Chapter 12

Stella Valentine opened her eyes to the sound of torrential rain outside.

Heavy droplets pounded against the floor-to-ceiling windows, blurring the world beyond. She lay in her familiar bed, buried beneath a soft down comforter.

"Little Star!"

Martha Clementson pushed open the door carrying a steaming bowl of red date soup, her wrinkled face etched with concern. "You're finally awake!"

Stella struggled to sit up and accepted the bowl. The sweet aroma of dates spread across her tongue, but couldn't dispel the chill in her heart.

"Martha..." Her voice came out hoarse. "Don't you hate me?"

The elderly woman's rough hand caressed her cheek. "I did. But I know you're not that kind of girl."

Stella's eyes instantly welled up.

"Young Master Adrian..." Martha hesitated. "He's been blinded by hatred all these years. That Lily Savigny—"

"It's over." Stella cut her off, fingers unconsciously rubbing the edge of the blanket.

A flash of lightning outside illuminated her pale face.

"You were unconscious for two days and one night." Martha fretted. "Kept talking in your sleep, clutching your pillow and crying..."

Stella abruptly looked up.

Four days left.

Her hands trembled as she plugged in her phone. When the screen lit up, the weather forecast appeared—heavy rain warnings for the next four days.

"Hah..." She suddenly laughed.

"Little Star?"

"Nothing." She shook her head. "Just thinking... even heaven is helping him."

Martha touched her burning forehead and gasped. "You're burning up! We must go to the hospital!"

"I won't go."

"Be good!" Martha coaxed her like a child. "When you're better, I'll buy you star candies."

Stella's nose stung.

The old woman was already dialing. "Young Master, Little Star has a high fever..."

A long silence came from the other end.

"Put her on." Adrian Roland's icy voice finally spoke.

Martha happily handed over the phone and quietly closed the door behind her.

Stella gripped the phone until her knuckles turned white.

"Adrian..."

"Stella Valentine," the voice on the line was laced with venom. "You blocked my number, so now you're using Martha as your messenger?"