Chapter 1

"Miss Valentine, I'm afraid this attempt was unsuccessful again."

The doctor's words cut through Stella's heart like a dull blade.

Her fingers turned white as she clenched the test results.

"Can I try one more time?"

The doctor removed his glasses and rubbed his temples wearily. "Your ovarian function has severely declined. More ovulation induction shots will only accelerate the cancer's spread."

"I don't care."

"Miss Valentine, your current physical condition makes pregnancy impossible!"

Stella lifted her head, her gaze defiant. "I have to try again."

The doctor studied her hollow cheeks and dark under-eye circles before sighing. "The injection room is on the second floor. You have 24 hours for optimal conception."

......

The mansion was eerily silent.

Stella watched the wall clock, each tick of the second hand sounding like a countdown.

She dialed the memorized number.

"Adrian, we need to talk."

A cold male voice responded, "What game are you playing now, Stella?"

"I'll agree to the divorce."

The line went quiet for several seconds.

"Terms?" His question was clipped.

"Come home tonight." Her voice was barely audible. "Just this once."

Adrian scoffed. "You'd stoop this low just to end our marriage?"

"Think whatever you want." Stella tightened her grip on the phone. "Miss tonight, and you'll never marry Lily Savigny."

After hanging up, she stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Moonlight spilled across her bony shoulders.

Stella... What a cruel name.

She once believed she was the brightest star in Adrian's life. Now she'd become the burden he desperately wanted to discard.

The bedroom door burst open.

Adrian stormed in, his piercing gaze sharp as winter frost. "You'd better keep your word, Stella."

She turned with a pale smile. "When have I ever lied to you?"

In the next instant, he threw her onto the bed.

Gripping her chin, he hissed, "Remember your promise."

Stella closed her eyes, whispering silently: Hold on, baby. Mommy will save you...