It was just too many coincidences.She was rescued by a kind stranger, conveniently lost her memory, and now reunited with him by chance?Stellar didn’t buy it. Something about this didn’t add up.She made a mental note to have Stephen look into it more thoroughly.Still, she said firmly, “Even if that’s the case, it’s his own emotional mess. If he hasn’t cleared up the past, he shouldn’t be dragging anyone else into it. "Otherwise, everyone just ends up getting hurt.”“You’re right, Stellar.” Claude gently patted her head, his expression soft. “I’ll talk to him properly. You don’t need to worry about this anymore.”“Thank you, Uncle.”They exchanged a few more words before parting ways and heading home.…The next day, Stellar received an unexpected call.It was from Autumn, inviting her to meet.Ever since Stellar and her grandfather helped Autumn select antiques, she had attended a charity auction where she made valuable connections and earned some reputation in the field.Thanks
Stellar didn’t want to hear his excuses. “Whatever reasons you may have, they’re not an excuse for running away. If you didn’t have the courage to go to her, then your feelings clearly weren’t strong enough. "That means you don’t deserve her. Since you’ve chosen to give up, then from now on, don’t ask about her ever again.”Her tone was sharp, without the slightest hint of mercy.Seeing Edwin’s face turn pale, Stellar realized she might’ve been a bit too harsh.But someone who wavered in love only ended up hurting both parties. That kind of person didn’t deserve sympathy.So, she went for the kill. “This time, I’ll tell you—Suzy’s blind date didn’t go anywhere because Uncle Julian showed up. He kept going to see her. "From the very beginning, he stood firmly by her side and stayed with her through every danger. "Their relationship is solid. No one else can come between them. I hope you, as her ex, can act with a little dignity and stop disturbing her life.”Her words stabbed into
Stephen quickly caught up to her.His entire expression radiated joy and pride.It seemed Zayden’s presence wasn’t entirely pointless after all.He’d managed to help move things forward between him and Stellar.At this point, Stephen didn’t even find the guy that annoying anymore.After they returned and had lunch, Stellar said her goodbyes to Suzy.Before leaving, she pulled her aside and reminded her in a low voice, "Suzy, if things get tough, go to my Uncle Julian for help. Don’t overthink it. "Victor and Aiden together are hard to handle. You deserve someone in your corner, don’t you?""Don’t worry. If he’s staying willingly, then he better be useful. Otherwise, why would I keep him around?" Suzy replied matter-of-factly, a stark contrast to how she had reacted before.Stellar couldn’t help but smile in relief. "That’s the right way to think."She pressed her lips together, hesitated for a moment, and then asked cautiously, "Do you... have anything you want me to pass along to som
"Alright, now that we’ve seen everything at the exhibition, we’ll be heading back. Our flight to Westhaven is this afternoon."She turned to Zayden. "Next time, I’ll give you a gift in return for today."Zayden was clearly reluctant to part ways but didn’t push. He smiled. "So, will you paint me as a return gift, Senior? I’ll even give you permanent rights to my portrait."Stellar chuckled awkwardly. "Maybe, if I get the chance."The low-pressure aura around Stephen thickened again. Before he could erupt, Stellar tugged his arm and said goodbye, pulling him away.As for the paintings, Zayden said he’d personally ship them to her.Watching them walk off, Zayden’s ambition only burned brighter."Stephen Ward, are you the only one allowed to make a move and stake your claim?"As long as Stellar hadn’t made anything official, he had no intention of backing down.…On the other side, Stellar finally let go of Stephen after dragging him far enough."So, this is the secret you were hiding?
Stellar’s chest tightened, a sudden weight pressing down as a quiet realization crept into her mind."Do you like them?" Zayden’s voice was low, almost hoarse, laced with an edge of nerves he couldn’t quite hide.And in that moment, Stellar saw it clearly. His feelings for her ran far deeper than she’d ever imagined."These are my feelings," he said, eyes steady and sincere. "I hope you’ll accept them."She froze, caught completely off guard.How was she supposed to respond to that?Maybe she was reading too much into it. Maybe it wasn’t a confession.But what if it was?If she accepted, what would Zayden think? What might it imply?And if she rejected him outright… it would be like stomping on something deeply personal and sacred.She stood there, torn."They’re… beautifully done," she finally said, her voice soft.Just then, a crisp voice cut through the stillness behind them."I agree. They’re impressive pieces," came Stephen’s calm, biting tone as he walked in slowly. "And if you
The next morning, Stellar set out early. Fortunately, Stephen seemed to be caught up with something on his end that day and didn’t come looking for her.By ten o’clock, she arrived at the art exhibit.Zayden was already waiting at the entrance.He had clearly dressed with care—charcoal gray blazer, layered over a sleek silver silk shirt that highlighted his sharp features and lean frame. He was elegant and effortlessly refined.When he saw Stellar walking toward him in a flowing blue dress, graceful and radiant, his eyes lit up with admiration."You look beautiful today," he said softly."Thanks," Stellar replied with an easy smile. "You clean up pretty well yourself."Zayden held out his arm with a subtle, gentlemanly tilt of his head."Shall we?"Stellar glanced toward the grand hall ahead, clearly full of prominent works and, no doubt, prominent guests. She gave him the courtesy and slipped her arm through his.They stepped inside together.Soft lighting poured from the domed cei