What A Beautiful Face She Has

Final Confrontation

STELLA'S POV:

Later that evening, I sat at home with Raghu, attempting to focus on our plans for the foundation. But Mathew was like an uninvited guest in my mind, and I could feel Raghu’s concern as he watched me struggle.

"Ennachu, Stella? Rombo stressed huh iruka? Marubadiyum Mathew va?"
("What happened, Stella? You look very stressed? Is it Mathew again?")

"Ama, Raghu. Iniku Juno and Daisy..."
("Yes, Raghu. Today Juno and Daisy...")
I told him the whole story.

"Whaaat? Nejama ipdi pannana? Nambave mudiyala, avanuku avlo power iruka enna?"
("What? Did he really do that? I can’t believe it, does he have that much power?")

"Adhan ennakum puriyala."
("That’s what I don’t understand too.")

"Idhellam unna impression spanna dha paarbran, theriyudhu nallave."
("It’s clear he’s doing all this to impress you.")

I sighed, running my fingers through my hair.

"Avaru nirutha mataru, Raghu. 1000 thadavaiku mela solli achu idhu mudinju pona kadhainu. Ana avaru kekura madhiri therila. Naan enga ponalum pinnadi vararu. It’s like… I can’t escape him."
("He won’t stop, Raghu. I’ve told him over a thousand times that it’s over. But he doesn’t seem to listen. Wherever I go, he follows. It’s like… I can’t escape him.")

Raghu frowned, putting the papers aside.

"Nee ipdiye vazhndhutu iruka mudiyadhu, Stella. He’s making you miserable. You have to face him head-on and put an end to it, once and for all."
("You can't live like this.")

I shook my head, feeling a mix of fear and exhaustion.

"I’ve tried, Raghu. But he doesn’t listen. He thinks if he just keeps pushing, I’ll change my mind. But I won’t. I can’t."

Raghu leaned forward, his tone firm but caring.

"Apo avanuku solli puriya vei. Clear huh sollidu avan kita. Maybe you’re trying to spare his feelings, but he needs to hear it straight. Tell him how it is."
("Then make him understand. Tell him clearly. Maybe you're trying not to hurt his feelings, but he needs the truth.")

I looked at Raghu, feeling grateful for his support. He was right; I couldn’t keep avoiding Mathew. I had to confront him, no matter how hard it would be.

The next morning, I reluctantly agreed to meet Mathew at his house. I hoped that by speaking to him one last time, I could finally get through to him. I sat at a corner table, my hands trembling slightly as I waited, unsure how this conversation would go.

When I walked in, his face lit up upon seeing me. He rushed over, handing me the usual bouquet of flowers, as if that gesture could undo everything.

"I'm glad you agreed to meet me. I knew you’d come around eventually."

I clenched my jaw, taking a deep breath to steady myself.

"Indha edam nyabagam iruka? Indha dining table? Inga dhaan namma cake cut panni new life start panna irundhom. And indha room..."
("Do you remember this place? This dining table? This is where we planned to cut our cake and start a new life. And this room...")
He tried to pull me toward the room where I used to stay when we were married.

I took a few steps back.

"Mathew, I didn’t come here to give you another chance. I’m here because I need you to listen to me, just once."

His smile faltered, confusion replacing it.

"Enna pesura, Stella? I know I’ve made mistakes, and adhukaga naan 1000 thadavai kuda sorry keka thayara iruken. Unnakaga en kaiya yum kizhichikiten, innum enna panna unnakku en love puriyum? I love you, Stella."
("What are you saying, Stella? I know I’ve made mistakes, and I’m ready to say sorry a thousand times. I even hurt myself for you, what else should I do to prove my love? I love you, Stella.")