Chapter 208

Stella Valentine pushed him away abruptly, her eyes reddening. "You lied to me?"

Adrian Roland chuckled softly, pulling her back into his embrace. "Just a little bump. It's nothing."

Her fingers trembled as they brushed against his sleeve. "Does it hurt? Where's your cast?"

"Removed."

"How could you remove it?" She stomped her foot in frustration. "How will you hold me and the children now?"

He pressed a light kiss to her lips. "One arm is enough."

"I want a princess carry." She lifted her chin, defiance glinting in her eyes. "You're our family's pillar now."

"Alright." His arms tightened around her. "Let me hold you a little longer."

Stella nestled obediently against his chest. "Mr. Grant came to see me today. He took Luna... He said our benefactor doesn’t want us together."

"Would you ever leave me?"

"Of course not!" She bit her lip. "But the benefactor has so much influence. I'm afraid—"

"Don’t be." He kissed her forehead. "It's all over."

Her heart clenched. "What deal did you make with the benefactor this time? What did you give up?"

Adrian laughed softly. "Why do you make him sound like a mob boss?"

"But your injuries..." Her eyes welled up again.

"A life debt must be repaid." His fingers combed through her hair. "Once the lawsuit ends, we'll take the children and Mom away from here."

Stella rested her head on his shoulder. "Is giving up your future worth it... for me?"

"You are my future." His voice was low, certain. "Having you by my side is enough."

A sudden thought struck her. "Oh—that wish about seeing the snow..."

"We'll make it happen." His gaze was unwavering. "Then you can never take it back."

She burst into laughter. "You're such a child."

"I miss those childish days." His eyes softened. "Back when you always wore the floral sundresses I picked..."

"Wait." She jerked her head up. "You chose those dresses?"

Adrian cleared his throat. "I collected quite a few. The floral ones suited you best."

A blush crept up her cheeks. "I'll only wear them for you from now on."

"Then I'm luckier than Adrian Roland."

At the mention of that name, Stella's expression remained calm. "He said he's getting married."

"Does it hurt?"

"No." She shook her head. "I stopped hating him long ago."

His Adam's apple bobbed. "You've really moved on?"

"Without love, there's no hate." She met his eyes. "My heart only has room for you now."

"Then promise me one thing?"

"What?"

"Let me see your injuries!"

Without waiting for his response, she yanked open his jacket. The sight of his waterlogged wound made her gasp.

"How did this happen?"

"Slipped in the rain." His tone was casual.

Tears spilled from her eyes. "You're lying!"

"It's true." He cupped her face. "I was worried you'd be scared of the thunder alone."

The words shattered her composure. She buried her face in his chest. "Don't ever do this again..."

"Alright." He kissed the top of her head. "My brave little star."