The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 66

Every family gathering felt like a marathon to Stella. She darted around the room, serving coffee and drinks, working harder than the hired help-yet in Deanna's eyes, it was never enough.

No matter what Deanna said, she had to bite her tongue and nod. Any dissent might earn her a reputation as disrespectful or ill-mannered.

Stella had always respected Deanna, Haynes' mother. She thought she should keep the peace and spare Haynes any familial drama.

But she was done playing nice. She wouldn't stand Deanna's disdain anymore, especially not after deciding to leave the past behind.

"I'm not returning," Stella declared, her voice steady and free of the hesitation that used to color her every word. She no longer feared saying the wrong thing and incurring Deanna's wrath.

"And by the way, feel free to kick me out of the O'Brien family. Being your daughter-in-law is nothing but a disgrace."

that, she hung up, leaving Deanna on the silent phone in

ask, "Mom, is Stella coming over today? I was hoping she'd make some scones. They're way better than anything our chef can whip

Stella's biggest fan, she couldn't deny Stella's culinary

of her daze, her anger bubbling to the surface. "What's gotten into Stella today? She's got the nerve to hang

on her lately-now she thinks she

unfazed. "Stella is probably putting on a show. She worked so hard to marry Haynes,

carrying on with Rachel, it's no wonder Stella's upset. Any outsider

her claim. Now the whole

O'Brien, my foot. I've never acknowledged her as such. And Rachel? She's no better.

of her coffee, a smirk on her lips. "Let her