Chapter 196
His pupils contracted sharply. His Adam's apple bobbed. "Stella, I'm just me."
"I know."
Adrian's lips curved into a bitter smile.
Yes, she knew everything.
She knew he was Mr. Alistair. She also knew she would never forgive Adrian Roland.
So be it.
Let Adrian remain forever in that rainy night six years ago.
From now on, he would only be her Mr. Alistair, spending the rest of his life making amends and protecting her.
This was already heaven's greatest mercy.
The one who had suffered the most was always his little star.
"Mr. Alistair... when Oliver grows up and learns the truth, will he hate me?"
"What if one day you regain your memories and discover I've lied to you? Would you hate me?"
Stella tilted her head, lashes fluttering. "You mean the scar on your arm? That wasn't from a car accident. But you did it for my sake—I wouldn't blame you."
"So you'd forgive any well-intentioned lie?"
"Probably." She chuckled softly. "Depends on what it is. If it's something serious..."
"What counts as serious?"
A sudden thought made Stella's eyes crinkle like crescent moons. "Unless... you've been married before?"
"I..."
"You actually were married?"
The air froze instantly.
He had indeed been married.
To her.
Stella's smile stiffened. "Mr. Alistair, you really..."
"I promised not to lie to you."
"So?"
"Yes. But we're divorced now."
The words struck like a thunderclap.
Stella's mind went blank. Her fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her shirt.
"But you said... you've always loved me..."
"There's only ever been you."
"Then your ex-wife... was it an arranged marriage? Where is she now?"
The rapid-fire questions made Adrian's breath hitch.
"She's in Houston. She never loved me and won't return."
Stella exhaled in relief. "So it was just business."
"..."
"Is she happy now?"
"Very. She has someone who loves her and two children."
Finally, Stella smiled. "That's good. She was a victim too."
"She suffered greatly."
"As long as she's happy now." Her voice softened. "Don't blame yourself, Mr. Alistair."
Adrian's gaze burned. "She'll always be happy."
"You really scared me though." Stella stuck out her tongue playfully.
"Does it bother you?"
"A little." She blinked. "But I was married before too, and have a child. If anything, you got the short end of the stick."
Tenderness warmed Adrian's eyes. "I'm the lucky one."
When they returned to the orphanage, the director had prepared their rooms.
Joy gasped when she saw Mr. Alistair, covering her mouth. "Good heavens! The resemblance is uncanny! They could be twins!"
Stella laughed. "You'll notice the differences after spending time together. Listen—their voices aren't the same."
Nearby, Adrian carried Oliver inside.
Joy perked her ears. "You're right! Mr. Alistair's voice is deeper."
"Mhm."
"And their auras are completely different. Mr. Alistair radiates integrity."
Stella barely suppressed another laugh. "Are we in a drama now?"
"I'm serious!" Joy lowered her voice. "Adrian always felt brooding, but Mr. Alistair seems at peace. It's comforting."
Stella grew thoughtful.
"Oh! I invited the best psychiatrist—he should arrive soon."
As if on cue, a black sedan pulled up outside.
A middle-aged man in a white coat approached with a medical bag.
Joy hurried forward. "Dr. Lowell?"
"Miss Fairsprene?"
"The child is inside. He nearly jumped into the river today!"
The doctor's expression darkened. "Bipolar disorder requires immediate intervention."
"Is he suicidal?"
"Without treatment, the consequences could be severe."
Joy's eyes reddened. "Please save him!"
The three rushed inside.
Oliver sat motionless on the bed, gaze vacant.
Adrian was murmuring reassurances.
As he stood, he nearly collided with the entering Joy.
"Careful."
His hand steadied her.
When he looked up, he locked eyes with the doctor.
Both froze.
"You're... Adr—"
Adrian cut him off. "Doctor, the child's condition is unstable."
The doctor studied him suspiciously before turning to Oliver.
Adrian seized the chance to exit.
Dr. Jonathan Lowell...
He knew that man all too well.