Chapter 2 56 % GAD Chriss face shifted in disbelief , his brows knitting together as the weight of Stephanies words hit him . He stared at her , utterly stunned by her coldness . Cancel the wedding ? Is she … crazy ? Chriss mind raced , countless thoughts swirling , but they all crumbled in the face of her icy indifference . His voice faltered slightly as he tried to explain . Shes sick . Once she recovers , shell leave , and well have a bigger wedding Stephanies lips curled into a sneer , her voice frigid . Is she sick , or is she pregnant ? The moment her words hung in the air , the air stiffened , like the weight of her question was too much to bear . Chriss eyes darkened , his voice low as he asked , What do you know ? Stephanie didnt answer immediately . She leaned back in her chair , her tone cool as she replied , You and she were so open about being at the hospital , in the gynecology department . A mocking smile tugged at her lips . Her voice was biting , filled with frost . Now , youre talking to me about a bigger wedding . Dont you think thats ironic ? They were supposed to marry in just a week . The thought of it , mixed with everything else , made something inside Stephanie crumble . He made another woman pregnant , and now he was here talking about the wedding with Stephanie . Is he really playing both sides to her cut him off ? Stephanies eyes were steely , her resolve face ? Thinking I wont unshakable . Chriss face grew even darker , his voice hushed , almost desperate . Shes not pregnant . Shes sick . Stephanies gaze was unwavering , cold as ice . Sick ? And youre the one taking her to the hospital ? Am I missing something ? Her question hung in the air , sharp and unforgiving . Chriss expression darkened further , and his fingers absently traced the edge of the desk . Stephanie couldnt bear to look at him any longer . She stood up and walked to the door . As she moved , her voice was cold , the words dripping with mockery . Now that shes here , she might as well stay . After all , she still has a debt to settle here in Long Harbor , and Im sure itll take long . Two years of building a relationship , of calm affection , seemed to collapse in an instant . Chris had severed his ties with Olivia , but now Stephanie was doing it too , tearing apart what little remained … Her heart was filled with cold resolve , and she wasnt looking back . Relationships took work from both sides . There was no point in one person doing all the labor . Stephanies heart was heavy with disappointment , but also fierce with anger . Chriss voice became hard , carrying a hint of warning . Dont make things difficult for her ! Stephanies hand rested on the doorknob , her expression unreadable . Chris gritted his teeth , voice barely above a growl . You sure you want to cancel the wedding ? Do you really think the Hart family would bail you out ? The Hart family . The mention of them made Stephanies eyes grow even colder , like a chill had settled deep in her bones . 1/3 Mon , 3 Mar Chapter 2 The Harts were a group of people who couldnt tell friend from foe . Stephanie had known for a long time that they were not her safety net , but it didnt matter . The Hart family was her bloodline , but it was also where Olivia had grown up . * .56 % 11 Years ago , Olivias biological mother had worked as a maid for the Hart family . Both she and Stephanies mother , Mrs. Hart , had been pregnant at the same time . Because her unreliable , gambling husband couldnt provide , Olivias birth mother had hoped her child would have a better life . So , she switched babies at the hospital after giving birth . Olivias birth mother was heartless . After taking Stephanie away , she never had plans of raising her . She simply throw the baby girl away like trash . She kept working as a maid at the Hart family , watching her biological daughter live a privileged life while she stayed by her side . Three years ago , Mrs. Hart had a car accident , and the truth came out . The hospital revealed that Olivia wasnt her biological daughter . The shocking secret stunned the entire family . A search began for the real heiress . They eventually found Stephanie , Chris wasnt entirely wrong . ut through the entire process , they always favored Olivia , the one they had raised . If Stephanie called off the engagement , she would have nowhere to go because the Hart family would never accept her . Chris stepped forward and grabbed her wrist . Once shes better , Ill send her away , alright ? His voice softened , almost as if he were trying to calm her . Stephanie looked at him , her eyes cold . She slowly pulled her hand away . Stefi … Chris inhaled sharply , his face growing even darker . Stephanie didnt bother saying another word . She turned and walked out of the office . The sound of her high heels echoed in the hallway as she walked away , head held high . Chris , who was always admired by everyone , was so furious his head felt like it was going to explode . He couldnt believe that Stephanie would actually cancel their wedding . Everyone had seen how committed shed been to him these past two years . With that thought , Chris didnt chase after her . Instead , he slammed the door shut with a loud bang ! The secretarial department buzzed with whispers as the loud noise echoed down the hall . Each person had their own thoughts . Two years ago , the gossip about Stephanie and Chris had caused quite the stir . Back then , everyone assumed Stephanie was 2/3 Mon , a Mai Chapter 2 trying to steal him away from Olivis Now that Olivia was back , people were eagerly waiting to see what drama would w One employee leaned toward another , whispering . Mice Hari Bark . Abow raw draphanie rocally dearray difer Another scoffed , rolling her eyes . Two years ago . Mie Hart was practically forend nut by her fours en danja comes back Just as Stephanie walked past , she overheard them . She glanced toward the source of the pap Stephanie clicked her heels sharply as she walked directly toward them . Caught off guard , the two women quickly fell silent , eyes wide with fear . Without a word , Stephanie reached out , gripping one of their chins and tilting her head back . The weretary was pre stunning , even . But the moment their eyes locked , the young woman froze , visibly shaken by the intensity of Stephanies que Miss … Miss Giovanni , she stammered , her voice barely a whisper . Stephanies eyes narrowed . Enjoying my gossip that much ? The young womans face drained of color . No … no , I didnt Stephanie released her with a look of contempt . 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