I Helped An Old Man On The Bus,A Law Professor⚖️My Arrogant Husband Actually Knelt When He Saw Him⁉️
ON THE WAY TO THE DIVORCE HEARING, I HELPED AN ELDERLY MAN ON THE BUS. HE WANTED TO COME WITH ME TO THE COURTHOUSE.
WHEN WE ARRIVED, THE MOMENT MY HUSBAND SAW HIM, HIS
FACE TURNED PALE WITH FEAR. IT TURNED OUT, THAT ELDERLY MAN WAS…
What if the path to a divorce hearing turned into the moment that would change your destiny forever? Today, I have a very special, heart- touching story about the power of sincere kindness. The story of a wife looked down upon by her husband who found a champion in the most unexpected person.
All thanks to a small act of kindness on a city bus. But before we get into the story, please support us by hitting the like button and subscribing right now. I also want to give you a shout out. Leave your name and your city in the comments and write the word present. I want to know what far-flung places you’re listening from
Music. Are you ready for the story? Get your tissues and a snack ready. Let’s begin. That morning, the sunbeams filtering through the kitchen blinds did nothing to warm Stella’s heart. Her gaze was empty, fixed on a manila envelope lying silently on the dining table. The envelope bore the official seal of the Cook County Domestic Relations Division.
Stella’s hands trembled violently as she slowly reached for it. Her heart pounded as if it already knew the bad news hidden inside. It had been 3 weeks since Gabe had come home. Her husband, the man who once promised to be faithful in good times and bad when they were both starting from nothing, had now completely changed.
Ever since his career as a young attorney began to take off and his name started to become known around Chicago, Gab’s attitude had turned cold. He rarely answered her calls. He frequently made excuses about working late, and the final straw was him leaving home without so much as a goodbye.
With baited breath, Stella tore the seal on the envelope. Her eyes scanned line by line the print on the white paper. A summon for a divorce hearing. The date was set for tomorrow morning. Stella’s chest tightened as if the air supply in the room had suddenly been cut off. Her tears fell, wetting the paper that was proof of her marriage’s failure.
The tears on her cheeks hadn’t even dried when her phone buzzed. An incoming message. Gab’s name appeared on the screen. That name used to make Stella smile whenever she heard from him, but now it only brought a stabbing pain to the pit of her stomach. Stella opened the message with fingers that were still trembling.
You got the letter right. Don’t forget to show up tomorrow. I expect you to cooperate. Music Stella. Don’t make a scene and don’t complicate things. The message was so cold with no greeting, no courtesy, as if Stella were a stranger he had just met. Stella took a deep breath. Music trying to gather the last remnants of her courage to reply.
Gabe, why does it have to be like this? Can’t we talk things over first? I have a right to know what I did wrong for you to divorce me so suddenly. It wasn’t long before Gab’s response came. This time the message was longer, but every word was like a razor blade slicing through Stella’s heart. Music talk.
We have nothing in common to talk about anymore. Stella, get a clue. Look at me now and look at you. I’m an attorney at a prestigious firm in the loop. I meet with high-profile clients, officials, and business leaders every day. And you, you’re just an ordinary housewife who only knows about the kitchen and the bedroom. You’re not on my level anymore.
Taking you to work events would just embarrass me. You can’t adapt to my world now.’ Stella sank weakly into a dining chair. Her heart shattered as she read the honest but cruel confession from her husband. She remembered the hard times before when Gabe was still in law school and they had to share a single meal between them because Gab’s money had been spent on textbooks.
It was Stella who worked extra hours sewing clothes for neighbors late into the night to help pay for Gab’s tuition. It was Stella who always encouraged Gabe when he failed his exams time and again and almost gave up. ‘You forgot who was with you from the very beginning,’ Stella wrote as she sobbed.
The tears now flowed freely, impossible to hold back. ‘Who sewed your first suit for your job interview?’ ‘It was me, your wife. Don’t talk about the past.’ ‘Music,’ Gabe replied quickly, as if Stella’s words were an annoying attack. ‘That was a wife’s obligation to serve her husband.
