hapter 13
Alurk Hood from
Mone? Gose where?”
Professor Lockwood answered plainly “She’s joined a classified aerospace research project !
Alaric was stunned
So Stella had actually fed town to wold the wedding?
He felt a surge of anger
This woman’s stubbornness was getting completely out of handf
“When will she be back? he demanded.
She left early this morning
Professor Lockwood knew Alaric as Stella’s fiance, which made the question all the more perplexing
“Stella didn’t tell you? This is a top–secret research initiative with no fixed timeline. Even the most conservative estimate puts her return at ten years. from now, minimvam.”
Ten years!
The color drained from Alaric’s face.
Meanwhile, Stems Space Center,
As the private helicopter landed, Stella stepped out to find a senior researcher waiting for her
“Hello, I’m Dr. Rebecca Cruise. I’ll be your mentor here.”
Dr. Cruise showed Stella to her quarters, explained the cafeteria schedule and work protocols, then paused.
“I heard you’re the Forbes heiress–wealthy beautiful, privileged. Our facilities are pretty basic. Think you can handle?
Stella smiled
“Absolutely. A simpler life suits me fine. We’re here for the science, not the amenities”
Heating this, Dr. Cruise sided and extended her hand formally.
“Welcome to the Nebula Initiative.”
Stella shook her hand firmly,
“Thank you.”
The dream that had been broken in her previous could finally continue in this one.
Meanwhile, Alaric barely registered the journey back to the Gilbert mansion
He stumbled through the door in a daze, and Capilla rushed over ummed uuely
“Well? Did you find het?
The question pulled Alaric back to reality.
“She’s gone to a space research facility.”
Chapter 13
“Resarch facility?” Camilla was confined. “Tor how long? A moith? A semester?
Alaric’s fists clenched Involuntarily,
“M least ten years. Maybe maybe the’s never coming back-
Each word seemed to drain his mrength.
“Never coming back” Camilla’s face paled. Si
- d. She suddenly remembered something and murmured. “That explains it…
Alaric snapped to attention “Explains wha
Theard she was signing long term agreements with her business managers and placing some sets in trust (thought it was wedding preparation. but she was actually planning ber eut all along
Alaric jerked his head up, voice tight with anger. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me this before?”
Camilla exploded right back.
“I should be asking you! Why would Stella suddenly leave? She was crazy about you! For her to cancel the wedding and go so far away—what did you DO to her. Alaric?”
Alaric’s first instinct was to defend himself, but the words died in his throat.
Recent events flooded his mind like a tidal wave-
After that night together, he had agreed to marry her, but had humiliated her at every turn.
Then he had outbid her for her mother’s artwork for
for Jenna’s sake, only for Jenna to break it.
Later, when Jenna was drugged, he had immediately blamed Stella, even drugging her in return, thinking he was delivering justice.
And just days ago, during the fire, be had abandoned her…
Now, faced with his mother’s accusation, he realized that beyond years of neglect, he had wounded Stella deeply in just these past few days alone.
He turned abruptly and headed for the door.
“Where are you going?” Camilla called after him.
Alaric’s face was grin as stone
“To bring her back“”
