Chapter 2

Stella Hart POV

Early the next morning, I went to the studio.

I didn't go to my private office. Instead, I walked straight to the storage room, pulled out a large cardboard box, and started clearing out my things.

Ethan and Adrian pushed through the door just as I was tossing a pair of custom baby's breath couple rings into the trash.

They had pooled their money at an auction when they turned eighteen to buy the raw stones, then spent three months polishing them themselves before giving them to me.

Back then, they'd knelt on one knee and declared domineeringly, "Stella Hart, you can only wear rings we give you for the rest of your life. If you dare take them off, we'll break your legs."

"What are you doing?" Ethan strode over and grabbed my wrist, staring darkly at the rings in the trash.

Adrian's expression turned equally grim. "Stella Hart, have you made enough of a scene? Fine, you didn't come to the dinner last night, but now you show up and start throwing things away? What are you trying to do?"

I yanked my hand free from Ethan's grip, my tone indifferent. "Just clearing out garbage. These things take up space. Might as well throw them away."

"Garbage?" Ethan's jaw clenched, disbelief flashing in his eyes. "Do you know what these rings-"

"I know," I cut him off. "But I don't need them anymore."

Just then, Isabella walked in carrying two cups of coffee. Seeing this scene, her eyes immediately reddened and she said timidly, "Stella, are you still mad at me? I already took off the necklace from last night-I'll return it to you right now. Don't be angry with them, it's all my fault..."

She reached out to tug at my sleeve.

I instinctively stepped back, and Isabella suddenly cried out. The coffee cup in her hand dropped to the floor, and scalding coffee splashed all over her leg.

"Ah! It hurts!" Isabella fell to the ground, tears streaming down her face instantly.

"Isabella!"

Ethan and Adrian rushed over simultaneously.

Ethan scooped Isabella into his arms, nervously checking her leg. Adrian spun around, glaring at me with vicious eyes. "Are you insane?! She was just trying to return the necklace to you. Why did you push her!"

I stood there, watching their panicked reactions, and suddenly found it somewhat funny.

"I didn't push her."

"I saw it with my own eyes, and you're still denying it!" Adrian roared. "Stella Hart, when did you become so vicious? Isabella has depression. She can't handle stress. Are you trying to drive her to death?"

Depression.

This illness had become Isabella's free pass in this studio.

Because of depression, Isabella could freely take my design drafts and put her name on them. Because of depression, Isabella could monopolize Ethan and Adrian's time whenever she wanted.

I looked at them coldly. "Since she's so fragile, you two take good care of her. I have things to do. I'm leaving."

I stepped around the coffee spill and walked out of the office without looking back.

Behind me came Ethan's voice, suppressing his rage. "Stella Hart, if you dare walk out that door today, don't expect us to ever speak to you again!"

My steps didn't falter.

Want to speak to me? You lost that right long ago.