I suffer from severe sun allergy. Adrian Frost raised me for ten years and built a glass dome for me. Everyone said he cherished me to the bone. Until he brought in that “psychologist,” Dr. Claire Hayes. She said I was being dramatic and insisted on desensitization therapy. The first time, they threw me on a beach. I ended up in the ICU, my body covered in severe burns. The second time, they abandoned me in the desert. I nearly died from respiratory failure on the sand dunes. The third time, she hung my parents’ urns outside a 28th-floor window and made me climb a ladder under the scorching noon sun to get them back. I used every ounce of strength to climb up. My fingertips had just touched them when the urns fell from the height and shattered into pieces before my eyes. I broke down crying, but Adrian slapped me hard across the face. “That was flour! Are you done with this act?” Kneeling on the ground, looking at that smug woman, I finally understood. He wasn’t doing this for me. He just wanted to be rid of me. His burden. That night, I sent a message to the Holt family in Northern Europe: “Mr. Holt, about that immigration plan you mentioned before, I accept.”
Stella POV Everyone in the city knew that the billionaire tycoon Adrian Frost had a delicate lover he’d pampered for ten years. That was me. Because I suffered from severe sun allergy, I could barely tolerate any ultraviolet exposure. At best, I’d break out in blistering burns all over my body. At worst, my throat would swell shut, and I’d suffocate. For my sake, Adrian spent money like water. He not only built an ultraviolet-blocking glass dome over the estate, but even created a private shopping street under its own dome, just so I could enjoy daylight like a normal person. Everyone thought Adrian would cherish me for life. Until that psychologist, Dr. Claire Hayes, appeared. She came from humble beginnings but was boldly radiant, like a wild rose blooming under the blazing sun. Even Adrian, cold as ice, melted for her. Because of Claire’s comment that “she’s just being dramatic,” I was forced to begin so-called desensitization therapy. The first time, she took me to the beach for some “sunbathing.” After just one hour, I suffered severe burns all over my body and was rushed to the ICU. The second time, Claire took me hiking in the desert but took away my protective suit midway. That time, I nearly died on the scorching sand dunes from respiratory failure. The third time… which was this time, Claire hung my parents’ urns outside the 28th-floor window, forcing me to climb a ladder under the scorching noon sun to retrieve them. I finally exploded. I slapped Claire hard across the face and made a scene in front of Adrian, firmly demanding he fire this crazy woman. “Adrian, where did you find this quack!” I pointed at him, my voice trembling. “This is a physiological condition, not a psychological one! Why are you letting a psychologist torture me? She threatened me with my parents’ ashes. Is that what a doctor does?” But Adrian completely ignored my anger. His gaze went straight past me to Claire behind me. Claire’s fair face bore five clear finger marks, already swelling. She pressed her red lips together, looking at Adrian with stubborn defiance, her eyes full of grievance yet strength. “I know this shock therapy is painful,” she spoke, her voice catching slightly. “But I’m experienced, and this will definitely help Ms. Everhart successfully desensitize. As long as she actively cooperates with me, I believe it won’t be long before she can walk normally in the sunlight.” I saw the ice in Adrian’s eyes instantly melt, overflowing with distress. “I’m sorry, Dr. Hayes. Stella wasn’t like this before. I’m sorry you had to suffer.” Claire showed an “I understand everything” smile. “It’s okay. As a doctor, being misunderstood by patients is common. But I will never give up on any patient in my care.” Adrian looked at her with growing admiration. Then he turned to look at me, his expression instantly becoming cold and disappointed. “Stella, how did you become like this? Dr. Hayes is doing this for your own good. How could you hit someone? Where did all that elite education you received go?” I shouted hysterically, my eyes red. “She threatened me with my parents’ ashes! Shouldn’t I hit her? Adrian, can you really tolerate someone desecrating my parents’ ashes like this, letting them have no peace even in death?” “Silence!” Adrian cut me off sharply. “Stella Everhart, it’s because your parents spoiled you too much that you turned out so delicate! Who’s responsible for your parents having no peace? If you could desensitize earlier and live freely, would they still need to worry about you?” His words struck like lightning. Tears rolled down from my eyes one by one. “So… you blame me?” My voice trembled. “You don’t blame Claire for abusing me, but blame me instead?” Adrian’s eyes flickered for just a moment, seemingly with tenderness, but it was quickly replaced by determination. “Stella, be good. Claire is doing this for you. Cooperate obediently and desensitize soon. Then I’ll take you skiing in Switzerland, to see the Northern Lights in Iceland.” Claire chimed in from the side, like a victor. “That’s right, Ms. Everhart. My