‘ ‘And I’ve already paid you back by giving you food and a decent place to live all this time, haven’t I? So, we’re even.’ Listen carefully, Stella. At the hearing tomorrow, I want you to agree to all the divorce demands without objection. As for the marital assets, forget it. The house, the car, music, the savings, it’s all in my name.
You have no real financial contribution to their purchase. So, don’t even try to claim a division of assets. Stella’s jaw dropped as she read that message. How clever Gabe was. The modest house they lived in. The down payment had come from Stella’s savings from sewing day and night before Gabe became successful.
But Gabe music this house. Stella didn’t get to finish typing when her phone rang. Suddenly, Gabe was calling. Stella answered with trembling hands. Music afraid but needing an explanation. Hello. Stella’s voice was hoarse and weak. Listen, Stella. Gab’s voice was loud, firm, and full of intimidation from the other end.
Don’t even try to fight this. I’m a lawyer. I know the loopholes. If you dare to claim any assets or complicate this divorce, I’ll make sure you don’t get a single penny. I’ll expose all your faults in front of the judge. I’ll make you a disgrace for life until no one even wants to be your friend.
What faults, Gabe? I’ve served you all this time. I never did anything wrong. Stella sobbed. Her heart achd at being accused of things she hadn’t done. I can find your faults. That’s my specialty, Gabe shouted arrogantly. I can twist the facts until you look guilty. So, if you want a quiet life after the divorce, do as I say.
Show up tomorrow, nod your head in front of the judge, sign music, and get out of my life. Just take your clothes. Everything else is mine. The call was disconnected unilaterally by Gabe. Stella weakly placed her phone on the table. Music. The dining room felt so silent and oppressive.
She looked around the modest house she had cared for with all her love for the past 5 years. The walls she had painted herself, the curtains she had sewn herself, everything bore the mark of her hands. And now Gabe wanted to snatch it all away just because he felt music Stella was no longer worthy of standing with him at the peak of success.
A success achieved thanks to Stella’s prayers and sweat as well. That pain slowly transformed into an oppressive weight crushing her chest. Stella felt so small and helpless. Her opponent was her own husband, a lawyer who understood the law and was skilled with words. What could a simple woman like her do? She had no lawyer she could afford.
She didn’t know any influential people. Yet, in the midst of that despair, Stella looked at her reflection in the mirror of the sideboard. Her face was swollen, her eyes red and puffy. Should I just give up like this? She asked herself silently. Suddenly, she remembered her late mother’s words. Be a strong woman and keep your dignity.
No, Stella whispered softly as she wiped her tears away harshly. I may be poor now. I may not have an advanced degree like Gabe. Music, but I have dignity. I won’t let him trample all over me anymore. Let him have the assets, but I won’t let him humiliate my dignity. That night, Stella couldn’t sleep.
She spent the night packing some of her clothes into an old duffel bag. She wouldn’t take any possessions if that’s what Gabe wanted. But she would go to the courthouse tomorrow with her head held high. She would face Gabe. She would show him that while he could divorce her, he couldn’t destroy her spirit.
Tomorrow was the decisive day. Stella zipped up her old bag. She had no money to take a taxi to the courthouse because Gabe had blocked her access to their joint savings account. The only car had already been taken by Gabe a week ago. I’ll take the CTA bus, she murmured softly. It’s okay. I was used to walking and taking public transit music before Gabe became successful.
Outside, the night wind blew hard, as if signaling the life storm she would face the next day. Stella closed her eyes, praying in her heart for God to give her the strength to get through that difficult day. Unbeknownst to her, God had already prepared a different scenario. A scenario that neither Stella nor Gabe could have ever imagined.
A simple encounter the next morning that would change everything. The morning sun wasn’t yet high in the sky, but its rays already felt scorching on Stella’s skin. Today was the day she dreaded most, but one she had to face, like it or not. Stella stood in front of the old mirror in her bedroom, adjusting a simple cream colored scarf that had faded slightly from being washed, so music many times.
