Chapter 2

Stella POV

In the quiet bedroom, the computer notification chimed, a jarring sound.

I lowered my eyes, my gaze fixed on the email from Paris on the screen.

"Dear Ms. Brooks, your transfer request has been approved. Please report to the L'Étoile Jewelry Paris headquarters on the twenty-fifth of next month."

My mouse cursor hovered over the "Confirm" button for two seconds, then I pressed it without hesitation.

After confirming the send, the tension in my shoulders, which had been tight for half a month, finally released. A profound emptiness followed.

I raised my left hand, my fingertips lightly tracing the jagged burn scar on my wrist.

Ten years ago, a sudden fire consumed the Brooks family home, taking my parents with it. It was Ethan Lynwood, then twenty-two, who bravely rushed into the flames and carried me, a twelve-year-old girl, out.

From that day on, I became the adopted daughter of the Lynwood family, and Ethan became my guardian.

He taught me to read, watched me grow up, and gave me all his favoritism and indulgence. A young girl's heart began to take root in the daily kindness, growing into a towering tree. At eighteen, fueled by alcohol, I dared to confess my feelings to him.

What I got in return was Ethan's look of utter disgust.

"Stella, I raised you like my own daughter. What kind of filthy thoughts are in your head? You are sick."

His words were like a knife, plunging deep into my heart. After that, he withdrew all his warmth, becoming cold and distant. A month ago, he brought Chloe home, just to make me give up entirely.

Laughter and joyful chatter from outside the door interrupted my thoughts.

I stood up, pushed open my door, and walked to the railing on the second floor.

The living room downstairs was brightly lit, filled with Ethan's relatives and friends. Ethan stood tall in a custom-tailored designer suit. Beside him, Chloe wore a white dress, their fingers intertwined like a loving couple.

"Thank you all for coming today." Ethan raised his glass, his usually stern eyes softening only when he looked at Chloe. "My engagement party with Chloe is on the twentieth of next month. We hope you'll all join us."

The living room erupted in enthusiastic applause and blessings.

I stood in the shadows, watching the scene. My heart didn't feel much pain anymore. Perhaps a month of seeing Ethan and Chloe's intimacy had completely numbed me.

I turned to go back to my room, but Ethan's gaze found me precisely.

"Stella." His voice wasn't loud, but it carried undeniable authority. "Come down."

All eyes instantly converged on me.

I paused, then obediently walked down the stairs. I didn't throw a tantrum as I used to, nor did I question him with tear-filled eyes. I simply walked calmly to stand before them.

Ethan frowned slightly, seemingly displeased by my overly quiet demeanor.

Chloe, however, warmly approached me, linking her arm through mine, her smile utterly innocent. "Stella, you study jewelry design, right? Ethan says you're very talented."

I subtly pulled my arm away. "I'm just a junior designer. I wouldn't call myself talented."

Chloe, unwilling to let go, turned to Ethan, pouting playfully. "Ethan, why don't we let Stella design our engagement rings? It would be her best blessing for us!"