40. The Poisoned Smoothies

Chapter Forty

Stella sat on the edge of her bed, her hands shaking as tears streamed down her face. She clutched a crumpled tissue in one hand and stared blankly at the wall.

The house felt empty and cold, a reflection of her heart. Her husband whom she was forced to marry, Declan, had barely spoken to her in weeks. He was

always busy, always too preoccupied to notice her pain. She was sure he was cheating on her. The thought gnawed at her soul, making her stomach churn with a mix of anger and sadness.

"Why?" she whispered to herself. "Why doesn't he love me?"

Her sobs grew louder, echoing through the silent house. Her brother and sister were nowhere to be found.

They had left her to manage the family business alone while their grandfather lay sick in the hospital. The weight of responsibility was crushing her. The business was sinking, and she felt helpless.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Clara, her older sister, walked in. Clara had never cared much for Stella. She was al