Saving the Villain

The moment Maynard returned to his family, the Quinn family had shouldered all Stella's parents' medical needs. They also cleared their debts and let them off. Stella thought things went back to 'normal'. It was just that she had to get used to life without him, the man she thought she would live with for the rest of her life.

However, just two weeks after the breakup, her mother perished. And as if life was having fun screwing her life, her father passed just a month later. Not just that, there was this girl who claimed to be the person Maynard was dating, and she endlessly harassed Stella.

This girl who was rich enough to live life without worrying about anything never had the proper decorum. First, she came just right after Stella's father's funeral, calling her names and threatening her. At first, because of the loss, Stella didn't back down and also threw bold statements that seemed to only anger the woman.

Instead of scaring her off, this woman showed up at Stella's work and harassed her. Stella didn't know exactly why this woman was so keen on destroying Stella's reputation and life, but she succeeded. The company Stella was working at kicked her out of the company, and no company wanted to take her in.

It was no different from the helpless situation Maynard had experienced. And in a way, Stella was certain Maynard didn't know about this harassment. That was what Stella wanted to believe.

And this all happened in the span of three months after their breakup.

"Now, my brother just starts hating me because, well… his school kicked him out." Stella laughed bitterly. "And the place I was staying kicked me out just because the building was sold to another. You can guess who this owner is."

"She's so cruel…" her voice sounded muffled, but the tears in her eyes didn't fall. "I don't understand why she's doing this when he's already hers."

Hearing her story, Rocco didn't know what to say in return. It was fucked up, and all he felt was pure sympathy for Stella. As for Maynard, Rocco still had no definite conclusion about what he was feeling about it.

"That's why I'm here." She let out another weak laugh, smacking her lips. "Actually, I didn't know why I even thought of you, but you're the only person I know in the city. So, I went to the university and asked around."

"Damn…" Rocco breathed out, emptying the can of beer to wash down the conflicting emotions in his heart. "Now I feel like anyone can just find me if they asked around the university. I don't feel safe."

She laughed at his humorous remarks. "It's actually an old acquaintance that we went with who told me about where you live."

"Ahhh… wait. I don't think I'd be able to sleep with everything you said." Rocco stood up and headed to the refrigerator for another can of beer. "Are you sure you don't want to drink? Girl… if I am in that situation, I would be wasted."

"No, thanks."

Rocco shrugged as he grabbed two cans of beer this time, sauntering back to his seat. "Since when did you refuse to drink beers?" he asked, casually sitting down across from her.

"As far as I remember, you were quick a drinker," he recalled as he opened the can of beer, gazing back at her only to see her smile. "Wait."

Rocco put down the can of beer and leaned forward. "Don't tell me, you…"

"He doesn't know, Rocco." Stella placed her hand on her stomach, which had a small bump underneath her loose shirt. "And I want to keep it that way."

"What?!" Rocco slammed his hands on the table, wide-eyed. "Stella, you — really?"

"Yes." Her subtle smile, despite all the problems and harassment she went through, was genuine. "I nearly had a miscarriage, but he held on to me. He wanted to live, so I wanted to live for him."

"Ah, shit." Rocco wobbled down to his seat, burying his face in his palms. "Fuck…"

"Don't tell him, Rocco." Rocco spread his fingers to peek at her as she spoke. "This child… I want him to live in peace without the Quinn family meddling with him. If they found out that I am pregnant with his child, I'm scared of what they could do to my child."

"Shit, shit, shit, shit!" Rocco closed his fingers as he continuously spewed profanity. "Why are you even telling me all of this? Are you planning to torture me as well?"

She chuckled weakly. "I'm just saying if you can let a pregnant lady here for a while until I find a job?"

"Ah, shit…" he breathed out, exasperated. He dropped his hands from his face to the table. "Please tell me you just want to freeload and all those other details were just a made-up story."

"I wish it was."

"Fuck!" Rocco bumped his forehead against the surface of the table, in distress about Stella's situation.

"Don't worry. I'll move out as soon as possible." She smiled, knowing Rocco was like this. He always had a strong sense of justice, and knowing her wish was to do nothing and just live peacefully, Rocco had to respect that even when the Quinn family had done too much cruelty to her.

"What else can I do?" Rocco grumbled with the side of his head resting on the table. "I can't just chase a pregnant lady out, knowing she had no place to stay."

"Thank you."

"But don't bother." He reached for the can of beer, straightening his back. "Just use your time here to rest and have a healthy pregnancy. I mean, I don't go home quite often, so you don't have to worry about me."

"It's fine. You don't need to —" Her brows rose when he slammed his hand on the table and shook his head.

"I am your friend and, as a good friend, I don't want you to think of anything else. Just pay me back once you give birth and found a decent job." He nodded reassuringly. "I'm serious when I say there were days I stay in the firm for days or in the university dorm. Even if I go home, I won't really bother you that much."

Stella's eyes softened as she stared at him, and he avoided her eyes. She didn't know why she came looking for him, even though they didn't keep in touch for years. That was the truth. But now, she finally understood the reason.

Rocco was the nicest and the most genuine person she ever met in her life. And she knew that whatever it was, he wouldn't judge her. Unlike those people who claimed to be her friend but were quick to turn their backs on her the moment they heard nasty and nonsense rumors of Stella being a prostitute and a mistress.