Miranda Rae Mayo opens up about jealousy, vulnerability, and a family dynamic that could break her character’s heart

A New Chapter, A Hidden Struggle

In Chicago Fire Season 14, fan-favorite couple Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) are facing their biggest emotional challenge yet: becoming foster parents. Their new life with teen Isaiah (Hero Hunter) is full of promise—but behind the scenes, things aren’t as smooth as they seem.

In a revealing interview with NBC Insider, Mayo confesses that her character is battling quiet jealousy as Severide bonds effortlessly with their foster son, leaving Stella feeling left behind in her own home.

Father-Son Bond Sparks Quiet Insecurity

Isaiah joined the family after his mother fell gravely ill. While he was hesitant at first, he quickly warmed up to Kelly. The two found common ground through light-hearted moments—playing video games and trips to the firehouse helped break the ice.

But for Stella, things have been harder. She’s the one buying Isaiah school supplies, pushing him to focus on his education, and checking in on his emotional health. Yet that effort hasn’t translated into trust.

“Stella wants that closeness so badly,” Mayo explained. “But she can’t force it. And seeing Kelly connect so easily—yeah, it stings.”

Vulnerability and Healing Begin to Take Root

Despite the emotional gap, the cracks are slowly healing. In a recent scene, Stella joined Isaiah on a visit to his mother’s care facility—only to discover the woman had slipped into a coma. The moment was devastating for Isaiah, but it marked a turning point in his relationship with Stella.

With Kelly away, it was Stella who held Isaiah’s hand at the hospital, comforting him in silence. That shared grief forged a new layer of trust—one that couldn’t be built on chores or small talk, but through raw emotional presence.

Actor Hero Hunter later shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, praising the scene and calling his TV foster parents “the kind of support every kid deserves.”

On-Set Chemistry and What’s Next

Off-screen, Miranda Rae Mayo had nothing but praise for Hunter, calling him “a joy” and “witty beyond his years.” She also hinted that deeper moments are coming for Stella and Isaiah—suggesting this fragile new bond might bloom in future episodes.