Chapter 273

Chapter 273:

“Dad, what’s the matter?” Stella sat in the corner of the sofa, her hands on her knees, looking up to meet David’s gaze.

Something felt off that day. It was strange. David avoided eye contact, and even Isabella seemed unable to meet her eyes. It wasn’t a good sign—Isabella never avoided looking at her like this.

“I know that Sophia had a car accident, and her face was disfigured. She’s in a miserable state...” David hesitated, failing to get to the main point. Hearing his words, Stella felt a wave of irritation.

“Also, you know about her wedding with RK. The invitations have been sent. If we cancel the wedding now, it won’t look good for either family.”

“So, what your Aunt Isabella and I were thinking...” David trailed off, seemingly unable to finish the sentence. He knew how absurd the request was, but there seemed to be no other solution.

After a long discussion with Isabella and Sophia, they had come to the only conclusion they could. RK hadn’t objected, so it was now just a matter of convincing Stella.

Stella began to grasp the meaning of his words. Was he asking her to replace Sophia as the bride? Was he planning to sacrifice her to save the wedding?

“You mean... you want me to pretend to be the bride at the wedding?” she asked, incredulously.

“It’s more than that... You’ll have to live with the Kingston family afterward... as RK’s wife,” David admitted, finally getting the words out. He let out a sigh of relief, as if saying it made the burden lighter.

“What?” Stella was stunned, her heart dropping like a stone.

What was he saying? Was he really planning to marry her off like that? Wasn’t this the same as selling her to the Kingston family? She had always known that her family was distant, but she had still believed they were bound by blood, that there was some basic care. But now, it was clear—her family was willing to throw her away for the sake of maintaining a marriage alliance.

Her heart grew cold. She had always shown some level of loyalty to the Richard family, but this—this was betrayal.

Feel the thrill on gαℓησν풆ℓs.cøm “You want me to throw my life away just to keep this marriage going?” Stella’s voice was thick with disbelief. “If I marry him, my life will be ruined.”

“Sophia is your sister. She’s in a bad state. Shouldn’t you help her?” David’s tone became stern, as if Stella’s hesitation was unreasonable.

Stella stayed silent, her cold eyes fixed on David. Her penetrating stare made him feel guilty, and he couldn’t meet her gaze anymore.

“Stella, we’ve raised you for years. Is it too much to ask for you to help your family? Do you have no conscience?” Isabella chimed in sarcastically.

“I’m tired. I’m going to my room.” Stella didn’t respond to their guilt-tripping. She stood up, turned, and walked straight to her room.

“Stella, think about it. Think about the family’s future,” David called after her in a threatening tone.

Once inside her room, Stella collapsed onto the floor, drained of all energy. She had never considered the Richard family her real family.

Ever since high school, she had dreamed of escaping, of living her own life, far away from them. Now, just when she was about to taste freedom, they were forcing her into a marriage that wasn’t even meant for her.

Why? Why should she go through with this? Even if she compromised and married into the Kingston family, what would happen once Sophia recovered? She’d have to face the humiliation of calling RK her husband while knowing he was meant for her sister.

How could she live with that?

Rather than suffer such a fate, it was better to run away. No matter the consequences, she would rather disappear than be trapped in this nightmare of a marriage.

Six years later, Stella might have had the courage to flee. But the Stella of six years ago was gentle, soft-hearted, and unable to say no. She was used to being bullied, and because of that, she was destined to become the replacement bride.

Stella didn’t sleep at all that night. The next morning, she went downstairs for breakfast and found David waiting for her. As they ate in silence, David finally broke it, his voice hesitant.

“Stella, we know this is a huge blow to you. We were in such a rush that we didn’t consider your feelings. I’m sorry. If you don’t want to go through with it, we won’t force you. I’m your father—I would never hurt you.”

David had spent the night thinking it over. In the end, he couldn’t bring himself to force her into the marriage.

“Dad, let me ask you something. What will you do when Sophia recovers?” Stella asked, placing her spoon down and looking at him seriously.

“This...” David hesitated again.

Stella sneered inwardly. All his talk about doing what was best for her—none of it was true. It was a performance, a charade of a concerned father. In reality, he was lying, manipulating her. The hypocrisy was sickening.

Finally realizing he had been silent too long, David quickly added, “Your sister won’t ruin your marriage. You just have to trust her.”

But Stella knew better.

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