Chapter 183

Dawn broke with pale light creeping across the horizon.

The rising sun slowly painted the clouds in hues of gold and crimson.

Stella Valentine tilted her head up to admire the magnificent view, her eyes shimmering faintly.

"So beautiful," she murmured softly.

Adrian Roland wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Do you like it?"

"Mmm." She leaned into his embrace. "Mr. Alistair, after we move abroad, can we still come back here to watch the sunrise?"

His arms tightened around her. "Of course."

"In four years," he suddenly added.

Stella turned to look at him. "Why four years?"

"You'll be thirty by then." His lips brushed her ear. "August twenty-sixth. We'll celebrate our birthdays together."

She laughed lightly. "What's so special about turning thirty?"

"Thirty is when one stands firm," he said seriously. "It's time to leave the past behind completely."

She nodded thoughtfully. "Four years... is enough for everything to settle."

By then, Adrian and Lily Savigny would likely be married with children, and his company would be stable.

"You promised to help me manage the company," she poked his chest playfully. "By then, I'll be your boss."

"As you wish, boss." He chuckled lowly. "But..."

"But what?"

"Four years should be enough for us to have two children." His voice held a note of anticipation. "Preferably both girls, as lovely as you."

The tips of Stella's ears turned pink. "Two?"

"Ethan and Luna need younger siblings." He rested his chin atop her head. "This time, I'll be with you every step of the way."

A pang of loneliness from her past deliveries flickered through her heart.

"Actually..." she whispered, "Adrian wasn't there for me either."

The air grew still.

Stella quickly added, "I mean... I want to have children with you too."

The last words were barely audible.

Adrian let out a quiet laugh. "No rush. We'll take our time."

His tone turned solemn. "Stella, when everything is over, I have a gift for you—one I've been preparing for six years."

"What gift?"

"A secret." He winked mysteriously. "For when you agree to marry me."

She tilted her head. "Our wedding day?"

"Yes."

"But I don't remember you promising me anything."

"I remember." His voice was soft.

Six years ago, he had purchased the naming rights to a minor planet.

It was meant to be a wedding surprise.

But fate had other plans, separating them for years.

"In four years," he vowed solemnly, "we'll bring our children here to watch the sunrise together."

......

The motorcycle screeched to a halt outside Brilliant Star Group.

"We're here." Adrian removed her helmet.

Stella checked her watch. "Almost late."

"Go on." He gave her back a gentle push. "I've got you."

She nodded. "You should leave before anyone sees you."

Watching the motorcycle disappear, Stella took a deep breath and strode confidently into the building.

"Miss Valentine, please wait." The receptionist stopped her. "Mr. Zhang said you're not allowed in today."

Stella raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"He mentioned an important client is coming..." The receptionist twisted her fingers nervously.

Stella smiled knowingly. "Then I'll wait in the lounge."

"Would you like something to drink?"

"Iced milk, no sugar."

The receptionist hurried off, visibly relieved.

Settling on the sofa, Stella scrolled through files on her phone.

Ten minutes later, a commotion erupted in the lobby.

"Mr. Roland is here!" someone exclaimed.