It was the scarf Gabe had given her 5 years ago when he received his first paycheck as a parallegal. Back then, Gabe had given it to her with a look full of love. But now, the item was just a silent witness to the drastic turn in Stella’s fate. She chose a modest long dress with a small floral pattern. She wore no jewelry.
Her wedding ring had been taken off and placed in the dresser drawer the night before. It felt too heavy to wear that symbol of a sacred union when that bond was about to be forcibly severed by law that day. She tried to cover her swollen face with a little powder, though the dark circles from crying all night couldn’t be completely hidden.
Stella left the tracked house that had been her castle until now. She closed the door carefully. The key to this house might soon have to be handed over to Gabe, according to her husband’s threat yesterday. Just take your clothes. Everything else is mine. Those words echoed again, making Stella’s stomach ache.
As her feet stepped past the gate, Stella saw a few neighbors gathered by their mailboxes, not far from her house. Stella tried to lower her head, hoping to pass without drawing attention, but that hope was in vain. Hey, there’s Stella,’ one of the women whispered, just loud enough to be heard, all dressed up so early.
‘Where could she be going? They say she’s going to her divorce hearing,’ another neighbor said with an obvious gossipy tone. ‘Poor thing, and her husband is such a successful lawyer. His cars are always new, and his wife has to walk to the courthouse.’ I wonder if Stella did something wrong to get divorced like this. Could be.
Rich people usually look for someone on their level. Maybe Stella didn’t take care of herself. That’s why her husband found someone prettier. Those sharp words pierced Stella’s ears. She felt like screaming to defend herself, to say that she had sacrificed her youth, her smooth skin, and her energy to support Gab’s career until he succeeded.
that she didn’t take care of herself, not out of laziness, but because she saved the household money to buy Gabe expensive shoes so he wouldn’t be embarrassed when meeting clients. But Stella chose to remain silent. Her tongue was paralyzed. She just quickened her pace, leaving the group of neighbors who were watching her with contempt.
The walk to the bus stop was quite long, about half a mile from her neighborhood. Stella walked along the dusty sidewalk. Private cars zipped past her. The luxury cars that passed reminded her of the car Gabe used to drive. Before, Stella would sit in the passenger seat, listening to Gabe talk about the cases he’d won.
Now, she was just a pedestrian, marginalized by the sun’s heat and the roads dust. The heat and dust started to make cold sweat drip down her temples. However, the fear in Stella’s chest was far more unsettling than the weather. The image of the cold, formal courtroom haunted her.
She imagined Gabe sitting there in his expensive suit, accompanied by his well-spoken lawyer colleagues, ready to tear Stella’s dignity to shreds with legal arguments she didn’t understand. ‘What if I say the wrong thing?’ Stella thought anxiously. ‘What if the judge believes all of Gab’s lies? What if they really throw me out without a penny? Where will I live then?’ That fear was like a monster slowly devouring her courage.
Stella clutched the strap of her bag tightly. She felt so small, like an aunt about to face an elephant. Gabe had everything, money, status, legal knowledge, and connections. While Stella only had her honesty and the remnants of faith that God doesn’t sleep. Upon reaching the bus stop, Stella sat on the metal bench that was already starting to rust.
She waited for the city bus headed for the Cook County Courthouse. around her. People were busy with their own lives, some glued to their phones, some lost in thought, some sleeping off the exhaustion of a night shift. In the midst of that crowd, Stella felt utterly alone. There was no hand to hold for strength.
There was no shoulder to lean on. A gleaming black sedan drove slowly past the bus stop. Its windows were tinted, but Stella recognized the license plate. It was Gab’s car. Stella’s heart seemed to stop. Music. The car glided smoothly, weaving through traffic with arrogance, while Stella still had to wait for the old late bus.
The difference in their fates was starkly displayed before her eyes. Gabe was moving forward in comfort music. While Stella had to struggle just to get to the place where her destiny would be decided. Dear God, Stella prayed in her heart, her tearary eyes staring at the asphalt.
