Chapter 337

Stella's body tensed instantly.

"Daydreaming? Afraid of heights?" Adrian's warm voice came from behind as his steady hand supported her waist. "Don't worry, I've got you."

"It's not that..." she murmured softly.

She had never feared heights.

But this position felt achingly familiar.

At seventeen, they had squeezed into the back row of a concert. Too short to see, she'd hopped like a rabbit, straining for a glimpse.

Without hesitation, Adrian had lifted her onto his shoulders, holding her there for the entire four-hour show.

Had she been afraid then?

Not at all.

Because she knew that boy would shield her from the sky itself if it fell.

But now...

"Little Star?" Adrian's voice pulled her back to the present.

Gripping the cake knife, she leaned forward decisively. The blade sliced through the frosting in a perfect arc.

Adrian lowered her slowly, only straightening when her feet touched solid ground.

"Adrian, Little Star," Elder Roland's eyes glistened. "This is the best birthday gift I've ever received."

Adrian's hand still hovered protectively at her waist. "As long as you're happy."

"My happiness doesn't matter. What matters is..." The old man's voice cracked. "After I'm gone, you two must take care of each other."

Stella's heart clenched. "Grandfather Roland, you'll live to be a hundred!"

"Silly child..." He waved dismissively. "No more sad talk today. Let's serve the cake!"

Guests swarmed forward, reducing the seven-tiered cake to an empty frame within minutes.

Benjamin approached with two plates. "Luna, Celeste, go play with your brother."

Once the children scampered off, the old man's expression darkened. "The master likely... won't last three months."

Stella's fingers turned icy.

How could the mischievous old man who spiked pear tea with deer blood tonic suddenly...

"The master forbade us from telling." Benjamin wiped his face. "He just wants to see you reconciled before... for peace."

"What if we keep pretending—"

"It won't work." Benjamin pressed their hands together. "The Roland family only has the young master left. Little Star, don't wait until it's too late for regrets."

Luna's distant call sent Benjamin hurrying away.

"Stella..." Adrian's voice emerged raw and broken. "Promise me one thing."

Darkness brought the flood of memories.

That rainy night, kneeling before her, his forehead pressed to her hand.

"Don't leave me..."

"I have nothing left..."

"Stella, say you won't go..."

"I know my place." Adrian suddenly smiled, the light in his eyes dimming. "After Grandfather... I won't stop you if you want to leave."

Stella clenched her skirt. "...Mm."

His smile deepened, more painful than any tears.

Alexander barged in, slinging an arm around Adrian. "You've been hiding this masterpiece!"

"Ever heard of a golden cage?" Adrian arched a brow.

"A what?"

"A house made of gold to hide your beloved."

"Wow!" Alexander clutched his chest dramatically. "Then why bring her out?"

Adrian shot him a look. "Only because you insisted."

"Hah!" Alexander roared with laughter, producing a contract. "Sign this! With the way you two are, you'd stay married even if the Pacific dried up!"