Chapter 354

Adrian's body tensed instantly, frozen like a statue.

The doctor seized the opportunity, swiftly cleaning the dried blood clinging to his arm before efficiently stopping the bleeding and bandaging the wound.

"Done." The doctor tightened the gauze and exhaled deeply. "Now we can proceed with the cast."

Stella leaned back slightly, breaking their kiss.

Adrian remained stunned, the pain momentarily forgotten as he stared at her in disbelief.

His pupils weren't pure black but held an amber hue, clear yet profound. After the initial confusion, his eyes suddenly ignited with startling brilliance.

Stella turned her face away, wiping her lips with the back of her hand. "Doctor, will his arm recover?"

The doctor's expression darkened. "Comminuted elbow fracture with severe nerve and muscle damage... It's unlikely to fully heal."

"What about daily life?"

"It'll be challenging. But with you by his side, it'll be manageable." The doctor added meaningfully, "Especially with bathing and changing clothes—the wounds can't get wet. You'll need to assist him for the next three months."

Stella gave a vague acknowledgment and reached out to support him. "Let's go get the cast."

He obeyed, rising to his full height and instantly enveloping her in his shadow. As he stood, he staggered, and Stella hurried to steady him—only to realize she couldn't support his weight.

Adrian braced himself against the wall with his right hand, his lips twisting into a self-deprecating smile. "I can't even stand properly now."

"You're already remarkable," the doctor remarked. "Most people would've passed out from pain without anesthesia for such severe injuries."

"Worth it," Adrian murmured, his gaze lingering on Stella.

As they left the treatment room, Stella noticed his unsteady steps and the faint tremble in the arm she held.

The pain was finally consuming him.

"Do you want painkillers?"

"No."

"Why endure it?"

"Stella," he suddenly asked, "which hurts more—cancer or a broken arm?"

Her breath hitched.

"I haven't endured your suffering... Consider this my atonement."

"I told you I don't hate you anymore."

"But I'd rather you did." His voice was hoarse. "At least then, I'd still occupy a place in your heart."

"Adrian..."

"Three more days." He cut her off. "Take Celeste to the amusement park. See her into surgery. After that... I'll personally send you away."

His smile was tender yet shattered. "I want to watch you find happiness."

Stella finally voiced the question weighing on her: "Are you really Mr. Alistair?"

"No."

"But Julian said you are."

"He's my friend." Adrian replied calmly. "Only a handful know Mr. Alistair's identity: Julian, Charlie, Uncle Xavier, and Mr. Grant. Julian sides with me; Uncle Xavier sides with Mr. Alistair. Who do you believe?"

Stella shook her head in anguish. "The Mr. Alistair in the rose garden knew our past, but his personality was nothing like yours... Yet you..."

"What about me?"

"Lately... you've become more and more like him."

Adrian chuckled softly. "Because I've been imitating him. You once said you'd never leave Mr. Alistair—unless he turned out to be me."

He reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "So I'm not him. In three days, leave with peace of mind and chase your happiness."

"Patient for the cast!" a distant doctor called.

Adrian took a deep breath. "I'll go alone." He lowered his voice. "Don't let Mr. Alistair know about... the kiss."