**Stella's POV** "No, thank you," I manage to say, my voice barely steady. "I'm not here for tea." I turn my attention back to Maya, forcing my face into something that resembles a smile even though my heart is cracking down the middle. "I had a little accident on the way here, sweetheart," I explain gently. "Noah spilled juice all over the clothes I had on earlier. But come here—come give Mommy a hug." I open my arms, expecting her to run to me the way she used to. But Maya doesn't move. Instead, she actually steps back, putting distance between us. "No," she says, her little nose wrinkling. "You'll get me dirty." The words land like a punch to the stomach. "Maya, I'm not dirty, I'm clean, baby. I just changed—" "Your clothes look dirty," Maya insists, crossing her arms over her pink ruffled chest. "And old. I don't want to hug you." Behind her, Sabrina's smile widens just a fraction like she is enjoying this. Goddess, I hate this woman! I swallow hard, trying t
Last Updated : 2026-01-20 Read more