Chapter 321

"Mommy, this uncle is different from that uncle!" Celeste tugged at my sleeve, her eyes sparkling.

I crouched down and gently pinched her cheek. "How are they different?"

"This uncle looks at you like stars. That uncle looks at you like ice."

I couldn't help but laugh. Children's words were always so blunt yet accurate.

Adrian stood nearby, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. The black MV Agusta Brutale he rode today gleamed coldly under the sunlight, accentuating his sharp demeanor.

"When did you learn to ride a motorcycle?" I asked casually.

His slender fingers brushed the handlebars. "First time, but it feels familiar."

My heart skipped a beat. Could the connection between twins really be this strong? Did that mean he could sense every moment I'd shared with Mr. Alistair?

The ringing of my phone interrupted my thoughts.

"It's Dr. Melford," I told Celeste.

Dr. Melford's voice remained warm on the other end. "Miss Valentine, I've compiled some liver transplant care notes. Should I bring them over tomorrow?"

"No need to trouble yourself. Just email them."

"These are handwritten notes I've accumulated over the years. I'll be passing by anyway."

After hanging up, I noticed Celeste staring at me with a serious expression.

"Mommy, I don't want you to see that uncle," she pouted.

"Why not?"

She twisted her fingers. "Because...Mommy belongs to Daddy!"

My heart ached sharply. Over the years, Celeste's longing for her father had become increasingly evident.

I dialed Harry's number, only to hear the cold tone of a blocked call.

"You've been blocked," Adrian remarked calmly.

Celeste looked up at him. "Uncle, do you know my daddy?"

"I do."

"Do I look like him?"

Adrian paused. "Girls usually resemble their mothers."

"Liar!" Celeste puffed her cheeks. "Luna looks like Mommy, but I don't."

"You will when you're older." He crouched to meet her gaze. "So eat well and focus on getting better."

Celeste's eyes lit up. "When I'm healthy, I want to go to the amusement park with Mommy and Daddy! And take a family photo!"

Adrian and I exchanged a glance, both seeing the same pain reflected in each other's eyes.

"Oh, Uncle," Celeste tilted her head suddenly, "what's your name?"

"Adrian Roland."

Celeste froze, then turned to me in confusion. "Mommy...isn't that Daddy's name?"

The air turned to ice.