Chapter 423

Stella knew him too well.

The pain hidden in those deep eyes was crystal clear to her.

"Vincent Atlante means nothing to me." She stepped forward, her voice soft yet firm. "About identifying you at the police station—I can explain—"

"Don't bother." He turned his head away, jaw clenched tight.

"You need to hear this." Stella crouched down to meet his gaze. "Adrian Roland, haven't we had enough misunderstandings between us? You taught Ethan to trust the ones he loves. Why can't you do the same?"

Her words struck like a knife, piercing his weakest spot.

"Not love you?" Adrian whipped his head back, dark fire burning in his eyes. "Stella Valentine, how dare you—"

The words died on his lips as they both froze.

Only their breathing echoed in the bathroom.

Adrian's Adam's apple bobbed before he finally relented. "Talk."

Stella exhaled in relief, fingers unconsciously gripping her shirt hem. "Vincent lied about having a bomb. With so many people in the hospital, I had to play along—"

"Enough." He cut her off. "I apologize. Now can you leave?"

"You still don't believe me?"

"I do."

"Then why push me away?"

Adrian faltered, eyes fixed on the tiles behind her rather than meeting her gaze.

"Why?" she pressed.

"No reason." His voice turned hoarse. "I need to shower."

Without hesitation, Stella grabbed scissors and went straight for the hem of his shirt.

"You—!" Adrian braced against the armrests to rise, but she shoved him back down.

"Don't take your injuries lightly."

"I'm not." The reply came too quick.

Stella leaned against the wall. "Fine. I'll wait until you change your mind."

An eerie silence fell over the bathroom.

Five minutes later, beads of sweat formed at Adrian's temple. "Aren't you tired?"

"Not at all." She didn't budge.

He scoffed, yet his gaze kept drifting toward her. The simple white tee, jeans, and high ponytail made her look just like she did in their school days.

Another ten minutes passed before Adrian finally surrendered, sinking into the chair with resignation.

Stella exhaled quietly, carefully maneuvering the scissors around his leg cast. "Stay still."

Adrian closed his eyes, only for his other senses to heighten. The scent of jasmine filled his nose. Her warm breath ghosted over his skin.

"Tell me if it hurts." Her whisper was featherlight.

When the scissors snipped, his lashes fluttered.

As Stella knelt to tend to his pant leg, Adrian couldn't help but look. From this angle, he saw the tiny whirl at her crown and the slight press of her lips.

Her touch was as gentle as handling fragile glass.

"I'll do the front myself." His voice was ragged when the towel brushed his chest.

Stella ignored him, her fingers accidentally grazing the tattoo over his heart.

Bang—

They both froze.

Her palm now rested directly over his pounding heartbeat.