Chapter 236

What is love?

The question flashed through his mind unexpectedly.

"Love is the hand that reaches out but pulls back."

Dr. Emily Klein looked up in confusion. "What?"

Adrian Roland shook his head. "Nothing. Just remembered something."

"Memory works in mysterious ways. It comes back when it's meant to." Dr. Klein closed her notebook. "Keep taking the medication I prescribed last time. And think about the questions I asked you."

He nodded in acknowledgment.

After the doctor left, he swallowed a double dose of sleeping pills. It was the first time he'd slept in seven days.

The dream arrived as promised.

This time, he was the one on the black motorcycle.

Stella Valentine stood at the villa's entrance in a cream-colored floral sundress, her long hair fluttering in the breeze. She pouted. "You're late."

He fastened the helmet for her. "I'm taking you to see a tree."

"What's so special about a tree?"

"You'll see."

The tree was breathtaking.

Pink-and-white blossoms bloomed like clouds. Petals rained down in the gentle wind.

"So beautiful..." She pulled out her phone. "Let's take a picture?"

Click—

The flash illuminated the scene.

The towering tree. Her radiant smile. His own happiness. The familiarity of it all felt etched into his bones.

He knew this was a dream.

But he never wanted to wake up.

A shrill ringtone shattered the illusion.

"Hello?"

"Adrian, it's Wendy Evans."

"Who?"

"Your fiancée!" Her voice turned sharp. "Are you really calling off the engagement?"

He rubbed his temples. "We've already discussed this."

"I can change!" Wendy pleaded. "I won't interfere with your life anymore. You can do whatever you want."

Adrian scoffed. "So desperate to marry me?"

"Of course!" She didn't hesitate. "You're handsome and rich. That's all I care about."

"But I could never love you."

"I know!" Wendy rushed on. "You're hung up on someone else—that 'relative' at the bridal shop, right? I don't care. I just want to be Mrs. Roland."

His expression darkened. "Not happening."

"Why not?"

"Women always push their luck." He ended the call.

The dream was gone for good.

The sleeping pills granted him a few fitful hours.

The next morning, his secretary Penny Anderson handed him the schedule, dark circles under her eyes. "Mr. Roland, Wendy harassed me all night—"

"Get to the point."

"She wants you to attend a concert with her. Says it's a farewell gesture." Penny hesitated. "She's trying to gain fame as an influencer."

Adrian massaged his temples. "We'll see."

...

Dusk always carried melancholy.

Stella closed the last email—still no matching liver donor.

Out of 1.4 billion people, not one compatible match.

Joy Fairsprene's call came at the right moment. "Have you considered asking Adrian for help?"

"When is Harry Vance's concert?"

"This Sunday." Joy hesitated. "You're really going?"

"Just for a change of scenery," she murmured.

On Sunday evening, Stella arrived at the stadium early.

Harry's popularity had skyrocketed. The crowd outside was massive.

"Here for the concert too?" A girl offered her a glowing headband.

As Stella accepted it, murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"Look! Who's that?"

"Not Harry, but wow...so handsome..."