Cross My Tigress Face the Wrath (Stella)

"Alright, I'll grab a quick bite before I head out."

Whether it was the Larkin family or Yorick, Stella was really in no mood to talk about anyone right now.

The moment Yvonne heard Stella mention food, she perked up.

"Exactly, you should eat something! Mom and your brother both said you need to eat before the party, that's why I called you down."

Eating, of course, would take a little time.noveldrama

Yvonne quickly called a maid to help Stella change. The pale blue dress looked stunning on her.

But since it was form-fitting, Yvonne eyed her critically. "Hmm, got a bit of a baby bump now, huh?"

Pregnancy did change things a little, after all.

Stella glanced down and, sure enough, saw her belly sticking out just a little.

Yvonne grinned, "Honestly, you look adorable."

Worried Stella might feel self-conscious, Yvonne tried to reassure her.

But Stella had never cared about that stuff. "Doesn't matter. It's not like I'm trying

to impress anyone."

Yvonne: "Wait, what?"

Stella turned to the maid. "Could you grab that white cardigan for me? I'm wearing it tonight."

Even if it was an important dinner, she wasn't about to freeze for fashion.

Yvonne just sighed. Guess she truly wasn't planning to show off.

Not that she ever needed to. Growing up, Ronald always cared way more about Stella's health than her looks.

If she put on a few extra pounds, he'd be delighted.

Once Stella was dressed, she finally sat down to eat.

At the table, she tucked into her food heartily.

Probably something Lottie had the kitchen staff whip up-a special herbal tea or vitamin drink to help with her pregnancy. Whatever it was, it worked wonders. The nausea was gone.

Yvonne had planned to eat with her, but after a single bite, she just stared at Stella's enthusiasm. Honestly, watching Stella eat like that made her hungry too.

"Hey, you sure you're okay? If you feel sick, maybe take it easy. Wouldn't want you to get sick right before the party."

Yvonne couldn't help but worry she'd overdo it.

But Stella looked absolutely fine. "I won't get sick. The nausea's been gone since lunchtime."

Yvonne frowned. "Still, are you sure your stomach can handle all that?"

Even if the nausea was gone, Yvonne still worried. Stella's health had been a handful growing up-hospital trips were practically routine. The doctors always said she had a good appetite, but her stomach was weak, so she shouldn't eat too much in one go.

"Nope, that's enough. Seriously, you can't eat too much." Yvonne scooped away Stella's half-finished plate.

Stella looked up at her with big, sad eyes.

"Come on, your brother said you could have a little, not stuff yourself. There'll be plenty of food at the party."

"But can I just have one more cookie?" The kitchen had made the most amazing little shortbread cookies, just sweet enough to be perfect.

Yvonne turned away with the plate. "Nope."

At that moment, Ronald walked in, right in time to see Yvonne take the food away from Stella.

Stella shot him a look of pure puppy-dog sadness.

Yvonne quickly tried to explain, "I swear, I wasn't bullying her! You always tell her not to overeat too!"

She honestly didn't get how Stella's appetite could be so good, considering her weak stomach. People always ended up eating more when they sat with Stella.

Stella looked at Ronald, eyes still pleading. "Bro, I—”

"What did you just call me?" Ronald cut her off, eyebrow raised.

Stella froze. "Uh.....”

Yvonne blinked. Wait, what was she supposed to say?

Ronald ruffled Stella's hair, a little smirk on his face. "Try again."

Meeting his gaze, Stella's face went bright red. "Husband?" Yvonne: "..."

Really? She had to witness this level of cheesiness?

And Ronald wasn't done yet. He looked over at Yvonne, eyebrow still cocked.

"And what do you call her?"

"Star?" Yvonne replied, genuinely confused.

What now? Did she get it wrong too?