If this separation is the best path, then strengthen my heart. Don’t let me break down in the face of Gab’s arrogance. Give me just one sign of your help today so I don’t feel so alone. Not long after, the city bus she was waiting for finally appeared around the corner. Black smoke billowed from its exhaust pipe. The bus was completely packed.
The driver shouted for passengers. Stella took a deep breath, strengthening her legs to stand up. She prepared to squeeze in, bracing herself for an uncomfortable journey, as uncomfortable as the life journey she was currently on. Stella boarded the bus, unaware that her prayer from moments ago was about to be answered in the most unexpected way inside that crowded public vehicle.
The atmosphere inside the city bus was suffocating. The air was a mix of passengers sweat, stale cigarette smoke clinging to clothes, and road dust coming in through the open windows. Stella stood squeezed between a man carrying a large sack and a group of loud students. Her legs were beginning to ache from having to keep her balance every time the bus accelerated or break sharply.
The driver seemed to be chasing a daily quota, recklessly maneuvering the old vehicle without any regard for the passenger’s comfort. Stella tried to close her eyes for a moment, attempting to calm the turmoil in her chest, but the blaring horns forced her to stay awake. In front of her, the row of priority seats was full.
Ironically, those seats were occupied by young people engrossed in their phones, pretending to sleep or wearing headphones, as if closing their eyes and hearts to the world around them. None of them cared that there was a pregnant woman standing with difficulty in the back or an elderly man clinging tightly to a metal pole.
The bus slowed down again as it approached the stop near the downtown market. The stuck hydraulic door creaked open with a harsh squeal. ‘Come on, hurry up if you’re getting on,’ the driver yelled, hanging out the side as he slapped the body of the bus. From the curb, an old man was trying to board with great difficulty.
His hair was completely white, his body thin, and he wore a plaid shirt whose color had faded, and dress pants that were too loose for him. His wrinkled hands trembled as he tried to reach the high handrail of the bus door. His steps were heavy and slow. Hey, old man, pick it up a little.
The driver scolded him impatiently. We’re on a schedule. He didn’t even get out to help the old man get on. The other passengers just glanced at him for a moment with annoyed looks before returning to their own business. There was no empathy for them. The slow old man was just an obstacle on their way to work.
The old man finally managed to get his foot onto the bus floor, breathing heavily. However, he had barely found something to hold on to when the impatient driver slammed on the accelerator. The bus shot forward abruptly. The old man’s frail body lurched backward. He lost his balance, ‘Watch out!’ A woman near the door shouted.
But even she didn’t move to help. Stella, who saw what was happening from the middle of the aisle, reacted immediately, forgetting her own sorrow, forgetting her shame. Her humanitarian instinct took over. With agility, music, Stella pushed her way through the other passengers and caught the old man’s arm just before he fell backward toward the still open door.
‘Be careful, sir,’ Stella exclaimed as she supported the old man’s weight with all her strength. ‘Stella’s hands, gentle but firm, held the old man’s arm, saving him from a fatal accident. The old man seemed to be in shock, his face pale, his breathing ragged. He looked at Stella with eyes that still reflected the lingering panic. Thank you.
Thank you, my dear,’ he said in a horse, trembling voice. Stella gave a small, sincere, and reassuring smile. ‘You’re welcome, sir. Hold on to me.’ Then Stella looked around for an empty seat. Nothing. All the seats were taken. Her eyes fell on a young man sitting in the priority seat right in front of them, who had been engrossed in a game on his phone, oblivious to the commotion just moments before.
Excuse me, young man,’ Stella called out in a soft but firm voice. ‘Could you please give your seat to this gentleman music? He can’t stand for long.’ The young man looked up, glaring at Stella and the old man with an annoyed expression. He huffed in frustration as if Stella had just interrupted a crucial moment in his life.
Reluctantly, with a sour face, the young man stood up without a word. He then moved to the back of the bus, grumbling under his breath. Please sit here, sir,’ Stella said as she gently guided the old man to the seat. She made sure he was comfortable before letting go. The old man let out a sigh of relief as his back touched the seat.
