Chapter 315

"...You could say that."

"Stella, Hugo once told me something. We don't say 'thank you' to those closest to us. Only strangers get formalities."

Stella bit her lip and sighed softly. "I..."

"No need to explain." Adrian cut her off. "I understand. Get some rest."

She didn't move. "Mr. Alistair is alive."

Adrian's head snapped up.

"I saw his driver at the Houston Grand Hotel." Her voice trembled. "He confirmed it himself."

"And then?"

"But he didn't come to me." Stella's nose turned pink. "He must hate me now. There's no going back, but I still love him. If he's happy, I'll let go. Those memories will last me a lifetime."

Adrian nodded. "I respect your choice. After the contract is signed and Grandfather passes, you're free to go wherever you wish."

Stella exhaled in relief. "...Thank you."

"That's the second 'thank you.'" He gave a bitter smile. "We've really grown apart."

"In the end, everyone walks their path alone." She gazed out the window. "Parents leave. Children leave. Even the ones we love most leave. Distance makes the parting easier to bear."

He sighed deeply. "Go to sleep."

"One more thing." Stella suddenly remembered. "Grandfather's eightieth birthday is coming up. Tradition demands a grand celebration."

"I'll handle it."

......

"Doctor, I saw that crabapple tree. Exactly like in my dreams."

"How did it feel?"

"Like my heart had been hollowed out, letting cold wind rush in." He pressed a hand to his chest. "Yet also... joyful. Like holding the world's most precious treasure."

Dr. Klein made a note. "Any other dreams?"

"Not for now."

"But MV Agusta feels strangely familiar."

"A person's name?"

"A motorcycle brand." Adrian's eyes grew distant. "Little Star loved it because of its connection to Mr. Alistair. Doctor, I'm becoming more like him every day."

"Is that what you want?"

"I dream of nothing else." His voice shook. "Sometimes I imagine waking up as him. Little Star would cry in my arms, asking where I'd been."

"Has your wish come true?"

"Not yet." His fists clenched. "I'll keep trying."

Dr. Klein sighed. "As long as it makes you happy."

......

"Stella, don't leave me."

"I'll always be here when you need me."

"Leave the company to me when you're abroad. Just enjoy life."

"We'll bring Marshmallow over and renew our vows in a church."

"Stella..."

"Mommy! Wake up!"

Stella opened tear-filled eyes and pulled her daughter close.

"Are you missing Daddy?" Little Luna wiped her tears with tiny hands.

"Yes."

"I'll call Daddy!"

"...Not that Daddy."

"The Daddy in the stars?" Luna's eyes sparkled. "When I grow up, I'll be an astronaut and tell him you miss him!"

Stella laughed through her tears, kissing her daughter's cheek.

"Get up, Mommy! We have to pick up Celeste!"

Stella checked the clock. Today she'd fetch Celeste returning from abroad—Hugo had arranged for a flight attendant to accompany her.

She took a deep breath. Celeste would be cured now. She had to stay strong.

"Go eat breakfast. I'll be right down."

Grandfather Roland's laughter floated up from downstairs. Ethan always knew how to cheer him. Thinking of her children, Stella felt life had been worth living.

As she finished getting ready, her phone rang.

"Dr. Melford?"

"Am I interrupting? I'm on my way to pick you up for our weekend lunch reservation."

Stella froze. She'd completely forgotten.

"I'm so sorry, something came up today..."

Dr. Melford gave a wry chuckle. "That's rather unconvincing, Ms. Valentine."