Chapter 17: THE RECKONING

Chapter 17:

 The Reckoning

The weight of uncertainty had settled over David like a quiet storm.

He had always known his feelings for Stella ran deep—far deeper than he cared to admit. But he had never been the kind of man to force his way into someone’s heart. Love, to him, was not about possession or demand; it was about choice.

And right now, Stella was standing at a crossroads. So, he made a decision. He would step back.

That didn’t mean he would stop caring. If she needed support, he would be there. If she were drowning, he would make sure she could breathe. But he would not—could not—pull her toward him.

She had to come to him.

Patricia had spent years mastering the art of control. She had watched people, studied them. She knew how to push buttons, how to bend situations to her will. And right now, Richard was slipping. She saw it in the way his eyes lingered on Stella. In the restless tension that had taken root in his body whenever she was in the same room as them. She saw doubt. And doubt was dangerous. So, she did what she did best—she struck first. That evening, she found Richard in his office, his back turned to her as he gazed out the window. His hands were shoved into his pockets, his shoulders tense. “Richard.” He didn’t turn around. “What is it, Patricia?” His voice was flat, indifferent.

She narrowed her eyes. Indifference wasn’t an option. “You’ve been acting strange lately,” she accused, stepping forward. “You barely talk to me, you’ve been distracted, and don’t think I haven’t noticed how you look at Stella.” Richard tensed.

Patricia let out a sharp breath, placing a hand on her hip. “If there’s something you’re not telling me, say it now.”

Silence.

Then, he sighed, finally turning to face her. “I’m just… overwhelmed.” His jaw clenched. “This job, this company, everything. It’s exhausting.” Patricia studied him carefully. He was lying. Richard wasn’t overwhelmed by work. He was overwhelmed by her. By Stella. By his own regrets. And that was unacceptable. She needed to cement her place in his life—immediately.

So, she played her final card.  “We need to finalize our wedding plans.”  Richard froze. His expression hardened. “Patricia, we—” She cut him off. “No excuses.” Her voice was sharp, unwavering. “You promised me marriage. I’ve been patient. But I refuse to wait any longer.”

Richard swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. He had made this choice. He had chosen Patricia. Hadn’t he? Before he could form a response, Patricia’s lips curled into a slow, triumphant smile.

“In fact, I think it’s time we tell everyone. Tomorrow, I’ll announce the office.” Richard’s breath caught in his throat. An announcement? In front of everyone? In front of Stella? Patricia saw the flicker of panic in his eyes. And it thrilled her.

Checkmate!.

The office was abuzz with murmurs the next morning.

Patricia had called for an “important announcement,” and speculation ran wild. At exactly noon, she stood at the front of the office, a picture of elegance and power. Richard stood beside her, his face carefully blank. Stella sat at her desk, pretending to be engrossed in a file. But her fingers trembled slightly as she held the papers.

Then, Patricia spoke. “I am thrilled to share some wonderful news with you all,” she began, her voice clear and confident. “Richard and I will be getting married soon!”

Gasps. Whispers. A few polite claps.

Stella’s heartbeat stilled. She didn’t move. Didn’t react. She simply stared at them, her expression calm, unreadable. Not a single flicker of emotion crossed her face. But Richard saw her. And that was what broke him. She wasn’t crying. She wasn’t angry.

She was just… empty.

And somehow, that made it so much worse. Stella’s Silent Pain. She wouldn’t let this break her. She had already suffered too much at Richard’s hands. If he wanted to marry Patricia, so be it. She wouldn’t stop him.

But still, deep inside her, there was an ache—a sharp, cutting pain she couldn’t explain. Not because she wanted him back. No. That part of her had died long ago. But because he could still hurt her. She clenched her hands into fists beneath her desk, steadying herself. And then—she felt him. A presence. A quiet, steady warmth beside her.

David.

He didn’t say a word. He didn’t touch her. He just stood there.

Close enough for her to feel the silent strength he was offering. And for the first time, she let herself wonder—what if? What if David wasn’t just being kind? What if this wasn’t just friendship?

What if… she had been falling all along, without even realizing it? The War Has Just Begun

Patricia had made her move. Richard was unraveling. And Stella was beginning to see something new. But this wasn’t over. Not even close.