Chapter 15

▫️Christian's POV...

I walked into Stella’s room after the doctor went .She was sitting silently, her eyes staring blankly at nothing. I asked softly, “Are you okay?”

She just nodded. Didn’t say a word.

I frowned, concerned. “Do you wanna have a talk regarding what happened?”

Her lips quivered, and tears welled up in her eyes. She quickly turned her face away, refusing to let them fall.

Now she is trying to be rough-tough even though she isn't.

I whispered, respecting her silence. I stepped back and left the room.

Outside, I found Nick and the others waiting. Nick asked, “How is she?”

“She’s not talking,” I said, frustrated. “She looks… broken. Like someone took her soul.”

The next week was a blur. Stella was weak—too weak. She couldn’t even stand sometimes. There were bruises all over her body, a painful reminder of everything she had endured. Sometimes, she fainted without warning. Nick or I would catch her; other times, she collapsed before we could get to her. It was pathetic. She was pathetic.

At night, I often slept on the sofa in her room, just in case she needed something. Nick took turns too. Ava wanted to stay, but we couldn’t trust her for this—she was a heavy sleeper. “What if Stella needs something in the middle of the night?” Nick had pointed out.

One afternoon, a week later, Stella finally spoke. Ava had been sitting with her, asking gentle questions to distract her.

Out of the blue, Stella whispered, “I didn’t try to kill myself. My fiancé and my best friend did.”

Ava froze. “What?!”

Stella continued, her voice shaky but steady. “Gabriel cheated on me with Jess. My best friend. They used me. Gabriel wanted to marry me bcoz I wouldn't dare to divorce him and he can cheat me freely … and then he cheated even before the marriage.” Her voice cracked, but she went on, “When I found out, they blamed me. Used me like a pawn. Then they… tried to kill me.”

Ava gasped softly. “Oh, Stella I will personally kill those motherfucker assholes and rip them apart.”

That was all Stella said before the tears finally fell. She cried, shaking, and I knew.

Her life outside was over. She wasn’t safe anymore. And neither was my position as the heir if I let her go. Plus, I don't want her to go, she will be dead in no time.

---

Later that day

I decided to bring her family here. My plan execution starts here. When my men dragged Stella’s parents into the hell room, I sat back with a smirk. Her mother looked panicked, her father pale. She turned to me, her voice trembling.

“Why are we here? What do you want from us?”

I tilted my head slightly and smiled. “Relax. I brought you here to meet your daughter. She needs you right now.” I placed a hand over my chest, mocking sincerity. “I’m such an emotional person, aren’t I?”

They didn’t look convinced, but I didn’t care. I took them to Stella’s room, settling comfortably on the sofa like I was watching a free show.

The door opened, and as soon as her mother laid eyes on Stella, she slapped her across the face. Hard. I leaned back, shaking my head. That bitch shouldn't have slapped her. Such an abusive mother.

“What are you doing here, Stella? How you know this man?” her mother hissed.

Stella flinched, holding her cheek,said,  “I pretend to be his girlfriend in the past that's why I know him. And he is the one who saved my life when your beloved Jess gave me pills. That's why I'm here. ”

Her mother said,  “So he is the one you cheated with? Gabriel was right about you!”

I stared at her blankly, amused. “Cheat? Me? Why would I need to cheat when I can marry anyone I want?” I spread my arms, feigning innocence. “I’m just here, throwing money around and enjoying the show.”

Stella wrinkled her nose at me and looked at her mother.

“NO, Mom!” Stella screamed, her voice cracking. “Gabriel cheated on me! He betrayed me!”

Her mother crossed her arms, glaring down at Stella like she was dirt. “You’re such a liar, Stella. You cheated the one who truly loved you and here you are pretending to be someone's girlfriend. Isn't it funny. What did you get in return for that, Stella? Money? Attention?”

Stella shook her head quickly. “Nothing.”

I let out a sharp laugh. “I offered her money, but she denied it. The offer is still on but just for Stella.”

Her mother turned back to Stella. “So Stella you are that rich now that you deny money. But I'm not dumb like you.  I’ll make sure you act as Mr. Knight’s girlfriend. He can send us money, and you’ll be of some use for once.”

Stella’s face went pale. “No way! Neither will I pretend, nor will I take money! You are no one to tell me what to do.”

Her mother snapped, anger dripping from her voice. “So who will pay the debt. The debt of $600,000. We spent everything on your wedding, and you ruined it! What if Gabriel kissed her? It’s not a big deal!”

Stella didn’t say anything. She just looked crushed, like her last ounce of strength had been ripped away.

I smiled. It was time for me. “Enough,” I said, my voice calm but final. I pulled out my phone and called my men. “Bring the money.”

Two minutes later, a bag of cash was dumped in front of Stella’s parents. I stood up, throwing the bag at their feet with a smirk. “Here. That’s your price. Take it and never show your faces again.”

Her mother’s expression shifted. She grabbed the bag without hesitation, turning to me with a cold smile. “Do whatever you want with her. We don’t care.”

I nodded. “Perfect. You’re dismissed. Your free show is over.”

As my men dragged her parents out of the room, Stella finally broke. Tears streamed down her face as she sank onto the bed, trembling.

I walked toward her slowly, crouching down to her level. My voice was soft, almost soothing. “Stella, look at me.”

She didn’t respond, so I gently tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet my gaze. “How could they do this to you?” I whispered, my voice low and laced with false concern. “You’re pathetic, Stella… but don’t worry. I’ll take care of you. No one else will.”

She sniffled, staring at me with wide, teary eyes. “Why… why are you doing this?”

I smiled, a calm and calculated expression. “Because I’m the only one who can keep you safe. Do you understand that? Outside, they’ll come for you again, Stella. They’ll kill you, and this time… no one will save you.”

Her lips quivered. “I—”

I cut her off, my voice sharper. “Your parents don’t care, your fiance betrayed you, and your best friend tried to kill you. Do you think anyone out there will help you? Are you safe outside? No.”

She looked down, broken.

I reached out and wiped a tear off her cheek with my thumb. “But me? I’ll keep you safe. Here, with me, no one will touch you.” I paused, letting the words sink in. “If you leave, they’ll find you. And trust me, this time, you won’t be lucky enough to survive.”

She stared at me, her breathing unsteady. “Why this happened?”

I smiled, tilting her face toward mine.

She swallowed hard, tears still rolling down her face. I pulled her into my arms, holding her tight as she sobbed into my chest. “It’s okay,” I murmured softly, running my hand through her hair. “Cry it out, baby. You’re safe here. With me.”

As she clung to me, I couldn’t help but smirk.

Perfect.

She then suddenly looked up and said, "I don’t want you to give them the money. The debt isn't this much. Also I and Gabriel were the one paying for the wedding."

I tilted her chin up to meet my gaze. “I won’t give it to them,” he promised. “I’ll transfer it to you instead. Call it… a favor. One you’ll owe me.”

She looked at me, her mind a mess of anger, sadness, and confusion.

“You’re safe here, Stella,” I said.

“Whether you like it or not. You will be staying here till the date I will be appointed as heir, my fake girlfriend.” I thought.