Chapter 472

Stella Valentine's heart melted at the sight of her daughter's tear-filled eyes. Luna clung to her doll, her little face flushed from crying. "Mommy, I'm scared..."

She knelt down and gently wiped the tears from Luna's cheeks. "Don't be afraid, sweetheart. How about Mommy sends you and Ethan to stay with Daddy for a few days tomorrow? He'll protect you."

"Really?" Luna sniffled. "Will you come too?"

Stella froze.

"If Mommy doesn't go, I won't go either." Luna suddenly wrapped her arms around Stella's neck. "I want to stay with you."

Grace Laurent sighed from the sidelines. "This child knows exactly how to tug at heartstrings."

"Grandma!" Luna pouted in protest. "I really am scared. And..." She leaned in to whisper in Stella's ear, "Mommy hasn't smiled lately. I want Daddy to make you happy again."

Stella didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Who taught you that?"

"Ethan said it's called 'putting on a brave face.'" Luna lifted her chin proudly. "Like the fairy in the storybook."

Grace chuckled. "This one's too clever for her own good."

"So will you promise, Mommy?" Luna held out her pinky finger. "Pinky swear! A hundred years, no take-backs!"

Stella gazed into her daughter's hopeful eyes and finally hooked her own finger around the tiny one. "Alright, I'll go with you. But you have to behave at school tomorrow. We'll visit Daddy after you're done."

Luna cheered and ran off, her earlier fear completely forgotten.

Grace watched her daughter with concern. "Stella..."

"Mom, I'm fine." Stella forced a smile. "What about you? Want to come along?"

"I've already made plans to travel with some old friends." Grace patted her hand. "It'll be good for you four to have some family time."

Stella's eyes grew warm. Her mother always put her first.

"Come, let me tell you a story." Grace led her to sit down. "About your father when he was young."

"Dad?" Stella was surprised.

"You only know him as the devoted husband, but he had a sweetheart before me." Grace's eyes grew distant with memory. "A girl with the surname Wen."

Stella's eyes widened. "He never mentioned her."

"Why would he?" Grace countered. "The intimacy and distance between husband and wife—some truths only cause pain. He kept it from me because he knew I'd overthink it."

Stella fell silent, thoughtful.

"When I found out, I made quite a scene." Grace laughed. "But look at us—we still loved each other for a lifetime."

"Mom..." Stella's voice trembled.

Grace took her daughter's hands. "Stella, I just need to ask you one thing. Does Adrian still love you?"