Our Journey Back To Love
Chapter 15

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Chapter 15

Stella had drunk too much and she felt like she was in a dream. She raised her arms and hooked them around Brian’s neck.

“Bri, you’re back?”

“There’s no use pleasing me.” Brian tried to pull himself away from Stella as he thought she was acting coy.

“Stop being so close with others, Bri.” Stella nestled in his arms, caressed his face, and pulled them closer. “Am I not good enough for you?”

Her eyes, slightly intoxicated with a reddish hue at the corners, focused on him as she reached to caress his face. “I’ve been so obedient. Isn’t that enough?”

Brian’s expression darkened as he replied, “Weren’t you the one who wanted a divorce?”

“I’m hurt,” Stella muttered, her lips forming a slight pout.

Brian hugged her tightly, reluctant to let her go. “Where are you hurt?”

“My heart.” Stella touched her chest and continued, “I told myself it was my family’s fault because my father tricked you. I shouldn’t blame you since you’re innocent. You didn’t even want to marry me. I shouldn’t have forced you. But I hate you, Bri. I hate you!”

Brian watched the tears start rolling down Stella’s face.

*Perhaps I shouldn’t have married you two years ago. If I could turn back time, I would choose someone else.”

Brian held Stella’s chin and asked, “Someone else? Who? Yoel Perkins?”

“Yoel Perkins?” Stella looked at Brian innocently, trying hard to recall who Yoel was. When she finally remembered, she giggled and continued, “Yoel is a good man. Too bad I didn’t know him earlier.”

Angered by her words, Brian’s expression darkened as he pinched her chin harder.

“It hurts.” Stella frowned at Brian. She seemed to have recalled the conversation with Jessica earlier,

“Go to hell, Brian Foley!” Stella yelled before surging forward and biting Brian on the neck.

Brian froze and pushed her away. “Let go of me, Stella Yates. However, she refused and bit him even

harder

Stella finally pushed him away when her mouth was filled with the taste of blood. Wiping the blood from the corner of her mouth, she sneered, “Hmph! Useless trash, you should go to hell!”

Brian’s face darkened as he watched her slide off the bed and leave.

“Stella Yates, where do you think you’re going?” Infuriated by her behavior, Brian dragged her back to the

house the moment she stepped outside.

“This isn’t my house. I’m not staying here any longer.”

Despite Stella’s fierce demeanor, she still exhibited an unexpected allure. Brian rarely saw her acting so defránt, yet he didn’t seem to mind. This is your home. You’re drunk, come inside.”

“No!” Stella clung to the door handle, eyes blazing with anger. “This is a scumbag’s house, not mine. I’m leaving. I’m going back to Tarovian Terrace.”

“Tarovian Terrace hasn’t been your home for a while now,” Brian scoffed.

Stella froze. “Tarovian Terrace isn’t my home anymore?

“That’s right.”

“And my father?”

“He’s in prison.”

“My father’s in prison?” Tears instantly welled up in her eyes. “I have no family left?”

Brian looked at her tearful face and replied, “You married me.”

I married you?” Stella muttered, then collapsed into a crouch, hugging herself as she cried. “But you’re not good to me at all.”

Brian watched her for a moment, then knelt beside her. I didn’t marry you willingly either.”

“That’s true,” Stella said, looking up at him with sudden realization. Then why did you sleep with me? You shouldn’t have done that if you don’t love me.”

Brian hesitated, then replied, “You begged me to.”

“I begged you?” Stella lowered her head and continued, “I was lonely. After my father went to prison, I just wanted someone to love me.”

Brian’s gaze darkened. “I will never love you.”

“Yes, you will never love me. I chose the wrong person, Stella said softly. She slowly stood up and headed for the stairs.

Brian grabbed her hand. “Where are you going?”

“I’m going to see my father.”

“He’s in prison now. Come back,” Brian insisted, holding her hand firmly to prevent her from leaving.

Stella replied, “He may be in prison, but he must miss me. He’s the only one left in the world who does.”

Brian was stunned. With a quick pull, he drew her into his arms. As Stella stumbled against him, he said, Your father is in prison. You can’t visit him at night. Go tomorrow.”

*Then I shouldn’t be here. This isn’t my home.”

“You have nowhere else to go.”

“I’m leaving anyway, she declared, determined.

Brian’s patience snapped. He scooped her up, kicked the door shut, and tossed her onto the bed.

Stella tried to get up, but Brian’s expression turned steely. He pressed her down, pinning her with his weight.

“What are you doing?” she asked, startled.

“Sleep, Brian replied tersely while grabbing her hands and pinning them to her sides. “Close your eyes.”

When Stella refused, he grew more frustrated. “Fine. If you won’t listen, I’ll force you.”

Fear flickered across Stella’s face as she seemed to recall something. “No! You can’t!”

Brian’s eyes darkened. “Then close your eyes and sleep”

Terrified, Stella complied and squeezed her eyes shut.

Brian watched her delicate face until her breathing evened out. She had fallen asleep.

Feeling a surge of discomfort, Brian glanced at his waist before heading to the bathroom.

As dawn broke, Stella, still half–asleep, turned and brushed against his body.

Brian’s eyes snapped open. He was a light sleeper, and her touch instantly woke him. He gazed at Stella, who was sound asleep. Her lips were soft and inviting like a ripe peach,

“Stella?” he whispered.

Stella didn’t respond; instead, she draped her slender leg over his waist. Her skin was smooth and pale.

She was like an irresistible temptation beckoning to him.

Brian had been holding back for days, and now his patience had snapped. He gripped her chin and kissed her fiercely, their teeth clashing.

Stella jolted awake, startled to see his face so close. “Why are you?”

She vaguely remembered having dinner with Yelena at the studio last night. How had she ended up back

home?

Brian looked at Stella intensely and said, “You’ve been teasing me all night. Admit it, you’re trying to

seduce me.”

-Stella was stunned, her mind reeling. Then he kissed her once more, this time with greater intensity.

Her face flushed red as she stammered, “Wait! It’s not what you think. I didn’t mean to…”