Chapter 6

The sunlight stung her eyes.

Stella Valentine raised her hand to shield herself from the blinding glare, squinting up at the sky. The sun hung high, its golden rays gilding the world below. It reminded her of a childhood fairy tale—where the sun was a proud princess, and the stars merely humble handmaidens.

The sudden ringing of her phone shattered the moment.

The name flashing on the screen made her fingers tremble.

"Adrian?"

"Did you sign it?" His voice was ice.

Her grip tightened on the phone, knuckles whitening. "I did."

"Then give it to Damian."

"Not yet."

A cold laugh crackled through the line. "What game are you playing now, Stella?"

"I'm not—"

"Last night—that was your doing, wasn't it?" Disgust dripped from Adrian's words. "You'd stoop that low just to get me to touch you?"

She closed her eyes, lashes fluttering.

The boy she remembered would never speak to her like this. The one who'd tied her shoelaces, who'd shielded her from the wind—he'd never wielded cruelty like a blade.

"Adrian," she whispered, "did you see the stars last night?"

"I don't have time for this!"

"They were beautiful..."

"Stella!"

"I mailed the divorce papers," her voice was feather-light. "You'll get them in seven days."

A harsh breath hissed through the receiver.

"Liar!" Adrian snarled. "Just like five years ago—you never change!"

"I never lied to you."

"Then why delay signing?"

She gazed at the sky, a single tear tracing her cheek. "Because I wanted to see the stars... one last time. With you."

The only answer was the hollow click of the call ending.

Stella slowly lowered her phone.

The sunlight still blazed, but its warmth couldn't reach her. Her heart was already fractured—like a shattered night sky.