Chapter 360

The Ferris wheel rotated slowly, its thirty-minute journey nearing completion.

Twilight enveloped the sky, the deep blue canvas splattered with stars, silently composing the night's symphony.

Silence stretched between them in the cramped cabin, heavy with unspoken finality. They gazed at the constellations in wordless harmony until the ride completed its final revolution and settled onto solid ground.

Adrian turned to offer his arm, but Stella subtly sidestepped his gesture.

"Your injury hasn't healed. I can manage."

Was it genuine concern for his wound, or reluctance to accept his touch? The ghost of a smile touched Adrian's lips. The answer no longer mattered.

Nearby, Penny resembled a Christmas tree overloaded with plush toys. Celeste slept koala-like against her shoulder while Luna nestled close, cheeks flushed with sleep. Ethan, ever the responsible eldest, clutched a bouquet of balloons and swatted mosquitoes away from his sisters with chubby fingers.

"Mr. Roland, Mrs. Roland—" Penny's voice cracked with relief at their approach.

Stella immediately took the children, guilt softening her tone. "Thank you for watching them."

Rubbing her numb arms, Penny groaned, "Babysitting is worse than overtime. At least overtime pays extra..."

She peeked at Adrian, hoping for a bonus. He merely adjusted Luna in his arms, deaf to the hint.

Undeterred, Penny shot Stella a pleading look. Stella averted her eyes, hardening her heart.

"So unfair!" Penny wailed. "I'm the one who helped you two reconcile!"

Stella exhaled softly. Adrian's tactic was ruthless but effective. Penny saved relentlessly for her边疆 trip, oblivious to the heartbreak awaiting her there.

That particular pain—Stella knew it intimately.

Like carving out a piece of your soul, leaving a wound that never truly heals. Compared to that, docked wages were insignificant.

"Little Star, don't look back."

His voice startled her.

"I'm not," she murmured.

"Do what you believe is right. Let your conscience be clear. Never look back."

"...Alright."

Night deepened.

After tucking in the children, Stella retreated to their bedroom. Adrian remained in his study, buried in work. She stood by the window, dialing Dr. Melford's number.

Tomorrow was Celeste's surgery.

The call wouldn't connect. Had he blocked her? Or was he in surgery?

She set down the phone and prepared for bed.

Dawn's first light found her awake. The bedsheets beside her lay undisturbed—Adrian hadn't returned all night.

Her phone rang abruptly.

"Miss Valentine, apologies—I was in surgery yesterday." Dr. Melford's voice carried through. "The procedure's today? Shall I come?"

"No need to trouble—"

"Which hospital? I'll head over now."

The line disconnected before she could refuse.

Stella frowned. How would she explain the doctor's presence to Adrian? He'd witnessed Dr. Melford's overtures during that dating show.

But the surgery came first.

She dressed hurriedly. Old Benjamin informed her, "Young Master left at dawn. Said to go straight to the hospital."

At the medical center, Celeste was scheduled as the first case.

"Mommy...what if I don't wake up?" The child's eyes glistened.

Stella kissed her forehead. "You will. It's just a nap. Daddy and I will be here when you open your eyes."

"Where's Daddy?" Celeste scanned the room. "I want to see him..."

"He's coming soon."

"Mommy, I have a secret to tell you after."

Before Stella could respond, Celeste's face lit up. "Daddy's here!"

She turned and saw him—the familiar silhouette in the doorway.