Chapter 362

He knew she was referring to their unborn child.

That child had been his flesh and blood too.

"Did you give her a name?" Adrian's voice was low.

"Celeste. Like the stars." Stella's nose tinged pink as she forced a faint smile, but her eyes brimmed with shattered sorrow.

Only then did Adrian understand—Celeste was meant to be their daughter's name.

Fate had cruelly denied that little angel a chance at life. And now this child had entered Stella's world during her darkest hour.

This girl's biological father was a despicable man, and her mother had heartlessly abandoned her. On the very day their Celeste was lost, this child had found Stella.

That was why she clung so desperately to adopting her.

Celeste—sun, moon, and stars.

How perfect it would have been, paired with clouds and thunder.

But that chance was gone forever.

"That child will return to you," Adrian murmured. "She'll find her way back."

Stella gave a bitter laugh. "I hope so."

"You and Mr. Alistair... will you have children?"

"I don't know. We'll let nature take its course."

Adrian nodded silently.

The irony was unbearable. He could strategize business empires, yet failed to grasp life's simplest truth—love between a man and woman naturally begets new life.

His little star would become another man's wife.

The thought constricted his chest. He clenched his fists, forcing composure. This was for the best—no more tormenting her.

If she discovered Mr. Alistair's true identity, what choice would she have?

Better to preserve her illusions than shatter them. As long as that so-called "brother" treated her and the children well for the money's sake.

Eight hours—a standard workday or night's sleep for most.

But in the surgical ward's waiting area, each second stretched into eternity.

The first few hours were bearable. By the end, Stella paced the hallway like a caged animal.

As dusk fell, the operating light finally dimmed.

"Parents of Celeste Roland?" The surgeon emerged.

"I'm her mother!"

"The surgery was successful. She'll need several days in sterile observation—no visitors yet. If stable in three days, she can transfer to a regular room."

Stella's tension dissolved. Her legs buckled, collapsing onto a bench.

"There's paperwork to complete—"

"I'll handle it." Adrian stepped forward. "Let my wife rest. I'm her father."

The doctor nodded. "This way."

In the office, forms were presented. "The child has no domestic registration. We need parental details."

Adrian accepted the pen.

Basic information filled the page.

After his section, he documented Stella's particulars.

"The child takes her mother's surname?" The doctor seemed surprised.

"Yes. It's a lovelier name." His tone was flat.

"Celeste is unique. Please include blood types."

Adrian listed his Type O and Stella's Type A.

"Review for accuracy."

The physician's brow furrowed. "Mr. Roland, you're certain? You're Type O, your wife Type A, but the child is Type B—"

"She's adopted." Adrian clipped.

"Adoption paperwork?"

"Pending. My wife found her abandoned."

Understanding dawned. "I see."

"She believes I'm her biological father. Post-surgery, discretion is appreciated."

"Of course." The doctor nodded. "But formalize the adoption soon—school enrollment requires it."

"Naturally. Thank you."

Exiting, Adrian headed straight for observation.

Rounding the corridor, he found Stella pressed against the glass wall, palms flat, gaze fixed inside.

"Little star." His voice was soft.

She startled. "Finished?"

"Yes. Celeste will recover."

Relief softened Stella's features. "Thank you. You had no obligation—she isn't blood—"

"Let it go."

"Victor Lefèvre... be careful. He nurses grudges. I fear retaliation."

Adrian smirked. "He's not worthy to be my threat."

Realization struck her. In his current position, Victor couldn't breach his orbit.

"Still... thank you." She bowed deeply, lingering.

"Little star..." A sigh escaped him. "Who could have predicted this?"

From love to hatred, from release to this strained civility. How cruel fate's mockery.