Chapter 359

The laughter from the amusement park faded into the distance as twilight enveloped the grounds.

Stars dotted the night sky, and the pale moonlight glinted softly off the metal frame of the Ferris wheel.

In the line, Celeste was already fast asleep on Penny's shoulder, while Luna yawned drowsily in her brother's arms.

Ethan straightened his back to make his sister more comfortable, though exhaustion weighed heavily on him. He still stubbornly remained her support.

The boy was growing more like his father every day.

Stella gazed at her son's profile and, for a fleeting moment, saw the youthful features of Adrian Roland.

That once-bold young man now carried only quiet composure in his expression.

"Stella."

Adrian's voice pulled her back to the present. He held the family photo Penny had just taken, his fingers lightly tracing its edges.

"See? I've aged."

The man in the photo smiled, but sorrow lingered in his eyes.

Penny leaned in teasingly. "Mr. Roland, with such a young and beautiful wife, you'd better take care of yourself!"

"As long as she's happy, it doesn't matter who she's with," Adrian replied calmly.

Penny's eyes widened instantly. "Mr. Roland, are you—"

"Don't say nonsense, Penny!" Ethan immediately stepped between his parents. "Mom and Dad will never separate!"

"Yeah!" Luna waved her tiny fists in agreement.

Penny quickly backtracked. "Kids say the darndest things!"

"Your performance bonus is docked this month." Adrian didn't even lift his gaze.

"What?!" Penny nearly jumped. "Mr. Roland, you can't do this! I can barely afford rent this month!"

"Keep arguing, and it'll be double."

Penny immediately fell silent, casting a pitiful look at Stella.

Stella pulled a bill from her wallet. "Go get something to eat."

Watching Penny's dejected retreat, Stella sighed. "Now she probably thinks we're both stingy."

"Some truths are better left unknown." Adrian stared at the distant Ferris wheel. "Time will fade everything. Even if she hates me, it doesn’t matter."

"Do you have to torture yourself like this?" Stella frowned. "I told you I don’t hate you anymore."

Adrian didn’t answer. Instead, he asked, "Did you ride this Ferris wheel with Mr. Alistair?"

"Yes."

"Did he propose at the top?"

Stella's fingers trembled slightly. "...He did."

"I knew it." Adrian smiled faintly. "He would do something like that."

The Ferris wheel began its slow rotation, and the attendant urged them to board.

Adrian guided Stella into the cabin. As they ascended, the city lights spread beneath them like a glittering tapestry.

When they reached the peak, Adrian closed his eyes and whispered:

"May the breeze guide your path,

May the stars light your way home.

Even if time changes your face,

Even if you forget me,

You will always be my beloved."

The night wind carried his words away, dissolving them into the starlight.