Chapter 421

Stella Valentine sighed. "I understand what you're saying, but—"

"No buts." Adrian Roland cut her off. "I was too stubborn before, insisting on keeping you by my side. Don't worry, that won't happen again. Whether you want to start a new life or find a new partner, I'll respect your choice. But as your ex-husband, I must warn you—Vincent Atlante isn't the right man for you. If you're serious about moving on, consider your options carefully."

"What about you?"

"Me?"

Stella pressed her lips together. "If I leave, what will you do? Find a stepmother for the children?"

"You don't need to worry about that." Adrian's voice remained calm. "I'll never remarry."

Stella ventured another question. "Can't I at least help you?"

"Fine." Surprisingly, Adrian relented, though he stubbornly turned his face away. "You can move a chair into the bathroom, under the shower. I'll handle the rest myself. Don't interfere. Let this be the last time."

He avoided meeting her eyes, afraid one look at those bright orbs would soften his resolve.

Stella nodded helplessly. "Alright, I won't interfere. Rest here while I prepare the bathroom."

Since Adrian's return, Benjamin Langley had been tirelessly accommodating his mobility limitations. He'd cleared obstacles from Adrian's room and specially arranged a first-floor bathroom. Though less luxurious than the ensuite, it was more spacious.

Stella brought a comfortable chair from the dining room, carefully positioning it to avoid water splashes. She tested the showerhead and laid out fresh clothes before returning to the living room.

"Everything's ready," she said softly. "Let me help you there. Tell me if anything's inconvenient."

Adrian nodded silently and wheeled himself into the bathroom. Without the children present, he finally stopped pretending, slowly transferring himself to the chair with difficulty, bracing against the sink and bathtub.

Stella clenched her fists to stop herself from reaching out.

Once he was settled, she couldn't resist asking, "Should I adjust the water temperature first? It'll be hard to change later."

The distance from the chair to the temperature controls was considerable.

"No need." Adrian refused coldly. "Just move the wheelchair to the doorway. Getting it wet would be worse." He began unbuttoning his jacket, clearly dismissing her.

His movements were slow. When he reached the first shirt button and saw Stella still hadn't left in the mirror, he asked sharply, "Something else?"

"Your leg needs waterproofing." Stella held up a roll of plastic wrap she'd grabbed from the kitchen on impulse.

Adrian paused, silently marveling at her quirky solution. Suppressing the urge to smile, he kept his expression stern. "I'll do it myself."

Probably his most repeated phrase today.

Stella didn't insist. After ensuring he was stable, she turned to leave—though her worries lingered. Adrian's leg injury remained a thorn in her heart, yet she'd never gotten a proper look at the wound.

She lingered outside the bathroom door, ready to assist. With his stubbornness, waiting for him to ask for help was hopeless.

Five minutes passed. Then ten. No sound of running water came from inside.

Frowning, Stella pressed her ear to the door. Fifteen minutes later, the silence felt ominous.

"Are you alright? Do you need help?" She finally knocked.

Adrian, struggling with the plastic wrap, startled at the sound. "I'm fine! No help needed!" Annoyed he hadn't locked the door, he raised his voice when he couldn't stand. "Leave me alone!"

His uncharacteristic tone worried Stella more. "Just one look, okay?"

"No!" The words hissed through clenched teeth. "I told you to stay out!"

His hoarse, urgent voice sounded like he was in pain.

"If you don't let me in, I'm calling Benjamin!" Stella's hand gripped the doorknob.

Adrian warned sharply, "Don't you dare come in! This has nothing to do with you!"

His obstinacy only confirmed her suspicions. She took a deep breath. "Last chance. If you don't tell me the truth, I'm coming in!"