Chapter 231
Upon hearing the words, warmth spread through Stella’s heart. Marvin had been particularly attached to her lately, wanting to accompany her wherever she went.
The next day, Stella tried calling Haynes again, but there was still no answer. She glanced at the messages she’d sent him on her phone.
“Haynes, when are we going to finalize the divorce?”
“Haynes, you promised we’d get this done. Are you going back on your word?”
“Haynes, a real man keeps his promises. Do you?”
“Do you even want to get divorced?”
Despite the barrage of messages, Haynes hadn’t replied to a single one. His responses were always minimal: “Yes,” “Okay,” “Busy now,” or “Got it.” He often promised to call back, but eight times out of ten, he never did.
This unreliable guy! No, it wasn’t that he was generally unreliable. He just couldn’t be trusted when it came to her.
Not long after she put down her phone, it rang again. It was her lawyer.
“Ms. Cameron, the court has accepted your divorce case. It looks like they’ll be notifying Mr. O’Brien after the holidays… You’re not planning to withdraw, are you?”
Stella replied, “No, I’m not.”
“Good, if anything changes on your end, please keep me informed.”
After hanging up, Stella let out a long sigh of relief. Thank goodness she had a backup plan, or Haynes would’ve fooled her again. Still, this path was bound to be a long and challenging one.
Later, Stella took Marvin to an herbal clinic. The place was eerily quiet, with not a soul in sight. Marvin looked around, wide-eyed.
“Stella, are you sure this is the place?”
Stella nodded, “Yep, this is it.”
Marvin looked around curiously. “But didn’t Mr. Burton say he was really busy and short-staffed?”
Stella found it odd too. In the past, when she had helped out, there were usually a few people waiting in line. Today, there was no one.
Just then, Mr. Burton emerged from the back room, carrying some herbs. “Ah, you’re here,” he said, placing the herbs on the table and eyeing Marvin. “Is this the kid you mentioned?”
Stella nodded.
Mr. Burton smiled, “Not bad, he looks more charming than your son.”
Mr. Burton was known for speaking his mind, a gruff exterior with a heart of gold, so Stella wasn’t offended.
“Marvin, come say hello to Mr. Burton.”
Marvin, ever the sweet talker, said, “Hello, Mr. Burton. Stella always talks about you, saying you’re a kind and gentle grandpa.”
He handed over a bag, “Stella and I made these cookies for you. Mine aren’t as good as hers, but I hope you don’t mind.”
“Good kid, you’ve got a bright future,” Mr. Burton chuckled, eyes twinkling. None of his own grandchildren were as polite and sweet as Marvin.
Despite his age, Mr. Burton had a sweet tooth and was quite picky. It had taken Stella ages to perfect a recipe that suited his taste.
Stella asked, “Mr. Burton, didn’t you say you were swamped? Why is it so empty today?”
Mr. Burton waved a hand dismissively. “They’re probably on their way. Shouldn’t be long now.”
No sooner had he spoken than footsteps echoed, followed by a shocked voice. “Stella, what are you doing here?!”