Later that night, Belle was in her bedroom when she noticed the rose and ribbon on her desk. She quickly crossed the room and picked it up and unfurled the note.
Belle,
Im so sorry for having to leave like this. None of it was your fault, neither was it Ric's. I was stupid and thoughtless for thinking that he could have cheated on me, which is the reason I left in such a hurry tonight.
You know where all the keys are for the cars, take your pick as to what you want and give the rest to the others. They deserve them. I wont have any use for cars where im going.
I can only hope that you won't blame Ric for any of this, nor Matilda, but see it as my fault. Matilda tried to speak to me about a month ago but I brushed her off. Now I realise why, she was trying to tell me about her baby.
Anyway, thankyou for everything. You have been a great friend. I have enclosed my funeral plans. Everything has been organised and paid for. Just go and collect it all, don't ask questions of the staff as they wont tell you anything. The service has been set for next Tuesday at 10am. Do not expect me to be there. Im supposed to be dead.
Im going to miss you!
All my Love,
Stephayni De Walscott.
Belle put the letter down and cried. She pictured Steph, driving away, with a determined look on her face, leaving Summer Bay and everyone's lives forever.
The next morning Belle rang the police station to inform them that Stephayni had passed away during the night and that her funeral was next week on the Tuesday.
They all agreed to come and Belle also requested that Johnny be present as he was her husband.