Chapter 452

The bedroom was so quiet they could hear each other's breathing.

The nightlight had gone out unnoticed. Not a single star shone through the window. Thick clouds blanketed the night sky, refusing to let even moonlight seep through.

Darkness sharpened their senses.

Stella Valentine could distinctly hear Adrian Roland's breathing, even feel the rise and fall of his chest. The realization made her pulse quicken.

In her memory, Adrian had always been that steady, reliable older brother figure. Even after they became lovers, he remained unflappable. But now, she clearly detected the rapid thud of his heartbeat.

"We..." She bit her lower lip. "We agreed to go back to how things were before. Let's just leave the unpleasantness behind."

"Yes," Adrian's voice was soft. "Back to before."

Stella suddenly asked, "Did you shower today?"

"I did."

"Was it Vincent or Benjamin who helped you?"

"I can manage on my own." He paused. "Benjamin just wheeled me to the bathroom."

Her gaze fell on his legs beneath the thin blanket. "Does it still hurt?"

"A little."

"Your arm?" She looked toward the pitch-black window. "The weather's changing."

Adrian flexed his left arm, surprised. "Actually, it barely hurts today."

"That's good."

In the darkness, his hand found the ends of her hair. Still warm from drying, the strands carried the scent of jasmine, soft against his fingers.

"Little Star..."

"There's something I need to tell you." Stella spoke first.

Adrian withdrew his hand with a quiet "Hmm?"

"Your injuries have mostly healed, and you're handling work fine. My company's been keeping me really busy lately, so..."

"Just say it." Adrian chuckled. "The Stella I knew never hesitated. You used to order me around like a queen."

The mention of their past made her cheeks burn.

She was three years younger than Adrian. During their school days, that gap felt like a chasm. She'd always seen him as an untouchable senior—until that afternoon he cornered her in an empty classroom, refusing to let her leave until she agreed to be his girlfriend.

After that, Adrian spoiled her rotten. He carried her backpack, tutored her homework, even delivered lunch to her classroom. The envious stares from other girls went to her head, and she began bossing him around with increasing boldness, especially in crowded places.

Adrian always played along with the "henpecked boyfriend" act perfectly—until her father grounded her for neglecting studies. But not even that stopped the determined teenager from climbing walls to see her. Those secret rendezvous became the most vivid memories of her youth.

Stella took a deep breath. "The estate is too far, and I don't drive. Commuting is difficult. I was thinking..."

She wanted to move out.

If they were going back to before, they might as well go all the way.

"I've been having strange issues with my designs lately," she chose her words carefully. "Finished drafts keep getting altered overnight. The changes are good, but they're obviously your style. The whole industry knows you're helping me. It's...not fair."

Adrian gave a soft laugh. "Understood. I won't touch your designs anymore."

The old Stella would've slammed the table by now. This cautiousness was his doing.

"I'm not blaming you," she hurried to explain. "I just want to try standing on my own. Things kept interrupting before. This time, I want to focus on building the company properly."

"Okay." Adrian considered for a moment. "I'll have Penny—"

"No need. I've already found a place."

His expression stiffened momentarily. "All arranged?"

"Jessica has a vacant apartment near my office. She's going through a divorce and could use the company."

"Is moving out necessary?" Adrian asked quietly.

"...Yes." Stella nodded hesitantly. "Is that alright?"

Adrian sighed. "When have I ever refused you anything?"

Relief washed over her.

"What about the children?" Adrian suddenly asked.