Chapter 16
Everything happened so quickly. Before Stella could push him away, Anthony had already backed away himself.
Anthony showed no expression as he glanced at Blair, who had a dark look on her face. He said calmly, “Alright. Let’s move on to the next person.”
Like a cat whose tail got stepped on, Blair slammed her hand on the table and shot to her feet.
She shouted angrily and indignantly, “You broke the rules! The person you were supposed to kiss was the star of the night. Not her!”
Anthony frowned slightly. He held the anxious–looking Stella’s hand and fixed Blair with a stony gaze.
“She’s the star of my life.”
Blair staggered backward and stared at them in disbelief.
Stella’s heart missed a beat. Even though she was still a little tipsy, Stella realized that Anthony probably did not just see her as a friend or family member.
She hurriedly got up and excused herself by saying that she needed to use the restroom.
Blair, who was burning with rage, could not possibly let her leave just like that. Her shrill voice reverberated in the room. “You bitch! Where do you think you’re going?”
The sound of a loud slap could be heard as Blair was slapped across the face the next instant. Silence fell over the room.
Blair felt an awful ache in her heart as she covered her cheek with her hand. That side of her face was burning.
Tears streaked her face. Blair asked through sobs, “Anthony, why? Why do you even like someone like her? She’s clearly much older than you. She doesn’t even look refined or sophisticated in any way.
“Why won’t you accept my feelings? I’ve liked you for so many years. I’m the one you should be liking instead!”
Blair shouted hysterically. She looked nothing like the nice, demure lady she was just moments ago.
Meanwhile, their old classmates dared not a word since they did not want to get dragged into the conflict.
On the other hand, Anthony just stared at Blair silently. It was as if he were watching her perform an act, yet he could not be bothered with what she was trying to say.
The others did not expect that the once cheerful and friendly Anthony would be so cold–hearted toward Blair. It was as though he had reserved all of his kindness and gentleness for Stella.
“There’s no particular reason why I didn’t fall for you. Also, I only have eyes for her.”
Feeling heartbroken, Blair slumped onto the floor and broke down in tears. Stella, who heard everything from behind the door, was so flustered and confused that she quickly walked away.
She could not help but wonder whether Anthony was being serious or if he had just made up that excuse to reject Blair.
“Anthony likes me? No, that’s impossible! He’s Ethan’s younger brother, and I’m pretty much his sister–in–law. How could he possibly like me?” Stella pondered.
Yet, as she recalled Anthony’s recent actions and the light peck on her lips earlier, Stella felt like her thoughts were getting jumbled.
While she was briefly distracted, Stella bumped into a tall man. She hurriedly bowed her head and apologized.
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out excitedly, “Stella! It’s you!”
Stella raised her head. To her horror, the person she just bumped into was Julian.
It had been quite some time since she last saw him. Julian had lost a lot of weight. His face was gaunt and pale. Moreover, he reeked of alcohol.
As soon as he saw her, Julian’s eyes turned red. Tears rolled down his cheeks.
Stella was about to turn around and leave, but Julian swiftly pulled her into a tight embrace. He would not let go, no matter how fiercely Stella resisted and yelled at him. He kept pressing kisses on her cheeks.
“Stella, I was wrong. Can you please not leave me again? I know now how much you’ve suffered in the past. Please don’t be mad at me anymore.
“Ariana has been sent to prison. I’ve severed ties with my mom too. We can get married and have a child of our own now. Come home with me. I’ll give you everything you want.”
While Julian was pouring his heart out, he failed to notice the look of disdain that flashed in Stella’s eyes.
“Ah!” Julian let go of Stella when she bit his wrist so hard that blood oozed out of the wound.
julian placed a hand over the wound on his wrist. He muttered in disbelief, “Why? I’ve promised to give you everything I have, Stella. Why won’t you forgive me?”
Stella stared expressionlessly at him. Her eyes showed no emotion.
“I think you’ve probably misunderstood something. I’ve never liked you. It was purely business between us. I worked and received payment for my service. That was it. Now that the contract’s over, we’re no longer involved in any way. Please don’t bother me anymore.”
“No, that’s impossible!” Julian raged inwardly.
He felt as though a knife was driven into his heart as he listened to Stella’s cold remarks. His eyes were throbbing again.
They were constantly by each other’s side during the past three years. They were not exactly that different from a real married couple. Yet, Stella claimed she did not have any feelings for him. Julian figured that she must be lying.
