Chapter 422

Stella Valentine took a deep breath and pushed open the bathroom door abruptly.

Adrian Roland was struggling to put on his shirt when the noise made him look up. Their eyes locked.

The ornate tattoo on his chest—"my stars"—glared under the light.

"Get out!" he snapped, yanking the shirt to cover the ink.

Stella didn't move. Her eyes reddened instantly. "When did you get that?"

"Can't remember." His fingers trembled as he fumbled with the buttons.

"You never had this tattoo before." Her voice shook.

Adrian stood abruptly, his shirt still untucked. "I said get out!"

His voice was loud but carried a hint of unease.

Instead of leaving, Stella stepped forward. "My English name. Our children. And you say it's none of my business?"

He turned his face away. "Star tattoos are common."

"Really?" She gave a hollow laugh. "Then why the plural?"

His Adam's apple bobbed before he muttered, "Just a reminder of past mistakes."

"Wearing wet clothes counts as 'fine' now?" Stella suddenly began tying up her hair.

Adrian frowned. "I need to shower."

"The doctor said your wound can't get wet." She rolled up her sleeves briskly. "Hand me the plastic wrap."

"I'll do it myself."

Stella reached for his buttons directly. The soaked shirt soon landed in the laundry basket.

"Seen enough?" His voice was hoarse.

"Not even close." Her fingertips traced the tattoo lightly. "I want a better look."

Adrian's breath hitched.

When her hand moved toward his belt, he grabbed her wrist roughly. "That's enough!"

She broke free and suddenly dashed out.

As Adrian moved to lock the door, she returned holding scissors.

"What are you doing?" His eyes widened.

"Cutting it off." She waved the scissors. "You have plenty of clothes anyway."

"Stella!" He gritted his teeth. "Since when did you become so—"

"So what?" She tilted her head. "Like Vincent?"

Adrian's face darkened instantly.