Chapter 375

Adrian Roland frowned slightly, though a faint smile played on his lips. "A little dizzy."

"You promised to tell me the truth."

His Adam's apple bobbed as he let out a resigned chuckle. "Fine. It still hurts."

Stella Valentine sat by the hospital bed, her fingers unconsciously tightening around the edge of the blanket. "Where does it hurt?"

"Everywhere."

"Anything else?"

"I feel like crying." His lashes lowered, voice rough with emotion. "Pathetic, isn't it? A grown man wanting to cry."

Her nose stung. She adjusted his blanket. "When did you remember?"

"Last night."

She frowned. "But you said on the phone that the man was an imposter. Hadn't you recovered your memories then?"

He shook his head. "Julian Valois told me. I... had my suspicions. The flashbacks, your descriptions of Mr. Alistair... But I couldn't believe it. You said Mr. Alistair died four years ago, yet I was alive."

"So Julian confirmed it?"

"Yes."

"Then why did you deny it?"

Adrian took a deep breath, turmoil flickering in his eyes. "I didn't want you to be troubled."

"..."

"You loved Mr. Alistair and hated Adrian Roland. The truth would only hurt you. If someone was willing to play the role of Mr. Alistair... As long as he treated you well, I was content to stay silent forever."

Stella scoffed. "How do you know he wasn't after the Roland family's wealth?"

"All he wants is money or revenge. I can give him both."

"Even if you go bankrupt, he wouldn't treat me kindly."

"That's why I left a backup plan." His gaze sharpened. "I divided the assets equally among the children. As their guardian, you have the final say. If he dares mistreat you, he won't get a single cent."

A sly glint flashed in his eyes. "I'll watch over you from the shadows, just like before."

"And what about you?" Her voice trembled.

"Me?" He chuckled softly. "Just seeing you safe is enough."

Silence settled over the room.

From the neighboring room, the TV played Empresses in the Palace. The faint sound of the protagonist's lament drifted in: "That year, beneath the apricot blossoms in the drizzle, you claimed to be Prince Guo..."

"Fitting," Adrian murmured suddenly.

Stella understood and smiled faintly. "The day we met was a downpour."

"True." His gaze softened. "So where's your Prince Guo? Weren't you supposed to meet him today?"

"I'm not Zhen Huan." Her voice was quiet. "I'm not as strong as her."

Adrian suddenly asked, "Do you know when I fell in love with you?"

Stella froze.

In their school days, he had been the golden boy, while she saw him only as the boy next door. Until that unexpected first kiss...

"Why bring this up now?" Her ears burned.

"The first time I saw you, I thought you were like a proud little peacock." Amusement danced in his eyes. "But what really made me fall for you was when you stood up for Joy Fairsprene."

Stella wanted to disappear.

That had been her most cringe-worthy moment—her scrawny self blocking a group of bullies, chin raised as she hurled insults.

"...Don't bring up my embarrassing past."

"The way you cursed them out is something I'll never forget." He laughed. "A pretty little girl calling herself 'grandma' and pointing at them, yelling 'you brats'..."

"So you fell for me because I could swear?"

"I fell for you because you were terrified but still stood up for others." His gaze burned. "I wanted you to always be proud, without needing to raise your defenses."

"..."

"You were meant to be the brightest rising star in design." His voice grew quiet. "But... I destroyed all of that."