Chapter 212

A sharp static burst from the phone.

Stella frowned and pulled the device away from her ear.

The screen showed the call had ended.

She tried redialing, but only heard an automated voice: "The number you dialed is currently unavailable..."

"Miss Valentine, are you leaving tomorrow?" Martha walked over, cradling Luna in her arms.

Stella put away her phone. "Martha, let me settle your payment first—"

"No need!" Martha's eyes crinkled with laughter. "This morning, my bank account suddenly had an extra hundred thousand. The sender was Mr. Alistair. I thought he made a mistake."

Stella understood. "That's your severance pay."

"I can't accept this!" Martha waved her hands. "Working for your family already pays better than most. Both you and Mr. Alistair are so kind, and the children are so well-behaved..."

"Please keep it," Stella said softly. "Unless you'd rather return it to him in person?"

Martha chuckled. "Are you teasing me because I don't know how to transfer money?"

They shared a smile.

"Martha, could you do me a favor?"

"Of course."

"Help me pack Luna's things. I'm afraid I might forget something in tomorrow's rush."

Martha immediately handed Luna back and rolled up her sleeves, heading to the nursery. "You rest. I'll handle it. You're not careless—you just don't want to say goodbye to this old woman..."

Stella's nose stung.

She had endured too many farewells over the years.

Even though she had prepared for this one, the ache still lingered.

Martha worked efficiently, but her voice trembled slightly. "Don't worry about me, Miss Valentine. After you leave, I'll find another job. I managed just fine before meeting your family..."

"Mm."

She heard the unshed tears in Martha's words.

Neither of them acknowledged it.

By the time the packing was done, dusk had fallen.

Ethan returned home with Charlie, darting into Stella's arms like an excited sparrow. "Mommy, I missed you!"

After hugging both Stella and Martha, the boy hurried to the nursery to see his sister, chattering about finishing his homework.

Stella stopped Charlie before he left. "When will Mr. Alistair be back?"

"He asked me to tell you he'll definitely see you tonight." Charlie hesitated. "Miss Valentine... once you're there, please take care of each other."

Stella laughed. "Of course we will. Why say that? Afraid I'll sneak back because I miss the company?"

Charlie forced a smile. "Just a thought. I'll head out now and pick you up tomorrow morning."

"Thank you."

Mr. Alistair said to wait.

After putting the children to bed, Stella stayed awake in the bedroom until late at night.

Stars glittered outside the window, but her phone remained unreachable.

At first, she remained calm. But as the night deepened, her consciousness began to blur.

Tap.

A soft sound startled her awake.

She went to the window and found someone tossing pebbles at the glass.

Under the dim streetlight, his tall figure stood out. A motorcycle waited silently beside him.

When he looked up and smiled, he seemed to glow.

"Little Star, come down."

"We have a flight tomorrow—"

"Come down."

She threw on a coat and rushed downstairs, crashing into his embrace.

He held her tight with one arm. "Did you wait long?"

"Yes. Couldn't this wait until you got home?"

"Get on first."

Effortlessly, he lifted her onto the motorcycle and wrapped his arms around her before starting the engine.

Stella panicked. "Your arm is injured!"

"It's fine."

"What do you mean fine? Can't you just rest properly?"

He rested his chin on her shoulder and chuckled. "I'm too happy today. Don't be mad."

"I'm worried about you."

"The more you worry, the happier I am."

"But you can't play the one-armed hero forever. What if the kids both want to be carried later?"

"It won't happen." His voice softened. "I got it redressed at the hospital today. I can carry the kids—and you—just fine."

She touched the stiff sleeve. It was indeed a cast.

"Where are we going?"

"A secret."

"To see the stars?" She gazed up at the sky. "After tomorrow, these won't be the same stars anymore."

Over the roar of the engine, he murmured, "Hold me tighter."

She turned and wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her cheek against his chest.

"We can see the stars here. No need to go to Mount Rainier."

The motorcycle shot forward like an arrow.

Wind howled around them, until the world narrowed to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"Little Star, can I always call you that?"

"What? I can't hear—"

"Hold on."

The bike accelerated. She closed her eyes and clung tighter.

Time blurred until the motorcycle finally stopped.

"Scared?" He braced against the bike, looking down at her.

She shook her head. "Not with you here."

"You trust me that much?"

"Yes." She nodded firmly. "Completely."

His eyes flickered with emotion before settling into quiet relief. "I've waited so long for this day."

Following his gaze, Stella's breath caught.

Illuminated by the headlights stood a towering tree.

Pale pink blossoms floated like clouds in the darkness.

When the wind stirred, petals drifted down like snow, dusting her hair and shoulders.

The faint, crisp fragrance wrapped around them like a comforting embrace.

"Houston's snow—I found it." His whisper brushed her ear. "Beautiful?"

"Gorgeous... What kind of flowers are these?"

"Weeping crabapple." His voice was tender. "They usually grow up north. I never expected to find them here. Little Star, I've fulfilled your last wish."

She nodded, throat tight.

"Then... what about the promise on the Ferris wheel—"

Before he could finish, she rose on her toes and kissed him.

Just a fleeting touch.

"I accept." Her tears sparkled with joy. "I will marry you."