Chapter 80
Neville chuckled, “Well, Mr. O’Brien, it seems you’re quite familiar with what Ms. Pearce likes to eat. Being Star’s husband, you’d know her favorite dishes, right?”
Haynes remained silent before speaking in his deep, smooth voice, ordering a few dishes for Stella.
Neville listened, his brows knitting slightly. “Mr. O’Brien, are you sure those aren’t your favorites rather than Star’s?”
Haynes glanced at Stella. She kept her face emotionless, not even sparing him a glance.
Neville’s gaze at Haynes carried a hint of knowingness. “Star loves spicy food and can’t get enough of it. She doesn’t care for seafood, raw dishes, or fish.”
Neville watched Haynes, a faint smile on his lips. “Not one of those dishes you ordered is something Star likes.”
Haynes had picked a light and raw dish, another with seafood, and one more featuring fish. He’d hit all the wrong notes.
The atmosphere froze instantly. Even the waiter, poised to take their order, couldn’t resist shooting Haynes a sideways glance.
Forgetful husbands were common enough, but ordering everything his wife hated? The waiter couldn’t help but feel embarrassed for Stella.
The waiter cleared her throat, breaking the tension. “Sir, would you still like those dishes?”
“No,” Neville interjected, listing three dishes, each featuring plenty of spice.
The waiter quickly jotted them down and hurried away from the awkward table. With Haynes still silent, perhaps worried he felt guilty, Rachel said, “Haynie rarely eats at home, so he wouldn’t know what Ms. Cameron likes.”
Stella heard that and couldn’t help but scoff internally. Wasn’t Rachel implying that Haynes usually dined with her, so he knew her preferences instead?
If Haynes cared, he’d know Stella’s tastes regardless of their dining habits. It all boiled down to a lack of care.
Neville nodded. “True. Star has always put her husband and child first, bending over backward to cater to your preferences while ignoring her own-so much so that even others have forgotten her needs.”
“Now,” he added, “it’s about time she starts putting herself first.”
He turned to Stella, his deep eyes holding a gentle light. “With me, Star, you never need to compromise. You can always follow your likes.”
Stella knew Neville was trying to stand up for her. Yet, even though knowing it was all for a show, his bright, earnest eyes stirred something uneasy within her.
Just then, Rachel’s voice chimed in. “Ms. Cameron, Mrs. O’Brien’s headaches have returned. I heard you used to bring her medicine. If you don’t want to deliver it this time, could you pass it on to us instead?”
Stella’s expression remained indifferent. “I don’t have any medicine.”
Haynes frowned. “You’ve been bringing my mother her medicine for years. Are you saying you don’t have any?”
Rachel added, “Ms. Cameron, I realize things have been tense between you and Haynie lately. But could you put those issues aside for now? Mrs. O’Brien’s health is the priority.”
Growing weary, Stella replied, “I told you I don’t have any. Mr. O’Brien has plenty of resources at his disposal. Surely, he doesn’t need to rely on a housewife like me to find medicine for Deanna?”
Haynes’ expression darkened, his voice growing colder.