He massaged his trembling knees. After feeling a bit calmer, he looked up at Stella, who was now standing beside him, holding on to the back of the seat. ‘Thank you so much, my dear. If it weren’t for you, I might have rolled right out of the bus,’ the old man said again. This time, Stella could see his face more clearly.
Although wrinkles covered his face, there was a sharp yet serene look in his eyes. A strange dignity emanated from his simple figure, something that didn’t quite match the worn out clothes he was wearing. It was nothing, sir. It’s our duty as human beings to help one another,’ Stella replied politely.
She adjusted her handbag, trying to hide her left hand, which no longer wore a wedding ring. It’s rare to find young people who care like you these days,’ the old man murmured softly, as if talking to himself. His eyes then scanned Stella’s appearance from head to toe. He saw her simple but neat clothes, her pretty face that held a deep cloud of sorrow and her swollen eyes.
The old man, whose name was Arthur Kesler, was not just some random person who happened to be taking the bus. However, today he had deliberately left his luxury car and personal driver at home. He wanted to reminisce about the past, the times when he fought for justice from the ground up, feeling the pulse of the lives of the humble people he often defended in his past judgments.
But he didn’t expect to nearly have an accident, and he certainly didn’t expect to be helped by a young woman who looked like she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. My dear, where are you headed? all dressed up on a bus?’ Mr. Kesler asked, trying to start a conversation.
He wanted to know more about this kind-hearted woman. Stella hesitated for a moment. She wasn’t used to confiding in strangers, especially when her destination was a place she wasn’t proud of. The family court. Shame washed over her. How should she answer to say she was getting a divorce? That her successful husband was throwing her away.
I have some business to attend to, sir. music,’ Stella replied diplomatically, trying to smile, though her lips felt stiff. ‘Mister,’ Kesler nodded slowly, as if understanding that there was something she didn’t want to reveal. However, Mister Kesler<unk>’s old eyes, which had for decades observed the faces of people in the defendant’s box, could read body language very well.
He saw unease, fear, and a deep sadness in Stella’s eyes. Your face is clouded, my dear, like the sky outside, Mr. Kesler said suddenly, his voice as gentle as a father speaking to his daughter. A good person like you doesn’t deserve to look so sad. That simple sentence, for some reason, struck a chord in Stella’s heart.
The defenses she had built up since morning slowly crumbled in the middle of the noisy bus and indifferent crowd. The sincere attention from this unknown old man made her eyes well up again. Stella turned her face toward the window, holding back her tears so they wouldn’t fall in front of everyone.
This unexpected encounter was beginning to open a small crack in her frozen heart. The city bus lurched forward, navigating through the morning traffic. Amidst the pollution and the roar of the diesel engine, the conversation between Stella and Mr. Kesler flowed slowly, creating their own pocket of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the other passengers.
Stella took a deep breath. music trying to push away the tightness that was once again squeezing her chest because of the old man’s question. She looked at Mr. Kesler’s face again. It reminded her of her late father’s serene, full of the lines of experience and radiating a sincerity that was hard to find in this big city.
She didn’t know what prompted her, but Stella’s walls of defense gradually came down. Maybe it was because she was tired of keeping everything to herself. Or maybe because she felt she would never meet this old man again after today, so there was no harm in sharing a small part of her burden.
I’m going to the Cook County Courthouse, sir. Music. Stella finally answered in a quiet voice, almost a whisper so the other passengers wouldn’t hear. Her eyes again looked down sadly at the tips of her worn shoes. Mr. Kesler was silent for a moment. He didn’t seem surprised, but his expression grew more serious and full of empathy.
He shifted slightly in his seat so he could hear Stella’s voice better over the noise of the bus. ‘Not to file a marriage license for someone else, I hope.’ ‘Mister,’ Kesler asked carefully, though he could already guess the answer from the aura of sadness surrounding the young woman.
