The Second Life of Stella Rossi

"blank check" gesture to demonstrate his devotion to Chloe. He' d used an extre

d for money when it came to Chloe, contrasted with his meticulous acc

after the auction, be

. It means everything to me. I' ve given up so much for you, for us. My dreams, my work... can' t you let

nnection to it. Her happiness is important to me." His voice was cold, dismissive. He pr

as a fresh s

, the sh

e immediate, irreparable destru

e devastation that welled within her. It was a senseless

the floor. Some guests were murmuring, casting sympat

d? Stella, I' m so sorry, I know it was your mother' s..." She turned her tear-streaked face to Stella, her ey

e larger fragments of ceramic. The smooth, cool curve

hloe and strode towards Stell

and menacing. "Chloe is distraught! She feels terrible! And you' re just... i

g she forgive Chloe immediately for destroying somethin

so profound it left no room for tears. "She destroyed my mothe

ng. "Chloe would never intentionally break something

hing her head. "Oh... I feel... dizzy..." She collapsed gr

at Stella. "See w

and concern. He started to carry her away, then paused, l

rangement of ceramic shards Stella had painstakingly collected. They scattered again, some skitt

r attempt to even s

rom the room, presumably to find

he scattered piece

The final, de

egacy but had then, with his own foot, desecrated Stella

at he felt for her. No, it was more

ve, of hope, of shared his

a cold, c

tachment sett

her gown. She would not give th

remains of "A Mother's Embrace,"

were now as broken and irr

d to become their apartment after the wedding – Stella

ust. New Mexi

ngings methodically. Clot

mpersonal. A diamond necklace for her birthday, chosen by his assistant. A designer watch for their engagement annivers

m all into a v

xcept

something old" for the wedding. His mother had given it to her, her eyes soft wi

testament to craftsmanship and history. But it wa

ather, have it delivered directly to his o

the hallway. Ethan' s. He was on the phone, his tone crisp and busin

n't home or was out for the evening. The door was slightly ajar; she hadn

orporated. Perhaps into her daily vitamins. I have no intention of having children with her, Doctor. Chloe will be my sole

la f

ami

sted she take a special blend of "vitamins" prescribed by

ting losses. The doctors had been puzzled. She

cked into place wit

carriages. His cold ind

uck. It wasn't

was

her from carrying a child to term. E

r breath. Horror, cold and sharp, pierced

her mother' s legacy, but he had also systematically, secret

his betrayal