Chapter 198

Children's laughter echoed through the orphanage hallway.

Most of the kids here were under twelve. The director always tried her best to secure schooling opportunities or find adoptive families for the older children. Only the youngest remained under her personal care.

When Stella Valentine pushed open the door, sunlight slanted across the pillow with a Captain America shield pattern. Little Oliver sat on the edge of the bed, clutching an Iron Man action figure.

"Auntie!" Oliver's eyes lit up as he jumped down.

Adrian Roland sat beside him, watching the lively boy with gentle eyes. Just hours ago, this child had been lying soaked on the riverbank.

"Uncle played with me for so long." Oliver tilted his head suddenly. "Auntie, is this handsome uncle your boyfriend?"

Stella's face flushed instantly.

Adrian ruffled Oliver's hair. "What do you think?"

"I think not." Oliver declared firmly. "Because I saw Uncle at the airport days ago with another auntie."

The air in the room froze.

Stella's fingers twisted unconsciously. She knew exactly who Oliver meant.

"That auntie pushed me and said I hit her with a ball." Oliver pouted. "I don't like her."

Adrian's Adam's apple bobbed. "Uncle doesn't like her anymore either."

"Really?" Oliver's eyes sparkled. "Then you can be with Auntie Stella now!"

Stella couldn't help laughing. "Oliver, adult relationships are complicated."

"Not complicated at all." Hugging his Iron Man, Oliver said seriously, "Good people should be with good people. Auntie Stella paid me to sing, and Uncle just played with me. You're both good."

Suddenly Adrian knelt on one knee to meet Oliver's gaze. "Oliver, I'll tell you a secret."

"What secret?"

"Uncle likes Auntie Stella too."

Oliver giggled and buried his face in the blanket. "So embarrassing!"

Standing nearby, Stella felt her cheeks burn. She watched Adrian tuck Oliver in gently, murmuring until the boy fell asleep.

Only when Oliver's breathing steadied did Adrian rise and pull Stella into his arms.

"You heard that?" His voice was rough.

"Yes."

"I meant it." His arms tightened. "Stella, I can't lose you again."

She rested against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. "I know."

"You don't." Adrian's chin pressed against her hair. "Every time I see Oliver, it's like seeing my younger self. So small. So helpless..."

"He has you now." Stella patted his back softly. "Dr. Lowell said his condition is special—the alternate personality takes him back to when his mother was alive."

Abruptly Adrian released her, cradling her face. "Promise me you'll never leave."

"Why suddenly—"

"Psychological defenses don't last forever." His voice trembled. "If it happened again, I'd truly lose my mind."

Stella gazed into his reddened eyes and nodded. "I promise."

Outside, the setting sun stretched their intertwined shadows long across the floor. In bed, Oliver turned over, a sweet smile lingering on his lips.