All Chapters of REJECTED BY LOVE: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

Stanley sits and listens intently as Eloise narrates what her grandmother, who is currently sleeping in the guest room, told her. Eloise is standing in front of him, pacing as she is talking. On his way home, he had been thinking of how he would tell her all the ridiculous things that his parents said to him, but when he got home, she had pulled him quickly and told him she had something to tell him. Now, he is hearing things about California and some inheritance. His whole day feels terribly like a fever dream.“So, now I am really confused,” Eloise says as she completes her rambling. “Let me get this straight,” Stanley adjusts in his seat. “You have a lot of money just waiting for you in California and you have to go there to get it.”“Yes,” Eloise groans. “What do you want to do?”“I don’t know.” Eloise sits next to Stanley. “What should I do?”“I cannot tell you what to do, Eloise,” he says. “It’s your decision.”“Oh, come on, Stanley! You’re my husband. Make my decisions for m

Eloise and Stanley arrive in San Francisco, their journey from New York via the Pacific Railroad finally coming to an end after four days. As they step off the train, they are greeted by the humid morning air of San Francisco, a city that instantly bares to Eloise and her husband its three most recognizable qualities - promise, excitement and the stench of poorly treated sewage. Above them, the sky is a brilliant blue, streaked with hints of light orange that can only be seen so early in the day, so late in the fall. Stanley holds Eloise tightly to himself as they walk off the platform. She does not know if his guardedness is because of her situation or fear of the strange city, but the gesture sends butterflies dancing inside her, anyway. All around them, the sound of seagulls calling harmonizes with the distant chimes of cable cars making their way up the steep hills. This usually mundane process makes for such a stunning view from inside the train station that Eloise stops for a f

Stanley and Eloise do not wait for the day to break before beginning their preparation to visit Arthur Finch’s residence. They hire a carriage to take them to the outskirts of the city where Finch's mansion is located. At barely thirty minutes the journey is relatively short, but the anticipation makes it feel longer.Barely three minutes from the estate, its grandeur becomes apparent. Tall wrought-iron gates, adorned with intricate designs that cause Eloise to strain her neck, guard the entrance. Beyond the gates, a long driveway flanked on either side by tall trees arranged like sentinels leads up to the house. The house itself is a magnificent structure that appears to be three stories tall with so many windows and balconies shooting out of its every surface making it look like a chiton.The carriage stops before the gates, and a stern-looking guard steps forward. "State your business," he says, eyeing them with suspicion.Stanley leans out of the carriage window. "We have an appoi

A little boy on a bicycle rides past Stanley as he walks down one of San Francisco’s picturesque streets with his hands deep in the pockets of his coat, the morning sun casting a golden glow on the charming Victorian houses that line the road. The crisp salty air wafting in from the nearby bay is still hard in Stanley’s nostrils but he has accepted it as a permanent fixture of the city. Trees arch overhead, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze, casting dappled shadows on the cobblestone pavement.He continues his walk, passing by shops with the most colorful awnings he’d ever come across. A bookstore catches his eyes. With its tempered glass window filled with an eclectic mix of titles, he considers making a stop here ,but he moves on, drawn by a particular destination he had spotted a few days ago. When he turns the corner, he finds himself on a lively street filled with cafes and boutiques, each one exuding its unique charm.Stanley’s eyes light up as he spots a sign ahead: C

Mary Lou’s hands move with precision as she refills champagne glasses and balances trays laden with hors d'oeuvres. The room is abuzz with conversation and laughter, but she remains focused. Her every move is calculated to ensure all the guests she serves are satisfied.From across the room, Phyllis Bradshaw observes Mary Lou’s efforts with a discerning eye. She notices how Mary Lou navigates the crowded space with grace, the way he tops off the District Attorney’s drink with a warm smile and the way the philandering man gives her an appreciative once-over. Phyllis turns to Fay, who is standing nearby.“She’s doing an excellent job,” Phyllis remarks.Fay beams with pride. “Thank you, Mrs. Bradshaw. I’ll be sure to let her know.”Phyllis nods curtly and returns her attention to her guests with a “hello darling” that is directed at no one in particular. Fay makes her way over to Mary Lou, who is just finishing up at a nearby table. She taps Mary Lou on the shoulder, a wide smile on her