Stella shook her head slowly. A bitter smile formed on her lips. ‘No, sir, to end my own marriage. Today is my first hearing. A momentary silence fell between them. Only the voice of a street vendor shouting about selling tissues and water broke the awkward silence. ‘My husband doesn’t want me anymore, sir,’ Stella continued.
‘This time,’ her tears couldn’t be held back. A single drop fell, landing on the back of her hand, which she was clenching tightly. ‘He’s successful now, an important man. music. He says I’m not worthy of being with him anymore. That I’m just an embarrassment to his career. Upon hearing that confession, Mr.
Kesler’s jaw tightened slightly. Music. His wrinkled hand gripped the head of his wooden cane more firmly. As someone who had been immersed in the legal world for decades, music he had seen many cases like this. The cliche story of someone forgetting their roots, of loyalty betrayed by the glitter of money and status.
However, hearing it directly from a woman as kind and sweet as Stella still made his heart ache with anger. ‘He’s a fool,’ Mr. Kesler said suddenly. His voice was firm, though soft. Stella turned, surprised. She didn’t expect such a direct comment from this polite-looking old man. ‘What do you mean, sir?’ Mr.
Kesler looked directly into Stella’s eyes. His gaze was sharp yet reassuring, as if transmitting a magical strength that made Stella feel a little stronger. ‘My dear, in this world there are many people with flawed vision.’ ‘Music, Mister,’ Kesler said in a philosophical tone. They are dazzled by glittering shards of glass in the sunlight, thinking they are beautiful gems.
To chase after those pieces of glass, they are willing to throw away the genuine diamond they had held tightly for years. Your husband is one of them. He’s so blinded by the glass that he’s forgotten. He just threw away the most precious diamond of his life. Stella was stunned. The old man’s words were so beautiful and hit her right in the heart.
All this time, Gabe had always made her feel worthless, like trash that deserved to be thrown away. But this stranger, whom she had just met 10 minutes ago, called her a diamond. But I’m not a diamond, sir, Stella objected quietly. Her low self-esteem still dominated her thoughts. I’m just an ordinary woman.
I don’t have a high degree. I’m not rich. I’m not beautiful like my husband’s colleagues. A pretty face and a degree fade with time. My dear Mister Kesler interrupted quickly. But a sincere heart that dares to help an old man on a bus when she herself is in trouble. That is a rare luxury. That is the real diamond.
And believe me, one day your husband will weep bitterly when he realizes what he let go of today. Mister Kesler’s words were like cool water on the barren wasteland of Stella’s heart. For the first time since receiving that divorce summons, Stella felt a little valued. Music. She felt seen as a human being, not as an object that had expired. ‘Thank you, sir.
You are very kind,’ Stella said sincerely as she wiped the last of the tears from her cheeks. I pray that your children will always cherish you because you are a very wise person. Mister Kesler smiled mysteriously at that blessing. He neither confirmed nor denied it. Just gently patted Stella’s hand, which was resting on the seatback.
Save your tears, my dear. Don’t cry for someone who doesn’t know your worth. Lift your head. You did nothing wrong. Let the world see that you are strong. Not long after, the bus driver shouted loudly. courthouse, domestic relations division. Anyone getting off? Get ready. Stella was startled.
The short journey had passed so quickly. Her heart began to pound again as she realized she had arrived at the battlefield. I have to get off here, sir,’ Stella said politely as she said her goodbyes. She quickly stood up and, out of reflex, extended her hand again to Mr. Kesler. ‘Where are you getting off? Let me help you move to the side so you’ll be more comfortable if more passengers get on. Mr.
Kesler also stood up slowly, holding Stella’s hand for support. I’m getting off here, too, my dear. Stella frowned, puzzled. You have business at the court, too. Yes, I have a small matter to attend to. I thought I’d walk with you, Mr. Kesler replied calmly as he shuffled toward the exit door.
