Chapter 104

Ethan tilted his head, his eyes brimming with confusion.

He tugged at Joy Fairsprene's sleeve with his small hand. "Aunt Joy, will that daddy buy mommy pretty dresses like they do on TV?"

Joy crouched down and pinched his chubby cheeks. "Of course he will. He'll even take her out for candlelit dinners."

Ethan immediately cheered, spinning in place. "Then I'll pick the prettiest dress for mommy!"

Joy burst into laughter, pulling the little boy into her arms. "Stella, your son is such a sweetheart. He's going to break so many hearts when he grows up."

Stella Valentine watched her son's joyful silhouette, her eyes growing warm.

The pain Adrian Roland had inflicted on her was bone-deep, but these two children were the most precious gifts heaven had given her.

Perhaps this was fate's way of making amends.

Ring-ring—

The sudden chime of her phone shattered the moment.

"Stella, how are you settling into the new place?" Julian Valois's voice came through the receiver.

Unconsciously, Stella softened her tone. "It's lovely. We have everything we need."

"Good."

"Mr. Valois, I really can't thank you enough."

The rustling of papers sounded on the other end. "Don't thank me. The previous owner did all the decorating. When she heard you were moving in with children, she prepared all sorts of kid-friendly things."

A strange feeling flickered in Stella's chest. "Even the Iron Man merchandise?"

"What Iron Man?"

"It's Ethan's favorite—"

"Sorry, Stella," Julian interrupted abruptly. "I have an emergency meeting. I'll call you later."

The call ended abruptly.

Joy sidled up with a mischievous grin. "What's wrong? Did Mr. Valois get nervous?"

Stella ran her fingers along the edge of her phone. "He said the previous owner prepared everything."

"What a coincidence," Joy said dramatically, throwing her hands up. "Does this landlord read minds or something?"

The afternoon sun was gentle.

In the hospital corridor, the doctor held up a CT scan with a relieved smile. "Ms. Valentine, you're recovering well."

Joy was more excited than the patient herself. "Can she go back to work?"

"Yes, but she needs to rest." The doctor adjusted his glasses, then lowered his voice. "Also... avoid marital relations for now."

Stella's ears burned. "That... won't be an issue."

As they stepped out of the hospital, Joy suddenly smacked her forehead. "I almost forgot! Harry Vance's concert is tonight. As his fake girlfriend, I have to show up."

Stella chuckled. "Go on. Don't keep the superstar waiting."

Dusk settled in.

Stella stood at the base of her apartment building, gazing up at the lit window.

The moment her key touched the lock, the door swung open.

Strong arms pulled her into an embrace.

"Mr. Alistair?" she gasped.

A low laugh vibrated against her hair. "Who else would dare hold you like this?"

Only then did Stella notice the lingering sunset outside.

He came during daylight?

"The children—"

"Both asleep," his breath brushed her ear. "Ethan's jet-lagged, and Luna's out like a light."

A warm palm covered her eyes.

"Now it's not against the rules," his satisfied voice murmured. "Stella, I've dreamed of having a home like this."

Stella suddenly frowned. "Mr. Alistair, you're not wearing cologne today?"

His arms stiffened slightly.

"Didn't want to overwhelm the kids." He changed the subject. "Do you like the place? Ethan's Iron Man—"

"You claimed not to know about the Iron Man things on the phone," she pointed out sharply.

After a beat of silence, he suddenly swept her off her feet. "I'm tired. Come lie down with me."

Stella gasped, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck.

Outside, the last sliver of sunset light grazed their entwined shadows.