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Stella’s knuckles hite as she curled her fingers around her knees Eet out, but she bit it back

"I agree," her father said "I saw nothing good in that man"

Sharpness lanced her insides, and her control dissolved "Then you weren’t looking closely enough He’s not doing nothing He’s not lazy Sos than passion and ambition He put his career on hold so he could take care of his ive up everything for the people he loves, everything He’s nothing but good"

And he didn’t want her

Her father’s face darkened "Then why didn’t he say so?"

"Why would he want to share that with people who are looking down on hih, Edward," herYou want her to be with someone driven and career-focused, someone who can take care of her You don’t seeh on her own, and she doesn’t need soet out of here The noise is getting to me"

Herherself be led to an e area just outside the banquet room A massive bouquet ofbranches and calla lilies doe of one of the flowers before she sat down and shut her eyes It was much quieter out here, and some of the tension in her head eased But the ache in her heart didn’t abate Instead, it spread outward and intensified, crushing her with hopelessness and defeat The soft weight of heropen

Herher into ropes of cool pearls and Chanel No 5 Stella still didn’t like that strong scent, but in that moment, its familiarity calmed her She relaxed and let her mother hold her like she had when she was little, not realizing she was crying until herside to side

"I’m so sorry, dear I’ve alanted an artist for you, someone sensitive ould put you first Later, we can think up a strategic way to find the perfect person You should really try Tinder, dear"

Even now, her ave up

Stella released a long, ragged breath "That person was Michael"

"Don’t get stubborn on me now, Stella There are billions of people on this planet, and you can’t force love You’ll find a better fit than hi Michael was mint chocolate chip for her She could try other flavors, but he’d always be her favorite

Her differences always did this They left her most alone when she was surrounded by people Usually, she didn’t care She didn’t need people She was happiest when she had the space and tis that interested her But Michael interested her, and she didn’t feel alone when she ith hie that it was all one-sided hurt

"Do you think, Morandbaby discussions for a while? I want to ht now"

Her randchildren I didn’t hed and shut her eyes She didn’t care about being happy All she wanted at the

• • •

The silence in Stella’s house was absolute Funny how Michael had never noticed it before When he was here, he was usually busy talking to Stella, listening to her quirky observations, cooking in herlove to her