Chapter 7

A relationship bound by so-called gratitude felt utterly meaningless.

Christian finally allowed me to leave my room.

Maria was even happier than usual as she pushed me to get ready.

“Mr. Hayes was just throwing a tantrum. How could he bear to keep you locked up in here every day?”

“They’re about to get married, but he still acts like such a child.”

“Today I told the kitchen to make several of Ms. Vance’s favorite dishes. You’ve gotten a bit thin these past few days…”

When Maria pushed me into the dining room, Stella first looked at Christian in surprise.

Seeing no reaction from him, she then stood up and intimately took my wheelchair from Maria.

“I haven’t seen you in days, big sister. I missed you so much! Are you feeling better?”

Truth be told, Stella and I weren’t very close.

Her forced intimacy now just repulsed me.

“Eat more, big sister. Look how thin you’ve gotten.”

As she spoke, Stella kept putting food on my plate.

Christian seemed pleased to see us getting along, teasing, “Why don’t I ever see you put food on my plate?”

Stella feigned shyness. “Can’t you ever eat without talking?”

I wasn’t in the mood to watch them flirt. I just wanted to finish my meal and leave.

“Um, big sister.”

Seeing me ignore her, Stella fidgeted and looked at me again.

“Even though what happened last time wasn’t intentional on your part, I still don’t really want to see you.”

I felt as if I’d heard the biggest joke.

“So? You want to keep me locked in my room?”

“Stella!” Christian snapped, his voice sharp.

Stella’s eyes immediately welled up.

“No, big sister, it’s just that it hurt me so much. Is it true that you still don’t like me? Christian, I’m scared…”

“Ms. Reed.”

I truly had no more strength to argue.

“All the common areas in this house have cameras. Everyone knows how I usually treat you, whether I’ve ever mistreated or bullied you. You don’t need to put on an act for me.”

Stella took a deep breath, looking at Christian in disbelief.

Christian, too, frowned impatiently.

Of course, he knew everything. He just didn’t want to explain for me, choosing to side with Stella unconditionally.