Now They Want My Forgiveness - Chapter 125: Chapter 125

Andrew, Fiona, and Anna all looked utterly mortified. Sure enough, Eleanor knew them all too well. She skewered their intentions with surgical precision.
Eleanor wrestled down her fury. 'Stay alive," she thought, 'Stella still needs my protection.'
"Listen up, all of you." Eleanor declared. "Stella is off-limits. Cross this line, and you lose your family name." After saying that, she left with Mary.
As Stella was heading back, Kevin called. He wanted to meet up, and Stella agreed.
Kevin gazed at Stella, his eyes brimming with sadness. "Stella, tell me it's not true. You and Jordan?
"Yes, legally married. I moved in with him last night," Stella said calmly.
"And the wedding?" Kevin asked, his voice laced with disbelief, "When is your wedding?"
"I told him we can hold off for now. Given my current condition, I'd prefer to wait a couple more years before we talk about it again."
"Don't tell me he's refusing to give you a proper wedding, Stella," Kevin said, his voice trembling. "Why were you in such a rush to marry Jordan? Couldn't you wait for me? I've been fighting for us—begging my dad to accept you."
Stella met Kevin's gaze head-on, seeing the distress and sorrow etched across his face.
Stella was well aware of Kevin's feelings for her. But Stella didn't feel the same for him. She truly cherished their close friendship and didn't want to ruin it. But most importantly... Stella noted the bruise peeking above his collar. "Your dad beat you."
Kevin's body stiffened instantly. He denied, "No, of course not. How could that be?"
"Don't lie to me." She tugged his collar lower. Belt marks snaked toward his shoulder. "Did you think you could hide this from me? The bruises? Did he whip you with a belt? Is your whole back covered in wounds?"
"It's nothing. I can take it. I'm a man and I'm going to fight for what I want."
"But Kevin, I can't take it. After losing Emily, you're the only friend I have. I can't just let you get hurt by your dad. You're an illegitimate son.
The only reason you're inheriting the Carver family fortune is because your dad recognized your talent. But if you disobey him and choose to be with me, you—"
"I don't care," Kevin cut in sharply,
"I care. Have you ever thought about what Troy would do to you—and to me—if one day you lost the Carver family's protection?"
Stella looked at Kevin and said, "If one day Troy finds me alone in your penthouse, wouldn't I be like a lamb to the slaughter?"
Kevin froze. Horror dawned on Kevin's face.
Stella really didn't want to say any of this, but seeing Kevin's unwavering persistence, she knew she had to crush his hopes once and for all."Kevin, we're close friends—always have been, always will be. I hope you'll keep that in mind."
A heavy silence stretched between them. Neither spoke.
After what felt like an eternity, Kevin slowly lifted his head and asked hesitantly, "Was it because of my confession? Was that why you suddenly married Jordan?"
"Not exactly. I turned you down right away after you said that. Then I happened to meet Jordan. Honestly, getting married to him wasn't even on my mind at the time.