Chapter 23

The hospital corridor was bathed in sterile white light. Stella Valentine leaned against the wall as she walked slowly.

She suddenly stopped.

A young woman with immaculate makeup stood before her, studying her with curious eyes.

"...Joy Fairsprene?" Stella hesitated.

"Oh my God, it really is you!" The girl gasped, covering her mouth. "Stella, you've lost so much weight!"

Stella instinctively tugged at her oversized loungewear.

Joy remained as warm as ever, linking arms with her. "Is your mother sick? Do you need help?"

Stella's fingers twisted together unconsciously.

"Joy, could you..." Her voice grew quieter. "Lend me some money?"

Without hesitation, Joy pulled out her wallet. "Take this card. The PIN is my birthday."

Tears pricked Stella's eyes.

She remembered the overweight girl from high school who was always bullied. Now, Joy had transformed into someone radiant.

"You married Adrian, right?" Joy suddenly asked.

Stella's fingers twitched.

"Yes," she whispered.

Joy sighed wistfully. "You two were the most envied couple in school."

Stella stared at her reflection on the tiled floor.

The vibrant girl in floral sundresses was gone, replaced by a hollow shell.

When she returned to the hospital room, her mother was already asleep.

A nurse recognized her. "Miss Valentine, your wounds—"

Stella pressed a finger to her lips.

She pulled the nurse into the office and bowed deeply. "Please don't tell my mother."

The nurse hesitated. "But your condition—"

"Consider it a dying wish." Stella's voice cracked.

The nurse finally sighed. "I promise."

Relief washed over Stella.

She wanted to see her daughter.

The pediatric ward was eerily empty.

Only a small blanket remained in the crib.

"Where's the baby?" She grabbed a passing nurse.

The nurse gave her a puzzled look. "Her father took her."