Chapter 4

Stella POV

I hesitated for a long time but ultimately couldn't suppress the unwillingness in my heart.

I wrapped myself from head to toe, even put on a mask like a gas mask and goggles, and followed the location Claire had shared.

It was an upscale wedding photography venue.

The weather was clear and sunny, with gentle breezes.

I searched for a long time and finally found them by a European-style flower garden.

It happened to be during a break between shoots.

I hid in the shadow of the trees, watching Adrian gently take out a tissue to wipe the fine sweat from Claire's forehead, even unscrewing a water bottle and holding it to her lips.

That deep affection in his eyes couldn't be hidden.

Claire had changed into a fiery red gown, like a delicate blooming rose, shyly leaning against him.

Both were strikingly attractive. Just standing there, they were a sight to behold, drawing looks from surrounding staff and other couples.

I looked down at myself.

All in black protective clothing, like a monster that couldn't see light, like a rat hiding in the gutter, only able to peek at other people's happiness from dark corners.

My heart felt like someone was squeezing it hard. The pain left me breathless.

In this moment, I truly felt that Adrian really only saw me as a sister, or even... a burden.

These ten years of care for me were only because of responsibility, because of my parents' dying wishes.

Not love.

Never love. I'd been deluding myself.

I wanted to leave, but my feet felt like they were filled with lead. I masochistically watched them constantly change poses for photos, my goggles already clouded with moisture.

Claire seemed to inadvertently catch sight of me hiding in the corner. The corners of her mouth quietly curved upward, then she suddenly pretended to panic and cried out.

"Oh no! My bracelet! Where's my diamond bracelet?"

"That's... that's a keepsake my mother left me! What will I do if it's lost?"

Her eyes reddened anxiously, on the verge of tears.

The surrounding staff immediately put down their work and began helping her search.

Adrian held her shoulders, constantly soothing her. "Don't worry, Claire. It must be nearby. Security here is good-we'll definitely find it."

Claire suddenly raised her hand, pointing in my direction, her voice sharp. "That person! That person looks so strange. I just saw her lurking around suspiciously. Did she steal my bracelet?"

I was wrapped up completely, hiding in shadows-I did look suspicious.

Several security guards and staff immediately surrounded me.

My heart jumped in alarm. I instinctively wanted to explain, but seeing the aggressive crowd, I was terrified and turned to run.

But the more I ran, the more it confirmed the suspicion.

"Stop! Catch the thief!"

Shouts rose behind me one after another. I ran blindly and crashed into a trash can by the road, falling to the ground. Immediately security personnel caught up and pinned me down hard.

I struggled desperately. "Let me go! It wasn't me, I'm not a thief, I was just passing by!"

But no one believed me.

"If you're not a thief, why are you dressed like this? On such a hot day, wrapped up like a mummy?"

"Won't even show your face-must be guilty!"

I pleaded desperately, my voice breaking. "No... I'm allergic to sunlight, I can't be exposed. Please believe me..."

Those people turned a deaf ear.

Someone suggested, "Rip off her mask! Let's see what this stubborn thief looks like, take a photo and post it online!"

A wave of desperate panic washed over me. "No! You can't! I'll die!"

But in their eyes, this was just another excuse to cover up my crime.

Several rough hands pressed down on my head. Ignoring my screams and struggles, they ripped off my mask and goggles.

"She's actually pretty..."

Someone was about to mock when their voice suddenly caught in their throat.

Under the unshielded scorching sun, my originally fair face quickly reddened, then visibly began erupting in horrifying rashes and blisters, my skin ulcerating as if scalded by boiling water.

The people around had never seen such a scene. Someone shouted in terror, "Oh my god! What kind of disease is this? Is she a drug addict?"

"How disgusting! Could it be some infectious disease? Get away quick!"

Everyone backed away like avoiding the plague.

I struggled to crawl up, desperately covering my painfully burning face with my hands, trying to block that scorching sunlight.

"No... it's not... I'm just allergic..."

A passing extremist pedestrian holding a just-bought iced coffee walked over with disgust written all over his face.

"Stop pretending! I bet you're one of those thieves who caught some disease! Don't scare the children here!"

With that, he dumped the entire cup of iced coffee along with ice cubes over my head.

The sticky brown liquid mixed with ice smashed into my wounds. The pain was excruciating.

Cheers actually rose around me. "That's how you should teach these perverted thieves!"

Some people even started picking up empty bottles from the ground to throw at me.

I curled up on the ground, protecting my head, loudly trying to explain, but was drowned out by the crowd's insults.

Through gaps in the crowd, I looked desperately toward the distance.

Adrian and Claire stood there, coldly watching this whole farce.

A last glimmer of hope rose in my heart. I called out in a weak voice, "Adrian... Adrian, save me..."

If he didn't save me now, I'd be beaten to death, sunburned to death.

Adrian's expression seemed to freeze for a moment. He instinctively took a step forward, but was pulled back by Claire beside him, who grabbed his arm.

"Adrian, I think I heard Ms. Everhart's voice?" Claire said, feigning confusion.

Adrian stopped, frowning. "How is that possible? Stella should still be home reflecting right now. Besides, with such strong sun, how could she possibly appear here?"

"You're right." Claire tightened her hold on his arm, smiling. "I must have heard wrong. That seems to be some crazy person causing a scene. Let's not go over-it's bad luck. We still have a few more sets to shoot. After we finish, I'll treat you to French cuisine to thank you for coming to my rescue today."

Adrian's expression softened as he nodded. "Alright, as you say. No need to mind other people's business."

The two turned and left, not sparing me another glance.

In that moment, the last bit of light in my heart completely went out.

I gave up struggling, letting the sunlight scorch my skin, letting those empty bottles hit my body.

My consciousness gradually blurred. Before sinking into darkness, I thought:

Maybe dying like this is for the best.

Finally, I'm not anyone's burden.