Chapter 424
Their proximity allowed them to hear each other's heartbeats.
The scent of jasmine enveloped Adrian Roland, effortlessly dismantling every defense he had built.
"Why?" His voice was hoarse.
Stella Valentine's hand stilled slightly.
She had waited too long for this question.
Since that day, she had wanted to explain countless times but never found the chance. Gradually, her urgency hardened into obsession—just seeing him one more time would be enough.
Adrian suddenly gripped her wrist.
"Why are you kind to me now?" Bloodshot veins threaded his eyes. "Have you forgotten how I hurt you?"
Her breath hitched.
"You should hate me." His voice was terrifyingly calm. "Why didn't you let me die there?"
Her fingers trembled.
"I—"
"Get out."
He released her. Six months in prison had extinguished every hope he once held. Those illusions had shattered over time, leaving only despair.
"I had no choice." Stella's eyes reddened. "I couldn't watch you die."
Vincent Atlante had already lost his mind by then. She would rather die herself than see him in danger.
"Too late." Adrian shook his head. "I can't trust anymore."
He had once believed so deeply in her promises of forever.
Now, that same belief terrified him.
"You're free." His voice was hollow. "As you wished—never see each other again."
Stella bit her lip.
Steam fogged the bathroom. She reached for the showerhead. "Let's finish washing up first."
"No." He snatched it away. "We settle this today."
He feared his own weakness.
Feared that fragile hope crumbling once more.
"You still don't trust me." Her whisper was barely audible.
"Please. Stop."
The words stabbed Stella's heart. She remembered the proud, radiant Adrian she had once known—now destroyed by her own hands.
"I'll leave once you recover." She surrendered.
Adrian closed his eyes in silence.
Stella reclaimed the showerhead. Under the rushing water, she murmured, "Close your eyes."
His hair tangled between her fingers. Soap bubbles slid away with the stream, carrying the last remnants of warmth.