Chapter 453

"I can do this." Stella Valentine's voice was resolute.

Adrian Roland frowned slightly. "You're taking all three children?"

She had agonized over this decision. Each child was a piece of her heart—leaving any behind would torment her. What was the point of moving out if she kept running back to the Roland estate?

"I raised all three alone overseas," she said firmly. "Besides, my mother will help. The Roland estate isn't her home—she'd feel out of place."

Adrian saw through her excuse but didn't call her out.

He understood. When they'd been consumed by hatred, things were simpler. Now with misunderstandings cleared, their tangled emotions left her floundering. Moving out was her escape from this messy love.

As a father, Adrian had no right to object. He'd only cared for Luna briefly as a baby—the rest of the time, he'd failed them. Forcing the children to stay while their mother left? Unthinkable.

After a long silence, he relented. "Where's Jessica's apartment? How's the security?"

"Skyline Garden. One stop from the office, 24-hour security." She recited the details like a mantra.

"Skyline Garden?" The name rang familiar.

Stella reminded him, "Below that Spicy Rice Noodles place I loved."

Adrian's eyes lit up. "No cilantro, extra crispy soybeans."

"...Yes."

"When are you moving?"

"This weekend."

"Next week." He compromised. "Give me one more weekend with them."

Stella knew when to yield. "Alright."

"I ordered a car arriving this weekend. Check it out."

She remembered his rainbow-hued sports car collection—all sold off for her sake. The garage must feel cavernous now.

"You're the car expert. If you approve, it's fine."

"Good performance, compact for female drivers. You'll like it."

Stella blinked. "For me?"

"Learn to drive. It'll help." Adrian paused. "With three kids—Ethan starting elementary school, Luna and Celeste in preschool—you can't rely on taxis. No child seats, too dangerous."

For the children, Stella gritted her teeth. "Fine."

"Don't worry. Driving's easy." His voice softened. "Like bumper cars, just follow traffic rules. I'll teach you."

She eyed his cast-encased leg and arm. "You?"

"I'll coach from the passenger seat. No limbs required."

Remembering Joy Fairsprene's reckless speeding, Stella chose Adrian without hesitation.

——

Weekend sunlight streamed through the trees.

Benjamin Langley took the children picnicking, thoughtfully inviting Grace Laurent. The trio buzzed with excitement, departing at dawn.

Stella sat white-knuckled behind the wheel.

"Turn the wheel hard...good, now reverse..." Adrian guided patiently.

She stepped out to find the rear tires over the line.

By noon, she still couldn't parallel park. Defeat weighed heavy.

"New car jitters. Try again," Adrian encouraged.

Second attempt: failure.

Third attempt: same result.

Rubbing his temples, Adrian suggested, "Maybe...don't move out? We have chauffeurs. Once my leg heals, I'll drive you."

Stella jutted her chin. "One more try."

By Saturday's end, she barely mastered parking. The thought of hill starts and perpendicular parking made her legs quiver.

That night, Adrian hobbled into the bedroom to find her collapsed on the mattress.

"Rest tomorrow?" he asked gently.

"No." She forced herself up, grabbing pajamas. "I'm fine."

Her phone lit up—"Jessica Blanchet" flashing onscreen.

Shower water cascaded in the bathroom.

After a hesitation, Adrian answered.

"Stella! Magazine sales skyrocketed tenfold! Your oriental jewelry trended! We're rolling in it! Hugo's jaw dropped! Career women rule! So...what did Mr. Roland say?"

"..."

"Hello?"

"I'm happy for her." His tone was warm.

A beat. "Mr. Roland?"

"Yes." Sincerity laced his words. "Jessica, thank you for looking after my Stella. If you ever need anything, just ask."