Oh, please don’t trouble yourself, sir. You must be tired, Stella said, feeling awkward. It’s no trouble. On the contrary, I want to make sure you walk in there with your head held high. Consider it my way of paying you back for helping me earlier,’ Mr. Kesler said stubbornly, but with a hint of humor. The bus stopped in front of the imposing courthouse building, which felt cold to Stella.
Stella got off first, then patiently helped Mr. Kesler down the rather high steps of the bus. They were now standing on the sidewalk looking at the entrance of the building where the fate of Stella’s marriage would be decided. The sun was getting hotter, but Mr. Kesler’s presence beside her gave Stella a strange sense of calm.
She no longer felt like she was facing the world alone. Even though she was only accompanied by an old man she had just met, it felt much better than arriving alone like a loser. Stella took a deep breath, filling her lungs with new courage. Together with Mr. Kesler, she walked through the courthouse doors, ready to face Gabe and all his arrogance.
Unbeknownst to Stella, the old man’s small steps beside her were about to cause a huge stir inside that building. Very soon, the Cook County Courthouse building stood solid with large pillars rising as if to affirm that this was where all sacred vows would be tested and decided by the judge’s gavvel.
Stella entered the building’s courtyard with her heart pounding uncontrollably. The air around felt heavy, perhaps from the aura of sadness and anger from the dozens of couples who came here with the intention of separating. Beside her, Mr. Kesler walked slowly but steadily. His wooden cane tapped against the ceramic floor of the lobby with a regular rhythm.
Their contrasting appearance drew the attention of a few people. Stella, a young woman with a puffy face and simple clothes, walked alongside an old man whose clothes looked worn and out of place in such an elegant government building. Upon reaching the reception desk, Stella stopped. She felt uncomfortable dragging this man she had just met into the embarrassing drama of her marriage. To her, Mr.
Kesler had already been too kind by walking with her from the bus. music, sir. Thank you so much for accompanying me this far,’ Stella said softly, turning to face Mr. Kesler. ‘If you have other business to attend to, please go ahead. I don’t want to trouble you by having you wait for my hearing, which might take a long time.
Besides, the atmosphere here isn’t very pleasant for an older person.’ Mr. Kesler smiled slightly. The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes crinkled kindly. He didn’t move an inch from his spot. Stella, an old man like me, has plenty of free time. It’s lonely at home with no one to talk to.
Besides, it’s hot outside. It’s cool and airond conditioned in here. Let me just sit in the waiting area for a while. It’ll give my legs a rest. Stella looked at the old man doubtfully. But, sir, when my husband arrives, I’m afraid he might speak rudely. I don’t want you to be offended or yelled at as well.
My husband can be a bit short-tempered when he doesn’t get his way. Mr. Kesler’s face became a little more serious, though his smile hadn’t completely disappeared. He gently patted the back of Stella’s hand. That’s precisely why I want to be here. I want to see for myself what kind of man would dare to waste a woman as polite and good as you.
Don’t worry about me. This old man has seen a lot in his life. The shouting of a young man isn’t going to give me a heart attack. Hearing Mr. Kesler address her so respectfully touched Stella’s heart. There was a sincere respect in the way he spoke to her, something that had long vanished from Gab’s lips. Stella finally nodded in resignation, but inside she felt relieved.
Honestly, she was afraid to face Gabe alone. Mr. Kesler<unk>’s presence, even as just a stranger sitting silently, gave her a bit of security. It felt like being accompanied by a father ready to defend his daughter. ‘All right, then, sir. Let’s sit in the waiting area over there,’ Stella invited.
They walked toward the row of waiting chairs lined up in the corridor leading to the main hearing room. Some people looked at them with questioning expressions. A security guard even eyed Mister Kesler suspiciously because his appearance was considered unckempt. However, Mr. Kesler walked with his chin up, indifferent to the dismissive looks from others.
He had a strange self-confidence, as if this building were his own home. As they sat down, Stella kept fidgeting with the hem of her dress. Her eyes darted around anxiously, searching for Gabe. The fear was still there. The image of Gabe arriving in his designer suit with his overpowering cologne and hurtful words made Stella’s stomach churn…………………….
