THE SPITEFUL BRIDE: Marry To Rival's Son novel Chapter 56

Chapter 56

Midway through the meal, she paused with her knife, the meat was too firm to cut without making a mess, and she didn’t feel like struggling. Stefan noticed.

Before she could say anything, he reached across the table, ook her plate gently, and began cutting the meat into bite-sized pieces.

She blinked.

“What are you doing?” she asked, barely above a whisper.

He didn’t even glance up. “Feeding my wife.”

And just like that, he speared a piece with her fork and brought it to her lips.

Mia stared at him, frozen.

“Don’t make me look stupid, Mia,” he murmured with that same calm face. “Eat.”

So she did.

The murmur became intense, they girls were melting. They were all wishing to be fed by Stefan Sterling, but here she was looking daze, trying not to choke.

No, something really was wrong somewhere. Was there something he wasn’t telling her? Because the Stefan she married didn’t like public attention. He hated extra. But right now, he was the extra.

“Eat more,” he said, gently pushing another piece to her lips.

She chewed in silence, her eyes darting around. What’s his game? she wondered.

This was supposed to be her idea, her revenge. He had nonchalant, so why this. She felt she was about to go crazy, same set of questions repeated in her head.

When they were done, the waiter cleared the table, and she reached for her purse, already thinking about home.

But Stefan stood up and held his hand out.

“We’re not done.”

She gave him a look. “We’re not?”

“There’s a movie showing down the road. Let’s go see it.”

Mia frowned. “I didn’t know you liked movies.”

“I don’t,” he said simply, sliding a hand into his pocket. “But everyone’s watching. And we need to be seen…. together.”

He paused, leaning a little closer. “Remember, Samuel is watching.”

That was all it took. Mia didn’t say another word, she nodded and followed him.

Stefan smiled, he knew what he was doing. He knew the mention of her father’s name was like flipping a switch, and there wasn’t any movie. He just wanted to keep her busy, so she wouldn’t have time to go see any old friend.

Inside, the cinema was low-lit and cozy. Not many people, but enough to make their presence known. People still whispered, still snapped photos discreetly.

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Stefan turned to her as they reached the counter. “Pick something.”

She blinked. “Me?”

He nodded. “Yes. You choose.”

“Thought you said a movie just came out?” She gave him a pointed look.

“I want to watch what you like” a blush crept her face. She looked through the list, pointed at something light, at comedy.

They sat down, and she tried to focus on the movie, but it was hard when Stefan was this close. When every few minutes he’d lean over to comment on a scene, or adjust her blanket, or offer her popcorn from his hand.

And after it ended?

“Another one,” he said, standing before she could protest.

“Stefan, it’s late.”

“Exactly. Let’s make the most of it.”

“You don’t even like movies…..”

“But you do,” he said simply. “And this one’s for the fans. They’re still outside.”

She sighed again. But a part of her didn’t mind. A tiny, annoying part of her was actually… enjoying herself.

The second movie ended and by the time they got outside, it was almost midnight. They didn’t say much on the drive home, but Mia didn’t need words.

Not when her whole head was spinning. Not when she kept replaying every moment of that night, every touch, every word, every look. And still, through it all, she reminded herself not to be fooled.

They got home really late, even the house lights were dim. Elena had gone to bed.

Mia didn’t even think twice, just went straight to her room. Her body ached from the long day. She barely managed to freshen up. The second her head hit the pillow, sleep dragged her under like a wave.

A knock woke her the next morning. Soft, twice.

Then Elena’s voice followed, “Mimi, can I come in?”

“Yeah,” she mumbled, sitting up slowly.

Elena peeked in, already dressed in one of her oversized t-shirts and a silk scarf wrapped around her head. “I thought you’d be awake by now.”

Mia yawned, stretching. “We got home really late.”

Elena entered fully and perched at the edge of the bed. “So? How was the shoot?”

“It was… fine.” She rubbed her eyes. “Photos should be out today.”

Elena studied her quietly for a beat. “You don’t sound excited.”

Mia gave a half-shrug. “It just… felt weird. Stefan was being too….” she stopped and searched for the right word, “….nice.”

Elena grinned. “You sound upset about that.”

“I’m not upset,” Mia said quickly. “It’s just strange because he’s not like that, Elena. You should’ve seen him.

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Feeding me, smiling like an idiot, cleaning my lips… even kissing me in public.”

Elena’s eyes widened slightly. “Wow.”

“Exactly.”

Mia pulled her knees to her chest and leaned back against the headboard. “He’s playing his part too well. Like… I don’t even know if I should be scared or flattered.”

“Maybe he’s not playing.”

Mia looked at her like she just grew wings. “He is.”

“Okay,” Elena said, dragging the word. “But even if he is, so what?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean,” Elena leaned back on her hands, “so what if it’s pretend? You’re already married, Mimi. Maybe your revenge isn’t completed yet, but it’s progressing. You made your point. But now… you’re here. Living this life. In this house. With Stefan. So maybe stop looking for all the ways to be right, and start looking for ways to enjoy it.”

Mia blinked. “You make it sound easy.”

“I didn’t say it’s easy. But, it’s necessary.” She softened her voice. “You’re already in it. You’ve made the big move. What’s left is choosing what kind of life you want it to be.”

Mia stayed quiet.

Elena wasn’t done. “We all know this is for your dad, that you’re proving a point. But what happens if you prove your point and still end up miserable? You think that’s a win?”

Mia’s eyes fell. “No.”

“Exactly. He still wins that way.’

Mia exhaled deeply.

“Look, I’m not saying fall in love or pretend this is a fairytale, but enjoy this while it lasts. Spend time with

Stefan. F

igure out what this could be outside the cameras. And above all, be happy. That’s the real win.” 1

It was quiet for a moment.

Mia just sat there, staring at the soft folds of her blanket, letting Elena’s words sink in.

“You’ve got time now,” Elena added gently. “Before work and everything else starts taking up your time again.

Use it.”

Mia didn’t answer, she just nodded slowly. Because she knew deep inside her that Elena was right, she needed to be happy at the end of it all. She hadn’t even thought about her happiness for a while, but a part of her still feels

scared.

Maybe she could let herself breathe, even just a little.

Elena stood up and stretched. “Anyway, breakfast is ready. came to get you.”

“Ell” Mia called out, Elena paused and looked back at her “Thank you” she said with a smile that Elena returned immediately. She nodded her head at Mia before exiting the room.

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