“Ha, what good is it to have the title of Mrs. O’Brien?” Jasper sneered. “You wouldn’t believe it, but if Rachel so much as whispers she’s scared, Haynie would drop everything to show up at her door in the middle of the night. When Haynie comes home depends entirely on when Rachel decides to let him go! Has he been around much lately? Want to know where he is? Yep, you guessed it-stuck with Rachel, treating a common cold like it’s some life-threatening disease. Even your own son is right there next to Rachel, showering her with attention and blaming you for making her sick. It won’t be long before Rachel takes your place and becomes Keen’s new mom!”

With that, Jasper shot Stella a smug glance and strutted off.

“This is unbelievable!” Abby snapped, about to chase after him, but Stella grabbed her arm to stop her.

Stella didn’t the slightest bit of anger and said, “Let it go, Abby. It’s not worth getting worked up over someone like that. I’m already in talks with a lawyer about the divorce. It won’t be long before I’m free.”

Abby couldn’t contain her frustration. “You’ve given so much to Haynes and Keen, wasted so many years, and for what? It’s just not fair!”

Stella shrugged it off, “It’s okay. It’s never too late for a fresh start. If anything, he taught me that relying on myself is the way to go.”

…

A few mornings later, Stella received a call from Antoney.

“Star, have you heard from Abby today?”

“No,” Stella replied, her brow furrowing. “Why? What’s up with Abby?”

Antoney hesitated for a moment. “Abby found a couple of great spots for a new studio, and we were supposed to check them out yesterday. But today, I can’t reach her. I’m worried something might have happened, so I thought I’d check with you.”

Sensing something off, Stella asked, “Did something happen? Did Abby get into trouble?”

Antoney’s voice dropped, “Last time I met up with Abby, this guy Jasper showed up, saying some pretty nasty things and insulting you. He bragged about how Haynes was treating Rachel and dared Abby to see for herself.”

Antoney and Abby were both friends of Stella, and they knew each other well. Having spent time with Abby, Antoney had a sense of her character.

He continued, “I was a bit uneasy, so I went to the hospital to see what was up, and that’s when I heard Rachel had attempted suicide last night.”

Stella’s concern deepened. “But what’s that got to do with Abby?” she asked.

Antoney replied quietly, “I heard Abby went to the hospital yesterday and had some pretty harsh words with Rachel.”

Stella’s eyes darkened. “I’ll get to the bottom of this.”

Antoney warned, “If Rachel’s attempt had anything to do with Abby, Haynes might not let it slide.”

Stella paused, considering. “Abby isn’t one to act out without reason. I can’t believe she’d just pick a fight with Rachel out of nowhere. And really…”

Her gaze turned icy. “If Rachel was so affected by a few words from Abby, maybe she wouldn’t have been involved with a married man in the first place.”

Antoney tried to calm her down, saying, “It might not be a big deal. Abby could’ve had an emergency and didn’t have time to fill me in. She’s your friend, and Haynes probably won’t target her.”

Stella stayed silent, lost in thought.