Chapter 87

Mr. Alistair remained silent for a long time.

His slender fingers gently brushed through her hair. "Stella, is my identity really that important to you?"

Stella Valentine tightened her grip on the blanket.

Was it important?

Of course it was.

"Mr. Alistair, if you really are Julian..."

"Hmm?" His voice lifted slightly, laced with amusement.

"Then please let Joy go." She mustered the courage to meet his masked gaze. "She deserves someone better."

Mr. Alistair suddenly laughed.

The sound carried a hint of bitterness.

He pulled her closer. "Stella, some relationships are like shooting stars. Beautiful as they streak across the sky, but never meant to stay."

Her heart clenched.

"But—"

"No buts." He cut her off. "Some people are just passing through. Like me and her."

Stella bit her lower lip.

She couldn't tell if he was admitting it or denying it.

The anesthesia hadn't fully worn off. Her thoughts moved sluggishly.

"You promised me." His voice softened unexpectedly. "No more questions about who I am."

Stella lowered her eyes.

"This is the last time." She whispered. "Because it's about Joy."

Mr. Alistair waited in silence.

"If you're Julian, give her closure." Stella took a deep breath. "If you're not, forget I said anything."

The room was so quiet their breathing filled the space.

"Stella," he spoke suddenly, "do you think people who've missed each other can start over?"

She froze.

"As long as they're alive, there's hope."

His body stiffened visibly.

"Like me," she smiled bitterly. "I wanted to take back Shi's Jewelry, but now..."

"Don't say it!" His arms tightened around her, panic creeping into his voice. "You'll be fine."

Stella shook her head gently.

Cancer didn't discriminate.

All she wanted now was to cherish the person in front of her.

"Mr. Alistair," she asked suddenly, "have we met these past few days? As your real self?"

This was her final test.

He buried his face in the crook of her neck.

"Stella," his voice was muffled, "I am Mr. Alistair. That's enough."

She didn't press further.

His kiss came without warning.

Starting at her forehead, then her eyelids, the tip of her nose, before finally claiming her lips.

It began tenderly, then grew feverish.

Stella could feel him losing control.

And the overwhelming love behind it.

She suddenly understood—the body never lies about love.

Just like with Adrian Roland.

Six years of waiting, only to end with divorce papers.

At least she still had Mr. Alistair.

As long as he wasn't Julian...

"That's easy!" Joy Fairsprene waved dismissively the next day after hearing the story. "Once you're better, we'll confront him together!"

She was meticulously peeling an apple.

The unbroken spiral of skin hung perfectly, like a work of art.

"See?" She proudly displayed her handiwork. "World-class skills!"

Stella couldn't help but laugh.

Joy always treated life's biggest problems as minor inconveniences.

She wished she could live that simply.

The phone rang abruptly.

An unknown number flashed on the screen.

"Hello?"

"Miss Valentine, this is Julian Valois."