treatment methods may be a bit intense, but they’re very effective. Look, today is the third treatment, and you’re already not as resistant to sunlight as before. That’s huge progress. If you keep it up, you’ll definitely succeed in desensitizing.” Adrian’s firmness and unquestionable tone made my heart ache until I couldn’t breathe. Before, whatever I didn’t want to do, Adrian never forced me. When had he ever yelled at me so severely? I wiped away my tears and gave up struggling. No matter what, I couldn’t let anything happen to my parents’ ashes. I obediently climbed up the ladder. Claire stood to the side, smiling encouragingly. “Come on, Ms. Everhart.” Her magnanimity only made me seem more “tyrannical” and “unreasonable.” Yet clearly, I was always the one getting hurt. My skin was already starting to burn. Today’s sun was vicious, the light so bright I could barely open my eyes. Claire wouldn’t let me wear sun protection clothing, claiming it was to let my skin “adapt” to sunlight as much as possible. So I could only wear a tank top and shorts with no coverage. I endured my fear of heights and climbed up step by step. As the height increased and I spent more time exposed to sunlight, the burning sensation on my skin intensified. I looked down at my arm. Large patches of red rashes had already appeared, with transparent blisters forming. I felt like butter thrown into an oven, ready to melt at any moment. The excruciating pain slowed my movements. Just then, Claire’s voice came from below. “Ms. Everhart, you need to hurry. To control exposure time and reduce damage, I’ve set a countdown. One more minute and the mechanical claw will automatically release.” My heart jumped in shock. How dare Claire do this? I couldn’t care about the pain anymore and desperately grabbed the ladder, climbing upward with all my might. But I was just a patient who’d lived indoors for years-how could I possibly have the skills of a professional stunt performer? One minute wasn’t enough time for me to climb the remaining distance. When I used every ounce of strength and my fingertips finally touched the endpoint, the mechanical claw released. I reached out desperately trying to grab them, but could only watch helplessly as my parents’ urns slipped from my fingertips. They fell from the 28th floor and smashed hard on the concrete, shattering into pieces. “No!” I screamed in anguish. In desperation, I jumped directly from the ladder. Fortunately, I still had a safety rope attached. When I landed in a daze, Adrian didn’t first check my injuries. Instead, he rushed over and slapped me across the face. “Stella! Have I been too lenient with you?” He roared angrily. “You have such a temper that you don’t even care about your own life when resisting? How can you face your deceased parents? Claire already said those were just prop boxes filled with flour. How could she be insane enough to actually threaten you with real ashes!” I froze, my cheek burning with pain. Claire rushed over in a panic, standing in front of me like a saint. “Adrian, don’t blame Ms. Everhart. It’s all my fault. Perhaps this aggressive therapy is still too soon for Ms. Everhart!” Before she could finish, I shoved her hard from behind. “I don’t want your fake concern!” Claire fell down on cue, her forehead hitting the steps, immediately drawing a trickle of blood. “Stella Everhart, you’ve gone too far!” Adrian scooped Claire up, his eyes stabbing at me coldly. Then without another glance at me, he turned and strode away. I knelt on the ground, tears falling one by one onto the scorching concrete. In that moment, a thought hazily emerged in my mind: Adrian no longer belonged to me. I cried as I tried to collect the fragments on the ground, attempting to scoop up those gray-white powder. As their daughter, wouldn’t I know whether my parents’ urns were real or fake? There were marks I’d deliberately carved on them to distinguish them. Flour… all lies. Before I could gather them all, a gust of wind swept through, scattering the ashes into the air. Gone. Never to be recovered. I had also stayed under the sun too long, and the severe allergic reaction finally caused me to go into shock. I couldn’t breathe. My vision went black, and I passed out completely. When I woke up, the hospital room was empty, with only the ticking sound of machines. My entire body was wrapped in thick bandages like a mummy. My throat was parched. I struggled to sit up to pour water, but faintly heard Adrian on the phone on the balcony outside the door. “I know Claire’s methods are somewhat extreme, but without doing this, Stella will never be able to walk in sunlight for the rest of her life.” His voice carried exhaustion. “Keeping her like this, raising her for ten years-I’m really tired.” “I know what my adoptive parents had in mind, but in my heart, Stella will forever only be my sister.” “I can’t spend my life being a ‘vampire’ with her. I just want to experience a normal man’s life, marry a normal wife who can walk with me during the day, vacation at the beach… am I wrong?” My heart suddenly tore open a huge hole, cold wind rushing in. Adrian was our Everhart family’s adopted son. Though nominally my brother, everyone in our circle knew what my parents had