Chapter 7

Stella POV

This time Adrian was determined to force me to be "normal."

For three days straight, the table was filled with all my primary allergens. Even when we'd argued before, there would at least be a bowl of oatmeal. Now even the oatmeal had been replaced with peanut butter toast that made me want to vomit.

I didn't touch any of it. I went on a complete hunger strike for three days.

I didn't know when my relationship with Adrian had become like this.

But soon enough.

I looked at the email I'd just received on my phone.

Landon Holt had sent: "All procedures complete. In five days, the private jet will be at West City Airport. Stella, I'll be waiting for you there."

I rubbed my sore eyes.

Five days.

After three days of eating almost nothing, I'd visibly wasted away, my face as pale as paper.

Adrian came to see me. Looking at my swaying figure, his eyes were full of struggle.

But Claire came too, standing right at my door, whispering in his ear. "Adrian, stay strong. This is the darkness before dawn. Once she gets through this, she'll be reborn."

Adrian nodded through clenched teeth.

Until the fourth morning, when I was going downstairs, my vision went black and I passed out.

When I woke up, Adrian was holding a bowl of plain oatmeal to my lips, his face full of tenderness and compromise.

"Stella, you win."

He sighed, his voice hoarse. "I just wanted you to be normal. Is that wrong? Why won't you understand my good intentions?"

Looking at this man who was so decisive in business, now showing such defeat.

My heart ached sharply.

I turned my head away, avoiding his gaze.

"I'll cooperate with Claire." My voice was hoarse. "These next few days, I'll be good."

Adrian's eyes lit up instantly.

He reached out and gently patted my head, just like before. "I knew it. My Stella is the most sensible. As long as you cooperate, everything will get better."

I smiled too.

Yes. Everything would get better.

Because in five days, I'd be gone from his world. Completely.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Claire standing in the doorway.

Her eyes were cold, her fists clenched tight. Then she turned and left.

That look sent a chill through me I couldn't explain.