go now.” He scooped Irene up and headed out.

Betty stood frozen, watching them leave. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but no words came out. In the end, she simply lowered her gaze, the unspoken words fading into silence as the door closed behind them.

*****

Stella, unaware of Betty’s inner turmoil, had spent the entire night at her easel, pushing herself until she finally produced a design she was satisfied with.

After some hesitation, she submitted her work to Lumière Group, the very company she had once co-founded and where her talent had once shone.