in mind when they adopted him. I couldn’t live like a normal person, so Adrian was the future husband the Everhart family had chosen for me, and also my guardian. I had always known. I’d long harbored feelings for this gentle, patient man. I thought we would naturally get married and spend our lives together. Only now did I realize Adrian never thought that way. He only saw me as a burden he couldn’t shake off. I laughed bitterly, tears sliding down silently. If he never planned to spend his life with me, there was no need to find such high-sounding reasons, or even bring in a doctor to torture me. I didn’t blame him for wanting to pursue a normal life. I only hated why he had to use this method to crush my dignity. I took out my phone and pulled up that cross-border email that had been sitting in my drafts for ages. After thinking for a moment, I finally pressed reply. “Mr. Holt, about that Northern European treatment immigration plan you mentioned before-I accept.”
Stella POV Soon, a cross-border call came through. On the other end was Mr. Holt’s excited voice. “Stella, you’ve finally come around!” “Your condition isn’t at all suitable for the domestic environment. In Northern Europe, there are countries with polar nights where you can live a normal life.” “Years ago I told you to come, but you couldn’t bear to leave. I’m really happy you’ve changed your mind.” I forced a pale smile. “Then I’ll have to trouble you with the immigration procedures.” My uncle’s voice was hearty. “Don’t worry, I’ve handed it all to Landon Holt. He said it’ll only take a month to handle all the medical visas and procedures.” “For this remaining month, just settle your affairs in the country. When the time comes, Landon will personally fly over to pick you up.” I obediently agreed. “Okay.” Just as I hung up, Adrian pushed the door open. “Stella, you’re awake? Who were you on the phone with?” I shook my head, said nothing, and silently placed my phone face-down on the bed. Adrian thought I was still angry and habitually reached out to pat my head, but I dodged by turning away. His hand hung awkwardly in mid-air. Adrian froze, then withdrew his hand, softening his voice. “Stella, are you still mad at me?” “I’m doing this for your own good. Once you desensitize early, you can live a normal life, and we won’t have to live so carefully anymore.” For my own good? I laughed coldly inside. Before, I really did think he was doing it for my own good. But I was too naive. Now I knew he wasn’t doing it for me-he was trying to get rid of me. For ten years, he felt he’d accommodated me enough. He longed to shed me, this burden who could only live in shadows. Seeing I still wouldn’t speak, Adrian’s gentle patience wore thin. “Stella, Claire has put her heart and soul into creating treatment plans for you. If you won’t appreciate it, fine, but you even pushed her and hurt her. Once you’re a bit better, I want you to apologize to Claire.” I held back the bitterness and pain in my heart, saying coldly, “You want me to apologize? Impossible.” “She destroyed my parents’ ashes and you want me to apologize to her? Adrian, you’re dreaming.” Adrian’s face instantly darkened, his voice cold as ice. “You must apologize, or you’re no longer my sister!” I turned my head, looking at him in disbelief. “Adrian, you’re threatening me with cutting ties now?” I hardened my heart, each word ringing clear. “I will never apologize to that woman in this lifetime.” Adrian laughed in anger and nodded. “Fine, very good. Since you’re so unrepentant, from today on, you’re not allowed to set foot in the estate. Don’t apologize, and you’ll never come home!” My eyes reddened as I stared at him hard. “On what grounds? That’s my home! That’s the Everhart family estate! If anyone should leave, it should be you, the outsider! I don’t need a brother like you!” The word “outsider” clearly stung him. Adrian’s face turned frighteningly dark. What he hated most was this identity as an adopted son. He looked at me darkly, said not another word, and slammed the door as he left. I stared at the closed door, my face pale. I knew those words were too harsh, but the water was already spilled. I never imagined that in the end, we’d break up over a woman he’d just met. For the days that followed, Adrian never once came to the hospital. No calls, no messages. I felt it didn’t matter. I checked myself out of the hospital alone and returned to that empty estate alone. Only twenty-five days left. Perhaps this rupture was better-I could leave more decisively, with no lingering attachments. Back home, I sat in the dark living room and accidentally came across a post Claire had just shared on social media. In the photo, on a sunlit lawn, Claire wore a pristine white wedding dress, holding onto Adrian in a sharp suit. The two smiled brilliantly in the sunlight, like a perfect couple. The caption read: “Someone’s homeless and can only be my free model lol.” “Photo shoot in progress. It’s just sample shots, but wow, getting married is exhausting!” The comments were full of congratulations and likes from mutual friends. Claire didn’t explain whether this was for work or what, only replying in the comments with a tongue-out emoji. My phone dropped onto the carpet.
