Chapter 182

Stella rubbed her chilled arms. "Your health will keep improving."

"I hope so."

The mountain wind howled around them. Only then did she realize she was wearing just a thin nightgown with slippers. The earlier panic had numbed her to the cold, but now the biting chill seeped into her bones.

Darkness enveloped everything—not even streetlights pierced the blackness.

Adrian turned off the motorcycle engine, and its headlight flickered out. The world plunged into thick, impenetrable darkness.

Only the faint glow of stars and the moon illuminated the sky, casting no light on the landscape below.

"Where are we?"

"The mountaintop."

"Mountain?"

"Mount Rainier, south of Houston. Remember?"

Of course she remembered. But that only deepened her confusion. "Why bring me here in the middle of the night?"

Adrian chuckled softly. "Scared?"

"Not with you here."

"You trust me that much?"

"Who else is there to trust?"

Her words tightened something in his chest. He pulled her into his embrace. "Stella, this time I won't let anything hurt you again."

"...I've always believed in you."

"My affairs are nearly settled. Once you resolve the company matters, avenge your father, and arrange care for your mother—we'll leave this place forever. Or bring her with us."

Stella nodded faintly. "Did you find someone to take over the company?"

"Yes." His voice was low. "An elder saved me during my lowest point. Without him, I wouldn't be here. Consider the company my repayment."

"Gratitude is important."

"But after handing it over, I'll have nothing left."

She wrapped her arms around his waist. "It's fine. Once I reclaim my company, I'll take care of you."

"...Really?"

"Of course."

"Don't lie to me."

"I won't." Suddenly, she remembered something. "The wind was too loud earlier—I didn't catch what you said. Can you repeat it?"

"About my secret."

"Your origins?"

"Yes."

"Your real name?"

"Right."

Stella hesitated. "Can you tell me now?"

Before she could lift her head, he pressed it back against his chest. His amused voice tickled her ear. "I'll only say it once. If you miss it, wait for next time."

She pouted. "Fine, keep your secrets. I already know your surname is Roland, and your birthday is December 31st."

Adrian went rigid. "You know my birthday?"

Did she know?

Had she actually heard him earlier?

His blood turned to ice in his veins.

"Obviously," Stella said matter-of-factly. "You and Adrian are twins—same birthday. And... our first meeting was in Room 1231 at Houston Grand Hotel. You chose that room because it's your birthday, right?"

Adrian exhaled slowly. "Correct."

"I knew it." She laughed softly. "Julian is such a loyal friend. Joy said he refused to reveal anything about you."

"He's always been reliable."

"We should stay in touch with them after leaving."

"No." Adrian shook his head. "We'll sever all ties here once we go."

Stella frowned. "Why?"

"Some things can't be explained yet. But it's necessary—you'll understand later."

Though she trusted his judgment, Stella couldn't bear the thought of cutting off Joy. When the Valentines fell apart, Joy had stood by her unconditionally.

But reclaiming her company shares would take time. Their departure wasn't imminent.

"Stella, it's 3 AM."

"Hmm?"

Adrian pointed east. "In two hours, the sun will rise there."

Realization dawned. "You brought me here to watch the sunrise?"

"Want to?"

"Yes. I've never seen a full sunrise before. Always thought there'd be plenty of time... but kept missing it."

He wrapped his coat around her, holding her tightly. "Everything you desire will come true."

"Mr. Alistair."

"Yes?"

"You said you knew everything about me. Does that include my silly middle school diaries? Did you peek at those too?"

"...A little."

"Seriously?!"

"Mostly no. You hid that journal so well—I barely had chances." His low laugh vibrated against her. "And I found it endearing. That was the real you."

Stella's ears burned. "Wanting a puppy, planting sunflowers, watching sunrises—all those were in my diary. But I hid it better than Adrian ever could find."

"Remember where?"

"Of course—under my bed in the locked..." She caught herself. "You tricked me! I'm moving it the second we get back. Those embarrassing entries can't see daylight."

His arms tightened around her in response.

"Sleepy?"

"A bit."

"Rest then. I'll wake you at sunrise."

"You're not sleeping?"

"Not tired."

Stella mumbled, "You're made of steel."

He chuckled. "Sleep. I've got you."

Warmth seeped into her, eyelids growing heavy.

"Wake me without fail."

"Promise."

Exhaustion pulled her under swiftly.

In the haze between dreams, someone whispered her name.

"Little star..."

Her eyes fluttered open. Golden light made her squint.

At the horizon, the sun's first sliver edged into view, painting the clouds in brilliant oranges and reds.

"Mount Rainier is Houston's highest point—best for sunrises." His voice was soft at her ear. "We're lucky. Clear skies today."

The sun climbed rapidly, soon revealing more of its radiant arc.

Golden rays spilled over the city below, banishing night's chill. Warmth enveloped her, even the shadows in her heart illuminated.

"...No wonder people prefer the sun over stars."

No wonder Adrian had abandoned starlight to chase his dawn.

"But I favor the night—and the stars more."

Stella turned. "Why?"

"Darkness conceals everything—guilt, pain, vulnerability. In the black, I can be my true self. See whom I wish. Do what I must. Unhindered."