Chapter 102

"You're not fully recovered yet. How will you take care of two children?"

Stella Valentine had already considered this.

She gently stroked Luna's cheek, her gaze tender yet resolute.

"I plan to rent an apartment after discharge and hire a nanny. Ethan should start preschool soon, and Luna is still so young..."

Hugo Merovingian interrupted her. "I've booked this suite for a month. You can stay here temporarily."

"I'll transfer the payment to you."

"Stella..."

"Mr. Merovingian, you've already done too much for me."

He gave a bitter smile. "You always do this—afraid of owing me anything."

He stood and walked to the window.

"I understand. Even if you no longer feel anything for Adrian... you still wouldn't choose me." He turned, his expression calm. "But it's fine. Being friends is good too. Your heart already belongs to someone else."

Stella lowered her lashes. "Yes."

"Does he treat you well?"

"Very well."

"That's good." Hugo picked up his coat. "This time, be happy."

He left in a hurry, not even waiting for Ethan to wake.

When Ethan rubbed his eyes asking for Uncle Hugo, Stella could only soothe him softly.

[Coming back?]

Mr. Alistair's text suddenly appeared.

[Back where?]

[The hotel, or the hospital. Stella, I'm feeling jealous.]

She couldn't help but smile.

[Bringing the kids to a hotel isn't convenient.]

[Why?]

[Would you mind?]

[They're your children, so they're mine too.]

She remembered him once saying he wanted a child.

[Is that matter... finished?]

[It needs more time.]

[I'll wait.]

The phone suddenly rang.

"Stella..." Mr. Alistair's voice sounded choked. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For existing. I thought I'd be alone for the rest of my life..."

Her heart trembled.

"Mr. Alistair, if..."

"Hmm?"

"If my health allows..." Her voice grew quieter. "I'd be willing... to have your child."

Silence filled the line.

"Mr. Alistair?"

"Stella."

"Yes?"

"Your words are enough."

......

Late at night, Joy Fairsprene barged in, munching on an apple.

"I know all about high-society scandals!" She crossed her legs. "Everything's glamorous on the surface. Hey, why does Mr. Alistair always come at midnight and leave before dawn?"

Stella gently patted Luna. "Maybe... he doesn't want me to see his face."

"That's extreme!" Joy widened her eyes. "Only three or four hours of sleep? Unless..."

"Unless what?"

"He has another place to nap." Joy lowered her voice. "Could it be... he has another woman?"

Stella's hand stilled.

"Think about it," Joy leaned closer. "Rushing back before sunrise—maybe he's having breakfast with someone else..."

Luna suddenly began to cry.

Stella quickly picked up her daughter, but her heartbeat turned erratic.