Chapter 5

Stella POV

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself lying in my familiar bedroom.

Every inch of skin on my body screamed with pain, covered in ointment.

I turned my head and saw Adrian sitting on the sofa by the bed working on his laptop, with a bowl of steaming cream of mushroom soup beside him.

Sensing my movement, Adrian closed his laptop. A trace of familiar tenderness appeared in his eyes. "You're awake? Hungry? I had the kitchen make your favorite soup."

That practiced, natural tone, as if we hadn't broken up a few days ago, as if I hadn't nearly been beaten to death outside.

I turned my head away, not wanting to look at him. My heart ached wave after wave.

Every time we fought, the next day he'd be like this-making amends as if nothing had happened.

"Why are you home?"

My voice was hoarse. "Are you going to have the butler throw me out again?"

Adrian's expression stiffened slightly, his tone cooling. "You're still being stubborn at a time like this? You know perfectly well what I said that day was in anger."

"If the police hadn't called me, I wouldn't even know you'd run outside in broad daylight like a lunatic and been mistaken for a thief!"

"Stella, if something really happened to you, how would I explain it to Mom and Dad?"

At the mention of my parents, my eyes reddened again. "It would be better if I died. Then I could go be with Mom and Dad. It would also save you the trouble. Without me as a burden, you could marry and have children, live the normal life you want."

My words laid bare his most secret thoughts. Adrian's face turned livid.

"Stella! Is this what you think? These ten years, is this how you've seen me?" he roared.

I asked back, my voice trembling. "Then how should I see you? You brought Claire in. Wasn't it to push me out, to get rid of me?"

Adrian shot to his feet, pacing back and forth in the room, extremely agitated. "Stella, I really have spoiled you these years. I should have cured you long ago! Otherwise, how could your thoughts become so dark and twisted?"

The air in the room froze for a moment.

Adrian rarely spoke to me like this. But since Claire appeared, his exceptions had become the norm.

Just then, the door was pushed open.

Claire walked in carrying a tray, gently persuading, "Ms. Everhart, you've really misunderstood Adrian. He's been nothing but devoted to you. He even dreams about you being able to desensitize, to let you run in the sunlight. Saying this really breaks his heart."

Adrian looked at her, his eyes softening, throwing her a grateful glance.

Their gazes met in the air, carrying some tacit understanding others couldn't intrude upon.

Watching them, I only felt my heart being pricked by needles.

I laughed coldly. "What gives you the right? This is my home. When is it your turn to butt in?"

The smile on Claire's lips froze. Her face instantly turned deathly pale, looking as if she'd suffered the greatest injustice.

Adrian immediately stepped forward, shielding her behind him, glaring at me with fury. "Stella! When did you become so mean and spiteful? Claire has worked so hard to put together treatment plans for you, and this is how you treat her? Looks like Claire was right, you don't know gratitude at all!"

"The desensitization therapy must be accelerated. Starting today, Claire will move into the estate and stay until you're completely desensitized!"

With that, ignoring my objections and shock, he pulled Claire and turned to leave.

The instant before the door closed, Claire looked back.

In those eyes that faced away from Adrian, where was there any trace of grievance? They were full of triumphant smiles and provocation.

She silently mouthed to me, "Ms. Everhart, I definitely won't let you down."