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.
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.”
Stella POV The day after Claire moved in, my life became living hell. She took complete control of my food, clothing, and daily life. My constitution was special, with many dietary restrictions. But in Claire’s eyes, these were all “delicate” psychological issues. With a wave of her hand, she eliminated all the special meals the kitchen had been preparing for me. So that evening’s dinner table was filled with foods I didn’t like and that would even trigger allergies. Seafood, bread with gluten, peanut butter salad… while foods I could safely eat were scarce. I took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to flip the table. Less than twenty days remained before I’d leave forever anyway. I didn’t want any more conflicts with this crazy woman. I’d just consider it a diet. Seeing me only move my fork a few times and drink a few sips of water, Claire curved her lips and asked with feigned concern, “Ms. Everhart, is it not to your taste? I see you’ve hardly eaten.” My expression was cold. “No appetite.” Claire’s eyes instantly reddened as she looked at Adrian. “Adrian, is it because I didn’t do well enough? I know Ms. Everhart has issues with me, but she can’t just joke around with her health. If my presence affects Ms. Everhart’s appetite, then from now on I’ll eat in the kitchen with the servants.” As she spoke, she made a show of getting up to take her plate. Adrian grabbed her hand. “What are you doing? You’re an honored guest I invited, the family doctor. How can you eat in the servants’ quarters? Stay right here!” Claire looked at me with difficulty. “But…” Adrian looked at me coldly. “Stella Everhart, there’s a limit to throwing tantrums. Claire stayed up several nights working on your treatment plan. She carefully selected all these ingredients. If you won’t appreciate it, fine, but who are you putting on this act for?” I didn’t respond, just put down my napkin and wiped my mouth. “I’m full. You two enjoy.” I got up to leave. As I passed Adrian, he suddenly grabbed my wrist, his grip alarmingly strong. “Stella Everhart! I’m talking to you! Where are your manners?” Sharp pain shot through my wrist. I frowned and shook off his hand, looking at the red marks rapidly forming on my wrist. “You call this dinner?” I pointed at the table. “Look at this spread yourself. Which of these dishes can I actually eat? I’m allergic to seafood and peanuts. Did you forget?” Adrian froze for a moment, then his expression softened, seemingly showing a trace of guilt. But Claire immediately said softly from the side, “Adrian, this is part of the desensitization therapy. Food tolerance training is very important too. Ms. Everhart’s allergies are often caused by psychological suggestion.” The guilt in Adrian’s eyes instantly vanished. He became firm again. “Stella, Claire is right. This is a psychological issue. Once you slowly accept it, your body will adapt.” “If you don’t want to eat, then go hungry.” He coldly ordered the butler, “Without my permission, the kitchen is not to prepare any special meals for Miss. All food in the house must be inspected by Dr. Hayes. After a few days of hunger, she’ll learn to give in.” Heat rushed to my eyes. I said nothing, just turned and left, not wanting them to see the tears in my eyes.
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.
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