Every so often, Stella would step out to catch a movie or just to clear her head. Without Dominic in her life, everything felt lighter—less complicated. She was starting to rediscover what it meant to be herself again.
Peter called her every other day, his voice like a constant reminder of home. "Didn't we agree you'd be back in a week? It's been five days already. What’s taking you so long?"
Stella smiled as she listened to his familiar nagging. Hearing someone care so much about the details of her life was oddly comforting. For a moment, she felt really happy. It was the kind of joy that she hadn't experienced in a while.
"Come on, Pete! A week is seven days, not five," she teased, enjoying the easy back-and-forth.
Peter paused, clearly caught off guard.
"Wait, really?" he chuckled. "I could've sworn it's five." Then, he diverted the conversation. "Anyway, let's get serious. Isn’t tomorrow your birthday? Your fiancé’s been sending gifts like crazy. Your room's practically overflowing."
Stella raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "He’s more thoughtful than your little boyfriend, don’t you think?"
The mention of her fiancé made Stella pause for a moment. "How does he know it’s my birthday? Did you tell him?"
Before she could worry further, Peter scoffed. "I didn’t say a word. I have no idea how he found out, but listen—those who care don’t need to be taught, and those who don’t care can’t be taught."
Stella couldn’t help but laugh at that. "By the way, didn’t your little boyfriend do anything for your birthday?"
Just then, a familiar voice cut through the conversation. "What do you mean, 'do anything'?"
Stella froze.
Peter nearly dropped the phone. "Dominic?! Is that—Is he there? Why is he there at this hour?!"
Stella’s heart skipped a beat. Panic surged, but she quickly scrambled to cover her tracks. "You must’ve heard wrong. It's just the movie. I’m gonna take a shower now. We’ll talk later."
She hung up quickly, her hands trembling slightly.
Dominic was standing there, a mischievous grin playing on his lips, like a child who had just pulled off the perfect prank.
Stella’s eyes narrowed, instantly cold. "Why are you back all of a sudden?"
Dominic, as casual as ever, didn’t miss a beat. "This is my house. Why wouldn’t I come back?"
Stella went silent. That’s right. This wasn’t her home.
He shrugged, completely unbothered, and shifted the conversation. "Get dressed. I’m taking you out for your birthday."
Stella glanced at the clock. There were still thirty minutes until midnight.
Half an hour later, her phone buzzed nonstop with birthday wishes and money transfers from family and friends:
[Happy Birthday, Stella! Another year older, may you grow with joy!]
[Happy Birthday, my dear daughter! Not just today, but may every day be filled with happiness!]
[Dear sister, I wish you a wonderful birthday! You’re 23 now, so it’s time to show some respect to your brother, haha!]
The messages made her smile. For a moment, she let herself enjoy the warmth they brought. She sent her thanks to each one. But when she looked up again, her face shifted into something colder, more distant.
Dominic had promised to take her out for her birthday, but instead, she found just one of his meaningless gatherings with friends. It was the kind of get-together where everyone was polite, but no one was present. No one was really there.
Everyone exchanged subtle, awkward glances. Dominic, however, barely seemed to notice her at all. His attention was focused entirely on Celine, who sat across the room, talking animatedly.
On the other hand, Stella found herself sitting alone in the corner, a sad, lonely cake in front of her. No candles. No one sang her a birthday song. No one even looked at her like she mattered.
She was supposed to be the star of the night. The birthday girl. But in that moment, it felt like she didn’t even exist.
It didn’t take much for Stella to see through Dominic’s game. He hadn’t brought her here because he cared. He’d brought her to provoke Celine. They’d fought, and now Dominic was using her to stir up jealousy in Celine. It was petty. Childish. Pathetic.
Stella couldn’t help but feel a bitter mockery rising inside her. This is what happens to people who aren’t loved.
After what felt like an eternity, exhaustion began to settle in. Her eyelids grew heavy, her body tired from the emotional strain. She leaned back in her seat, trying to push the loneliness away.
It was getting harder to care.
