Chapter 16
Stella turned her head and spotted a rebellious-looking young man swaggering over with a group of his rowdy friends. She
recognized him instantly – Jasper Wilkinson.
He was Haynes’ friend and one of Rachel’s most devoted admirers. From the first day Stella dated Haynes, Jasper made it clear
that he didn’t think much of her, constantly mocking and belittling her.
When Rachel returned, Jasper was the most enthusiastic go-between, ferrying messages between Rachel and Haynes. If
Rachel had so much as a sniffle or a hair out of place, Jasper would be on the phone to Haynes, urging him to rush to her side.
More than once, he’d suggested Stella step aside for Rachel.
Jasper sauntered to Stella, a mocking grin on his face. “Hey there, the housewife. Shouldn’t you be at home learning to be the
perfect homemaker and keeping your husband happy? What are you doing out here, showing your face in public? That’s not
how a good housewife behaves.”
Stella was the sort of woman who could host a dinner party with grace and whip up a mean apple pie without breaking a sweat.
She was so adept at it all. So, Jasper had nicknamed her “Housewife.” From then on, anyone in Haynes’ circle who saw Stella
would greet her with that same derisive title.
Jasper’s attitude and tone were grating, and Abby furrowed her brow in annoyance. Stella maintained composed, her expression
turning icy.
Seeing this, Jasper didn’t back down. Instead, he whistled, feigning surprise. “Oh, come on, the housewife. Don’t tell me you
can’t take a little joke?”
His buddies interrupted, egging him on. “Yeah, Mrs. O’Brien, lighten up! Don’t be so uptight. You’ll embarrass Haynes!”
“Besides,” one of them added, “Jasper’s right. Aren’t you just a housewife, looking after your husband and child?”
“You think you can compare to Rachel?” another sneered. “Rachel graduated from the prestigious Neo-Vespera University, in
case you didn’t know.”
“Neo-Vespera University,” Abby repeated, looking at Stella. “I’ve never heard of Rachel!”
Jasper snorted, casting a dismissive glance at Abby. “You’ve got a lot to learn. Try getting out more to broaden your horizons.”
Abby raised an eyebrow. “Star, who is this guy? He’s got a real superiority complex, doesn’t he?”
Stella replied coldly, “One of Rachel’s admirers. You can call him a simp.”
“Oh, he’s Rachel’s simp!” Abby exclaimed, her anger dissipating. “No wonder he’s so annoying. It makes sense now.”
Jasper’s face fell, but Stella smiled at him sweetly before he could retort. “Mr. Simp, you can take a joke, can’t you?”
Having witnessed their earlier taunts, Abby jumped in. “No way. A grown man like you can’t handle a little teasing? That’s pretty
weak. Don’t you think so?”
Stella added smoothly, “Don’t mind him, Abby. He’s not worth our time.”
Jasper’s crew shifted uncomfortably, realizing they had a taste of their own medicine.
Abby laughed, “You’re the simp, the big simp, always flattering but never getting anything. Come on, Star. Let’s go have some
fun.”
And with that, they turned their backs on Jasper and his friends, leaving them to stew in embarrassment.