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."

up, leaving Deanna on

and couldn't help but ask, "Mom, is Stella coming over today? I was hoping

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

Stella today? She's got the nerve to hang up on me and talk about being kicked out like a

her lately-now

worked so hard to marry Haynes, she won't walk away so easily. Besides, they have

then again, with how Haynes has been carrying on with Rachel, it's no

of staking her claim.

foot. I've never acknowledged her as such. And Rachel? She's no better. I hear she's

coffee, a smirk on her lips. "Let her help ruin whatever's left of Stella's