Chapter 1712

Gratefully, Stella accepted the gift box with both hands and proceeded to open it.

Inside was a hand-painted wedding picture of Stella and Matthew, adorned with Bella’s signature.

Delighted, Stella couldn’t contain her appreciation.

“Thank you, I truly adore it,” she expressed sincerely.

As she gazed at Bella, Stella felt the urge to share details about their relationship with her.

Considering the imminent wedding and the bustling presence of many guests, Stella acknowledged that it wasn’t the right moment to reveal the truth.

She believed it would be wiser to approach the topic gradually after the wedding, allowing Bella ample time to process and accept the information.

With her decision made, Stella held back her words and offered another smile to Bella.

Matthew, noticing Stella’s trembling, took her hand and entrusted the gift to Fernando.

“Please keep this safe,” he instructed.

Looking up at Matthew, Stella took in the warmth of his palm, which helped soothe her emotions.

“Please come inside and take a seat, Bella.

” She hesitated for a moment before adding, “Could you also stay a bit after the ceremony? There’s something important I’d like to discuss with you.

”

Despite her confusion, Bella agreed amicably.

Throughout this exchange, Elizabeth was inadvertently overlooked.

Elizabeth’s discontent grew as she observed the intimacy between Matthew and Stella, adding to her existing unhappiness.

With dripping sarcasm in her voice, she questioned, “Stella, why didn’t you invite me to be your bridesmaid? After all, you’ll be my mom’s first student.

That means we’re quite close, aren’t we? Or do you still hold a grudge about what happened before?”

She directed her gaze at the intertwined hands of Stella and Matthew.

Andrew remained aloof, as if the situation didn’t concern him.

It wasn’t until Elizabeth’s sarcastic remarks caught his ear that he shifted his focus to Stella.

It was then that he took notice of Stella’s app

earance, his gaze lingering on her face briefly before a sense of surprise washed over him.

Having read news reports comparing Elizabeth’s appearance to Stella’s, he now confirmed the similarity firsthand, realizing that the reports were accurate.

With a frown, Bella quietly cautioned Elizabeth, “Please refrain from such comments.

”

“Mom, I was just teasing Stella.

There’s no need to be so uptight.

”

Wearing a slight smile, Elizabeth brushed off Bella’s warning, saying, “And besides, Stella isn’t one to get easily offended, is she?”

Stella remained silent.

She was unsure of Elizabeth’s next move, as they had always clashed.

She doubted this time would be any different.

Elizabeth might have been looking to stir up trouble, yet Stella knew that as long as she didn’t react, the situation wouldn’t escalate.

Stella didn’t react to Elizabeth’s sarcastic remark, yet Matthew suddenly began to speak.

He glanced at Elizabeth and said softly yet mockingly, “Stella is indeed generous and won’t take offense easily.

It would be wise for you not to take advantage of someone honest.

Otherwise, you’re just embarrassing yourself.

Don’t you think so, Miss Elizabeth Wallace?”