Now They Want My Forgiveness - Chapter 72: Chapter 72

Stella clung tightly to Eleanor. Years of pent-up grievances and anguish came pouring out.
Eleanor assumed Stella was just frightened. After all, it was only natural to have lingering fears after a car accident like that.
She gently patted Stella's back and said softly, "There, there. It's alright now. It's all over. You're safe. I have got you. No one will dare lay a finger on you."
Stella remained silent.
It was precisely because Eleanor was here that others dared act with impunity. They knew Eleanor was the only one Stella cared about, and with her fragile health, Stella simply couldn't bring herself to tell Eleanor the truth.
Even now, Fiona and the others were watching Stella like hawks, terrified she might let slip a single compromising word.
Eleanor cried, "What is the world coming to, that it can't see Stella, always subjecting her to such things?"
Fiona couldn't help chiming in, "Maybe it's the name that's bringing bad luck? I was thinking that she could grow up to be as beautiful and elegant as a star when I named her Stella.
"But now, I wonder if the name's meaning isn't quite as good as I thought."
Stella curled her lips into a mocking smile. She thought, 'Beautiful and elegant? The truth is that my name was just a random pick; only Anna's name was chosen with any real care.'
Eleanor readily agreed, "Alright, let's change it then."
Stella shook her head and said, "Grandma, it's not that simple to change. If I do, my diploma would become invalid."
Max scoffed, "You're just a high school graduate, won't get you anywhere. What's the big deal?"
Stella snapped back, "Max, have you forgotten why I never went to college? Need me to refresh your memory?"
Max's eyes widened in shock. He thought, 'Stella had always been so docile in front of Eleanor, but ever since she came back this time, she'd been acting so cocky. Who does she think she is?'
Fearing they might come to blows, Eleanor said to Stella, "Don't worry about your education. If you don't want to go to school, just have Max pay the tuition at your preferred university.
"In a few years, we can arrange for the diploma to be issued. No problem."
Eleanor thought, 'The Hayes family still holds considerable sway in society; just pulling a few strings with the principal would settle everything.'
Stella said, "Grandma, I've already enrolled myself in an adult education program. Don't worry, I've got my future all mapped out."
Fiona said, "Mom, how could you possibly forget? Didn't we already settle that once Stella marries Henry, he'll send her to college? Henry has already arranged everything.
"Oh, Stella, hurry up and get ready. Henry will be here soon to take you to get your marriage license."
Eleanor looked bewildered. She asked, "Why the rush to get married? Didn't Henry just have a car accident?"
Fiona, her tone syrupy sweet, said, "Yes, Henry had a car accident, but it wasn't serious, and Stella wasn't badly hurt either. Henry insists he's truly in love with Stella, and after this accident, he realized he wants to marry her as soon as possible.
"Seeing how devoted the two of them are, of course, we had no choice but to support them."
After Fiona finished speaking, she shot a warning glance at Stella, as if daring her to speak up—she would make sure Stella paid for it.
"I won't marry Henry," Stella declared firmly.
Andrew immediately flew into a rage. He snapped, "What did you say?"
Stella declared firmly, "I said I won't marry him."
Andrew jabbed a finger at Stella and turned to Eleanor. His voice rose in frustration as he said, "Mom, see for yourself. This is your beloved granddaughter. We never forced her to marry Henry. It was her own choice.
"Now, on the verge of getting the marriage license, she dares to back out. How am I supposed to explain this to Henry?"
Eleanor was a bit bewildered. She turned to Stella and asked, "Stella, what happened?"
"Grandma, I can't marry him," Stella said. Her eyes pleaded as she looked at Eleanor.