Chapter 2

He helped Mary into the car like she'd break. Then got in—didn't even look back.

I limped inside.

Only then did Mary glance at me. Something sharp flashed in her eyes.

"Stella, I'm sorry. It's my fault. But Jack said if you're gonna be a mom, you can't be so sensitive. You need to toughen up. How else are you gonna take care of the baby?"

Something inside me went cold.

My baby's gone.

And you expect me to raise yours?

Shameless.

I said nothing. Just stared out the window.

Mary wouldn't drop it. "Did I say something wrong? Why are you ignoring me?"

Jack waited at a red light, his face turning cold. "Stella, what's your problem? Apologize to Mary. With that attitude, how am I supposed to trust you with the baby?"

Mary's eyes lit up—couldn't even hide it. "Jack, don't blame her. It's my fault. Maybe I should just get out."

"Go ahead. Your perfume's giving me a headache."

That did it. Tears hit her eyes instantly.

"Stella Spencer!" Jack snapped.

I leaned back. "I'm the patient here, right? You want me raising a baby—did you ever ask me? Is my body even up for it?"

Jack's face eased. "Fine. We'll talk when you're better."

Mary suddenly grabbed her stomach. "Jack, I feel dizzy. Can you take me to the hospital?"

He glanced ahead, then jerked the wheel—didn't even ask—and drove straight to the hospital.

When we stopped, he scooped her up and rushed out. Then, like an afterthought, he looked back. "Mary's not well. I'll take her in first. You—"

"I'm fine. I'll get a cab. Go."

He looked surprised, but didn't dwell on it. Just rushed inside.

Mary shot me a smug smile.

I turned and called Aunt Leah.

After I told her everything, her voice spiked. "The Ashfords think you've got no one? Don't worry. I'll handle it."

With her backing me, I finally relaxed.

I took a cab home alone and packed up whatever I had left at Jack's place.

Everywhere I looked, Mary was already there.

Anna drove my mom to her death. Not long after, she and Mary moved into our house.

My so-called father threw me out.

I took my mom's last name—Spencer.

When I met Jack, I told him everything. He held me tight like it broke him.

He said he'd treat me right for the rest of my life.

Then he ran into Mary. I still remember how he came home that day—way too excited.

"Stella, guess what? I saw that girl again. It's fate."

He fell for Mary hard. But her mom was a homewrecker—everyone knew it. No way the Ashfords would accept her.

So he used me. For her.

I got him completely wrong.

I tossed what I didn't need and gave the rest away. In the end, I was back to the suitcase I came with.

I took a breath and checked my phone. The wedding planner had sent the final confirmation.

"Ms. Spencer, the flowers have been changed to champagne roses. Are you sure?"

I'd picked lilies from the start. Champagne roses were Mary's favorite.

Before, I would've lost it on Jack. Now? Didn't matter.

"Coordinate everything with Jack. You don't need to ask me anymore."

She seemed to get it. After a long pause: "No matter what, Ms. Spencer, I hope you'll be happy."

Even a planner who barely knew me wished me happiness.

My fiancé? Plotting against me the whole time.

I let out a bitter laugh.