Lahat ng Kabanata ng No Longer A Substitute : Kabanata 51 - Kabanata 60

STELLA POV“What are you doing?”“Nothing.”“You’re… back.”“Yeah.”I narrowed my eyes.“Were you on my phone?”He didn’t even blink.“What did you do?”“Nothing. I don’t have your password. Now, do I?”A dry laugh left my lips.“You and I both know that never stops you from doing whatever you want.”He smirked.“So you still remember me that well. You must think about me often.”I stared at him.Cold. Clear.“I’m glad I know your relationship with Alex is purely physical,” he continued, calm as ever. “So I’ll forgive you. But you have to end it.”My brows furrowed.“And stop this cat and mouse game. It’s getting old.”Silence sat between us.Heavy.“Why are you staring at me like that?” he asked.I tilted my head slightly.“Oh, nothing. I’m just… shocked.”His eyes narrowed.“By what?”“The amount of audacity you have.” My lips curved faintly. “I’m surprised I didn’t notice it before.”His jaw tightened.“Well, my eyes are clear now,” I added softly. “I can finally see how little bra

STELLA POV “Mom!” Andrew’s voice rang out before I even stepped in. “You’re finally here!” I dropped my bag as he ran into me. “Yes, baby… yes.” I knelt and pulled him close. “I missed you. I missed you so much.” My hands moved over him quickly. “Are you okay? Have you both eaten?” “Yes, Mom,” he said. “But where have you been? We missed you.” A small smile touched my lips. “That’s why we’re here,” I said softly. “A little vacation.” I glanced at Andrea. “To meet Auntie Savannah. Remember I told you about her?” Andrea frowned slightly. “…Not really.” Andrew nodded beside her. “Well,” I said, standing up, “you’ll meet her now.” I held their hands. “Let’s go inside.” The moment we stepped in, they rushed ahead. I turned back. “Thank you… for bringing them.” Alejandro King smirked. “Anything for you, mi tía.” I shook my head. “Just say ‘you’re welcome.’” “What? Me?” he laughed. “I don’t need thanks.” I sighed. “Let’s just go in.

Stella POV “How are you doing tonight, Devon? Any pain?” I asked as I stepped into his private room. “Stella… you’re here.” His voice held a quiet relief. He tried to sit up too fast, then coughed, one hand bracing his chest as he composed himself. His eyes stayed on me, steady, almost searching. “Did you speak with Alex?” he asked. I paused, adjusting the sleeve of my coat. “No. Not yet. Why do you ask?” His gaze softened, but there was something firm beneath it. “Because I don’t like other men who are in love with my wife speaking to her.” I scoffed, shaking my head as I moved closer and sat beside him. “Funny how that is a no-brainer for you. But when you were doing the exact same thing while I was still your wife, I looked like the villain.” “First of all,” he said calmly, “Estelle was never in love with me.” I let out a dry laugh. “Wow. Congratulations. I thought you were blinded by love. That doesn’t change the fact that she wanted you.” “And yet I didn’t want

STELLA POV I lean against the doorway, arms folded, watching him—watching Alex—as he tries to read my face. “Stella… you still mad at me?” His voice is softer than I expect. Careful. Almost… guilty. I let out a quiet breath, shaking my head. “Mr. Player Boy,” I mutter, though there’s no real bite behind it. “I know I’ve been putting too much on you. You take care of them all the time, but you’re not their parent.” The words feel heavier coming out than they did in my head. “I am,” I continue, more quietly now. “So I understand the burden I’m placing on you.” He straightens immediately, like I’ve just insulted him. “Do you even hear yourself?” he says. I blink. “They are not burdens to me, Stella.” His voice hardens—not in anger, but in conviction. “I love them like my own. I consider them my children.” That… makes something twist in my chest. “But they aren’t,” I reply, firmer this time. “That’s exactly why I shouldn’t be dumping my responsibilities on you.”

STELLA POVI met Jonathan just walking out of Devon's office. “I’m here to see Mr. Devon King. I don’t have an appointment.”Jonathan straightened. “Ah, Mrs. King. Right this way. You don’t need an appointment to see him.” he added as he opened the door for me to walk through.“I don’t need one anymore,” I replied.He gave an awkward laugh before knocking. “Mr. Devon, your wife is here to see you.”Devon immediately looked up, sitting on the side of his desk is Estelle. The office looked the same as it did years ago.“Can I have a moment?” I asked.“Stella, come in,” Devon said, he quickly got up and walked towards me. Estelle got off the desk and grabbed Devon's arm. “Devon, control yourself. Stella, come back later. We’re in the middle of—”“No,” Devon cut her off, “Estelle, you give us some time.”“What?”He said through gritted teeth. “Leave. Now.”Estelle rolled her eyes then walked past me and Jonathan. I glanced back at Jonathan. “Oh, and by the way, my name is Dr. Miller, n