Chapter 3

However, Xavier didn’t believe her. “You’re not even planning to become a doctor. Why spend all your time researching this?”

Starla fell silent for a moment before replying softly, “I’m just interested in it, that’s all. If you don’t like it, I can choose another topic.”

Xavier didn’t say anything else, but his expression remained grim. Sensing the tension, Wendy immediately stepped in to smooth things over.

“Oh, come on, Starla’s just studying. It doesn’t matter what she learns—it’s her choice. She’s grown up now, Xavier. You can’t control her forever.

“Alright, enough arguing. Weren’t we heading out for dinner?”

At that, Xavier’s expression softened slightly. He took Wendy by the arm and walked out the door, not bothering to ask Starla anything more.

Starla watched as Wendy moved so freely between Xavier’s bedroom and study, as if she had every right to be there.

Ever since she had confessed her feelings to Xavier, he had forbidden her from entering those rooms.

Even when she wanted to visit him at work, she had to go through layers of approval from the receptionist and his assistant.

Before, she had been able to go anywhere in this house without restriction. Xavier had never set boundaries with her.

Starla lay in bed, listening to the sound of their footsteps fading down the hallway. No matter how much she tossed and turned, she couldn’t fall asleep.

She had no idea how much time had passed, but when she looked outside, the sky was filled with stars.

Since she couldn’t rest, she got up and decided to take a walk in the garden.

After all, she would be leaving soon. Every day she spent in this house was one day closer to her last.

But as soon as she reached the stairs, she ran into Wendy, who was holding a glass of water.

“Oh, Starla. Still up this late?”

Wendy smirked, her eyes gleaming with open hostility. “Having trouble sleeping?”

She was dressed in a lace nightgown, her shoulders and chest exposed, covered in faint kiss marks.

Starla averted her gaze and replied calmly, “Just taking a walk.”

Wendy stepped closer, her voice dripping with disdain. “Oh, don’t pretend. Seeing me with Xavier is driving you crazy with jealousy, isn’t it?”

“I… I’m not.”

Starla swallowed the bitterness rising in her throat and forced herself to stay composed.

But Wendy only sneered. “Even if you are, it doesn’t matter. You and Xavier will never be together. He practically raised you. He’s like your guardian. Having feelings for him is disgusting.

“He’ll never love you. You were never meant to be with him.”

Her words cut like a knife, slicing straight through Starla’s heart.

Of course, she knew exactly why Xavier had rejected her.

But when love happens, how could she possibly stop herself from falling for him?

Besides, there was no blood relation between them.

How could it be wrong?

He simply didn’t love her. Ethics were just an excuse to turn her down.

But maybe it was for the best. If he had accepted her feelings, how devastated would he be when he found out she had cancer?

It was better this way. If he never loved her, then when she was gone, he wouldn’t grieve. That was a good thing, wasn’t it?

Seeing Starla stay silent, Wendy smirked and continued, “Though, I guess it makes sense. After all, I heard the fire that burned down your house was set by your mother.

“Xavier’s too busy to care about you. You’re just an orphan, and the daughter of an arsonist at that. No wonder you turned out so twisted.”

She lowered her voice and leaned in. “You better be careful, Starla. Having feelings for your own uncle? That’s the kind of thing that gets people shunned for life.”

At that, Starla’s eyes filled with fury.

“Shut up!” She lunged forward. “Don’t you dare insult my parents!”

Memories rushed back, flooding her mind.

A five-year-old Starla hid behind the sofa, watching as her parents argued in the living room.

“Why did the company lose so much money last quarter? I told you to stay out of business matters!”

“We’re husband and wife! The company belongs to me too! Why should I sit at home like a trophy wife?”

Her father stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and turned to leave, but her mother, blinded by anger, grabbed his arm.

In the struggle, the ashtray tipped over. The still-lit cigarette rolled onto the carpet, setting it ablaze.

The flames spread—to the curtains, the wallpaper, and then the entire house.

It had been an accident.

But to the media, always hungry for a scandal, it became a sensational story: 'Billionaire couple’s tragic downfall—arson and murder.'

Starla stepped forward, ready to argue, but before she could say anything, Wendy suddenly let go of the glass in her hand.

The cup crashed to the floor, shattering into pieces.

The loud noise echoed through the villa.

The door to Xavier’s bedroom swung open.

He took one look at the broken glass, at the two of them standing face-to-face, and immediately strode forward, pulling Wendy protectively into his arms.

Then he turned on Starla, his voice cold and furious.

“Starla, what the hell did you do to Wendy?”