Chapter 254

The door beeped and swung open.

Silence filled the room.

By the dim hallway light, Stella saw Ethan curled up on the couch with his little sister Luna, both fast asleep. Grace stirred at the sound and opened her eyes—

"Shh." Stella pressed a finger to her lips.

Mother and daughter tiptoed into the guest room.

"Why did the police keep you so late?" Grace whispered. "It wasn't your fault. That man's suicide had nothing to do with you. They didn't even let you make a phone call..."

"Mom, I was released this afternoon." Stella adjusted her soaked collar. "My phone died."

Grace finally noticed her daughter's drenched state and hurried to fetch a towel and hot water. "How did you get this wet?"

"The rain was heavy."

Warmth slid down her throat, easing the chill.

Grace began drying her hair, then froze. "Is this... Adrian's jacket?"

Stella startled, realizing she still wore his coat.

"Where is he?"

"He left after dropping me at the hotel."

Ding-dong—

The doorbell rang sharply.

"Mommy's home!" Luna's sweet voice carried from the living room.

Little footsteps pattered excitedly.

"Dad!" Ethan's thrilled shout pierced through the door.

Luna's voice quivered. "Where's Mommy? Didn't Daddy go save her?"

Adrian's deep voice soothed. "Mommy's already back."

"Liar!" Luna sniffled. "Mommy's not here..."

Stella couldn't stay seated. She pushed the door open. "Mommy's right here."

Luna launched into her arms like a cannonball, nuzzling her face against Stella's neck. "Daddy really rescued Mommy!"

Ethan, however, stared at his parents' soaked clothes, eyes gleaming. "Did a water monster take Mommy? Like the Loch Ness Monster?"

Adrian's lips curved slightly. "Yes. A very fast one."

"But Daddy's stronger!" Luna gazed up at her father adoringly. "Big Brother was right—Daddy's handsome AND brave!"

Ethan puffed his chest proudly. "See? I didn't lie!"

Adrian's heart melted as he watched their chattering children.

Three years had passed. Ethan's features mirrored his own more each day, while Luna's starry eyes were identical to Stella's childhood photos.

"Dad, carry me!" Luna stretched her arms wide.

Ethan clung to him too. "Tell us how you saved Mommy!"

The children koala-hugged him, making movement impossible.

Adrian lifted his gaze to Stella.

"...Go take a hot bath," she murmured.

The kids cheered, dragging both parents toward the bathroom.

"Mommy needs one too!" Ethan shoved them inside unceremoniously and slammed the door.

Grace's discreet cough sounded outside. "Clean clothes are in the living room..."

Steam fogged the bathroom, darkness enveloping them.

"The tub's ready." His voice was velvet in the mist.

For a dizzying moment, she was back in that rainy night three years ago. Same darkness. Same steam. Same little boy pushing them into a bathroom together.

Only now it was a hotel instead of Rose Garden.

His breath warmed the shadows between them.

Tears fell silently.

"You take the bath," he said.

"And you?"

"I'll shower."

Her fingers brushed his left arm of their own accord. "Does it still hurt?"

"A little..." He paused. "How did you know?"