**Stella's POV**
After the dinner, Jason and Bryan were having a chat again. I wanted to go home and Jason didn't look ready.
It was the first time he was meeting them. I couldn't just ruin this moment for him so I decided to stay a little bit longer.
How can I forgive them this fast?
I just know that I have to do the right thing for Jason. He needs his family. He needs to know them.
But how did they discover the truth? I don't even think it matters right now.
And most importantly who tried to destroy our lives? And Why?
I was in the balcony before all I needed was some air after dinner.
I jumped a little when I felt something being placed over my shoulders. I turned to see Hunter standing next to me. I looked at his coat and tried to take it off but he kept it in place.
I huffed and just gave up.
"So do you accept my invitation for dinner?" He asked as I shook my head.
"This was dinner."
"I was told to be patient and take it slow and it's being a pain in my ass."
I know he would just be patient and stay calm for long. It wasn't like him.
"I don't think it's a good idea". I said honestly.
"And why is that?". He asked raising an eyebrow.
I just shrugged.
"I know I hurt you. I left you. But I made a mistake. I admit but I'm truly sorry. I want you back Stella. Let me make it up to you." He said coming in front of me and putting his hands of each side of me.
"Well it is five years too late for that". I said. "There are many things I regret too". I said looking at him trying my best not to cry. "I don't want to hate you for Jason's sake. I don't even want to. So we can still be friends". I said as his eyes darken and he laughed darkly.
"Friends? Do you really think we can only be friends". He said as I lowered my gaze.
"Look at me Ella". He said lowly in his deep voice. I closed my eyes.
He used to call me Ella and I liked it, but it feels weird to hear it again.
"You have no idea how crazy I am about you, do you?" He said as with his eyes glued on me. "Look at me."
I shook my head pushing him away slightly. He grabbed my hands holding them to his chest never taking his eyes from me.
"It's getting late. I think it's time for us to leave." I said nervously.
He just kept looking at me.
"What about my dinner invitation?" He said blocking my way.
I need to leave before I loose it.
I shook my head and started to walk past him. He grabbed my arm tightly and pulled me to his chest.
"Stop playing Ella." He said his breath hitting my neck.
I pulled my arm from his grip, trying my best not to look. I knew if I did, I could give. I'm not ready for that.
I walked away from him and back inside.
****
We said our goodbyes and got in the car. Hunter gave a sign to one of his men to follow us.
I rolled my eyes.
We never needed this. He so wants to control everything. I saw Jason wave at Hunter and Bryan as I rolled up his window and started driving away from the house.
****
I bathed Jason as soon as we got home and put him to bed and showered too before doing the same.
Jason looked so happy today that I don't regret him meeting them. He always only had a mother. Now he has a whole family. I wouldn't hesitate doing it again, just to see him this happy.
A tear dropped from my eyes and on my pillow as I thought about my mom and stepfather. How my mother kicked me out and my stepfather kept calling a whore when everything happened, even after I told her I was pregnant.
He was there using all my father's fortune. It's been five years since the last time I saw my mother and I can't even hate her.
I can't. She's my mother no matter what.
I just layed on my bed and suddenly started thinking of how I met Hunter.
I couldn't help the smile that appeared on my face.
**FLASHBACK**
I hurried out of the classroom. It was my senior year and I am hating every second of it.
I literally ran out of class when classes were over I had to hurry to meet with Hannah for lunch.
I quickly got in my car and drove away from this hell.
I got to the address she gave me, parked my car and got out in a rush.
She texted me ten minutes ago but I ignored knowing how impatient she was.
I was running inside the place when I bumped into someone's hard back. I whimpered and closed my eyes rubbing my nose.
Ouch?
I felt a hand on my shoulder. I left my nose and looked up to see a man staring right back at me.
"Are you okay?" He said and my mouth almost dropped at how deep his voice was.
I looked up at him as he did the same. His look was hard, making made me take a small step back from him.
Wow. This man is gorgeous.
I shook my head.
"Yeah. I'm sorry". I apologized. "Excuse me". I sighed walking past him and toward Hannah.
She looked behind me and then back at me as I took a sit.
"Sorry for being late."
"What was that?" She asked raising an eyebrow.
"What?". I asked looking at the menu and straightening my dress.
"You ran into Hunter Knight". She said smirking. "His family owns an armament company". I looked at her confused.
She sighed shaking her head.
"Stella, your father did some business with him a few years ago. I saw it in the internet". She said casually taking a sip of her drinks.
"Remember we were fourteen and this man and his father were at your house for dinner but you were punished in your room so we didn't meet them". She explained and I looked at her weirdly.
"I don't remember that". I said rolling my eyes.
She rolled hers too than suddenly pinch my hand hard. I yelped and glared at her.
"What the f-". She cut me off excitedly.
"Look he is staring at you. Look!" She said looking at a random table.
I rolled my eyes and turned around to see him looking at me intently from his table where he was with two other men still with this hard expression on his face. I looked at him for a couple of seconds before turning back to Hannah.
"I don't know what you're talking about". I said as the waiter came to us.
**FLASHBACK**