Chapter 3

Stella POV

Soon, a cross-border call came through. On the other end was Mr. Holt's excited voice.

"Stella, you've finally come around!"

"Your condition isn't at all suitable for the domestic environment. In Northern Europe, there are countries with polar nights where you can live a normal life."

"Years ago I told you to come, but you couldn't bear to leave. I'm really happy you've changed your mind."

I forced a pale smile. "Then I'll have to trouble you with the immigration procedures."

My uncle's voice was hearty. "Don't worry, I've handed it all to Landon Holt. He said it'll only take a month to handle all the medical visas and procedures."

"For this remaining month, just settle your affairs in the country. When the time comes, Landon will personally fly over to pick you up."

I obediently agreed. "Okay."

Just as I hung up, Adrian pushed the door open.

"Stella, you're awake? Who were you on the phone with?"

I shook my head, said nothing, and silently placed my phone face-down on the bed.

Adrian thought I was still angry and habitually reached out to pat my head, but I dodged by turning away. His hand hung awkwardly in mid-air.

Adrian froze, then withdrew his hand, softening his voice. "Stella, are you still mad at me?"

"I'm doing this for your own good. Once you desensitize early, you can live a normal life, and we won't have to live so carefully anymore."

For my own good?

I laughed coldly inside.

Before, I really did think he was doing it for my own good. But I was too naive.

Now I knew he wasn't doing it for me-he was trying to get rid of me. For ten years, he felt he'd accommodated me enough. He longed to shed me, this burden who could only live in shadows.

Seeing I still wouldn't speak, Adrian's gentle patience wore thin.

"Stella, Claire has put her heart and soul into creating treatment plans for you. If you won't appreciate it, fine, but you even pushed her and hurt her. Once you're a bit better, I want you to apologize to Claire."

I held back the bitterness and pain in my heart, saying coldly, "You want me to apologize? Impossible."

"She destroyed my parents' ashes and you want me to apologize to her? Adrian, you're dreaming."

Adrian's face instantly darkened, his voice cold as ice. "You must apologize, or you're no longer my sister!"

I turned my head, looking at him in disbelief. "Adrian, you're threatening me with cutting ties now?"

I hardened my heart, each word ringing clear. "I will never apologize to that woman in this lifetime."

Adrian laughed in anger and nodded. "Fine, very good. Since you're so unrepentant, from today on, you're not allowed to set foot in the estate. Don't apologize, and you'll never come home!"

My eyes reddened as I stared at him hard. "On what grounds? That's my home! That's the Everhart family estate! If anyone should leave, it should be you, the outsider! I don't need a brother like you!"

The word "outsider" clearly stung him.

Adrian's face turned frighteningly dark. What he hated most was this identity as an adopted son.

He looked at me darkly, said not another word, and slammed the door as he left.

I stared at the closed door, my face pale. I knew those words were too harsh, but the water was already spilled.

I never imagined that in the end, we'd break up over a woman he'd just met.

For the days that followed, Adrian never once came to the hospital. No calls, no messages.

I felt it didn't matter.

I checked myself out of the hospital alone and returned to that empty estate alone.

Only twenty-five days left. Perhaps this rupture was better-I could leave more decisively, with no lingering attachments.

Back home, I sat in the dark living room and accidentally came across a post Claire had just shared on social media.

In the photo, on a sunlit lawn, Claire wore a pristine white wedding dress, holding onto Adrian in a sharp suit.

The two smiled brilliantly in the sunlight, like a perfect couple.

The caption read:

"Someone's homeless and can only be my free model lol."

"Photo shoot in progress. It's just sample shots, but wow, getting married is exhausting!"

The comments were full of congratulations and likes from mutual friends.

Claire didn't explain whether this was for work or what, only replying in the comments with a tongue-out emoji.

My phone dropped onto the carpet.