Stella recognised Juliette’s concern that if Stella reconciled with the man, she would forfeit her opportunity to inherit the family business, which she desired primarily to demonstrate to their father that a woman could fulfil his role. Although she had laboured diligently and wished to merit it, Stella believed she had already earned it.
Stella had informed her, “Not even if he were the last man on earth.” Juliette observed her smile and nod before walking away, relieved that Stella was not on the verge of being betrothed to a man whom they both recognised their father intended to designate as the successor of the company. He hailed from an affluent family in New York, and a matrimonial alliance would benefit both families; however, Stella was resolute in her refusal.
She had dated him for a year and a half, arranged by both families. She perceived him as amiable and attractive, and he treated her well until she recognised his true character as that of a contemptible man.
Until she witnessed him slowly and seductively slide his hand up the leg of one of the female employees at her father’s office, right beneath her skirt while engaging her in soft conversation—words she neither heard nor wished to—she had been oblivious. Observing was sufficient. She watched as the woman did not deter him, but rather slightly parted her legs to allow his hand to ascend completely.
Clearly, this had been occurring for an extended period; Stella felt humiliated by his actions as she observed her boyfriend, who was poised to become her fiancé and husband, intimately touching another woman while smiling at her, oblivious to Stella’s presence, and continued his advances until Stella cleared her throat.
Asserted, “Miguel, when your hand is unencumbered,” with considerable ire.
He gazed at her, visibly startled at being discovered, withdrew his hand, and audaciously claimed, “It’s not what it appears to be.”
Stella observed the woman roll her eyes, implying, ‘Indeed, it was.’
She terminated their relationship immediately. She refused to be with a man who would betray her, and based on the woman’s response, she suspected the infidelity had persisted for an extended period. She informed her father that she had caught Miguel in the act, with his hand under a woman’s skirt and his fingers inside her, prompting her to leave him. Upon learning from Miguel that she had ended their relationship, her father was informed.
To her astonishment, her father had persistently attempted to persuade her to reconcile with him, asserting that occasionally, men possess needs that a single woman cannot fulfil. Stella was appalled by this, as he seemed indifferent to her suffering caused by Miguel, yet still desired her to marry him despite his infidelity.
This realisation enhanced her understanding of her parents, which somewhat strained their relationship at that time. Throughout her life, her parents appeared to be the ideal couple in public; however, behind closed doors, there were intense arguments and separate bedrooms since she was around ten years old.
Her parents resided separately, each maintaining their own apartments in the city, distinct from the family estate where she and her sisters were raised. While her father had consistently possessed a city apartment, her mother did not acquire one until Valeria turned 18.
It was probable that her father resembled Miguel, an unfaithful and despicable man consistently. Stella merely wished that her mother also had a companion. Observing them now, one might assume they were still an ideal couple if not privy to their private life; they were smiling and laughing, he had his arm around her waist, and she was leaning into him. They appeared joyful and in love.
Stella felt considerable sadness, despite her familiarity with the situation and her awareness of its inherent wrongness. She desired a partner who would exclusively focus on her, a pursuit that proved challenging. Even during dates, men’s gazes often strayed. Upon noticing this, she terminated the relationship, convinced that their wandering attention indicated a lack of genuine interest in her.
Stella did not perceive herself as beautiful, yet she acknowledged her attractiveness. She was loyal and possessed a strong work ethic, earning a substantial income. With her recent promotion, she eagerly anticipated relocating overseas and was nearly packed for the move. She would receive a fully funded flat for one year, a company car, and the position of store manager.
The remuneration was substantial, including a significant salary increase, and all her travel expenses were covered. Brianna was indeed indulging her, and she was aware of it.
