Chapter 75
Keen stood there, arms crossed defiantly. “I’m not apologizing to him!”
Stella didn’t push him. Instead, she replied, “Step aside if you’re not going to apologize.”
Once upon a time, Stella would have been at Keen’s beck and call, running around to cater to his every need. But now, she was cold and distant, even demanding he apologize to another kid.
The change was something Keen couldn’t wrap his head around. He stomped his
foot in frustration. “I don’t want you taking care of him!”
Stella raised an eyebrow. “And why should I listen to you?”
“Because you’re my mom!”
“Am I your mom?” Stella chuckled softly, “I thought I was the nanny.”
Keen was left speechless, his mouth hanging open in shock.
Rachel, watching the exchange, finally spoke up, a frown creasing her brow. “Ms. Cameron, he’s only a kid. Why are you arguing with him?”
Stella turned to Rachel. “Ms. Pearce, this is my family issue. As an outsider, you should stay out of it.”
Stella’s words echoed Haynes’ words earlier, leaving Rachel looking hurt, her eyes welling up with tears.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to overstep. Keen is still so young. Ms. Cameron, as his mom, shouldn’t talk to him that way.”
Stella’s voice was sharp. “How I parent Keen is none of your business. Family matters are for family to handle, not outsiders.”
Stella’s words were harsh, and Rachel’s tears began to fall, making her look like a delicate flower trampled on.
Jasper pointed an accusatory finger at Stella, yelling, “Stella, what’s gotten into you? Are you feeling bold today because someone’s backing you up?”
Stella laughed lightly. “Well, yes. I usually don’t have backup and couldn’t speak my mind. It’s hard to stand up to four people alone.”
She turned her back on Jasper and addressed Keen, blocking the door. “We’re leaving now. Could you step aside, please?”
With clenched teeth, Keen spat out, “If you leave today, I won’t recognize you as my mom anymore! You have to choose between me and that new kid!”
Stella had heard this kind of ultimatum too many times that day. It wasn’t that it didn’t hurt. But she just felt numb.
“Fine, I choose Marvin.” With that, Stella sidestepped Keen and walked out the door.
Keen stood there, stunned, feeling hit over the head with a bat. He never imagined Stella would be so heartless.
Neville glanced at everyone’s expressions, shrugged nonchalantly, and followed Stella.
It was only then that Keen felt a wave of panic. He turned to Haynes, eyes brimming with tears. “Dad, does Mom not want me anymore?”
Before Haynes could answer, Jasper interrupted with a dismissive wave. “No way! Stella’s trying to make you and Haynie jealous with that father-son duo. Don’t believe her. Remember when she faked being sick or kidnapped to get your attention?”
Keen looked at Jasper, unsure. “Mr. Wilkinson, is that true?”
“When have I ever lied to you? Just wait. As long as you and Haynie don’t fall for
it, Stella will return soon enough.”
Still uneasy, Keen asked, “Really?”
“Absolutely!” Jasper declared confidently. “Once a woman has kids, she’s all about the family and the kids. I’ve got a buddy whose wife was aloof before having kids, but after? You couldn’t drag her away with a crane. And when his first love returned, his wife begged him not to divorce so she could keep the family together for the kids.”