Chapter 3

Victor had always been obsessively possessive, with a twisted urge to dominate and claim everything for himself.

After three years of marriage in the Sterling family, he'd had countless women. Some he even brought right into our home. And every single one of them looked eerily like me.

The moment they stopped resembling me, he'd dump them without mercy.

That was exactly how it was when Victor chose to marry me.

Three years into our marriage, Victor was still just as deranged and controlling as ever.

The next day, I went to Hillcrest Villa myself.

When Luna spotted me, she lit up instantly. She started hopping around me, spinning in circles, and kept me company, chatting nonstop for ages.

She even got busy in the kitchen and made me some special pastries, proudly telling me she'd learned the recipe from a top chef just for me.

Luna gazed up at me with her big, sparkling eyes, full of anticipation. "Stella, do you like them? How do they taste?"

I took a bite, nodded with a warm smile. "They're great, Luna. Really tasty."

Luna's cheeks turned pink with shyness. "Stella, just wait a bit. I'll make another batch and wrap some up for you to take home."

Outside, the wind was icy, but inside, Luna was bustling around the kitchen, making sure I had something homemade to bring with me. Even when she burned her fingers, she didn't let it bother her. She was just happy to do it.

I felt my nose tingle as memories flooded back. Before I ever came to Crofast, I used to pour my heart into cooking for someone I loved.

Luna was so pure, so much like a younger me. Even if she tried to steal my husband one day. I wouldn't mind at all.

All I wanted was to look out for her, to care for her.

If that was what she wanted, I'd lay everything I own at her feet.

Before I left, I gave her 9 thousand.

Luna paused, then denied.

She said, "Stella, just having you visit makes me so happy. You already send me plenty of money every month, and there's someone here who cooks for me. I'm really grateful for everything."

I smiled and slipped the money into her pocket. "I'm not giving you this for nothing, Luna. You have to promise me something."

Luna didn't refuse again. Her eyes darted around playfully as she nodded. "Alright, Stella, what is it?"

I affectionately pinched her nose, teasing, "You're agreeing before I even tell you what it is?"

Luna flashed a sweet smile. "If it's you, Stella, I'd do anything you ask.

"Even if you told me to die."

She said it like it was nothing, but her eyes never wavered.

I remembered when we first met, and I asked her where she was from and what her name was.

She said, "I'm an orphan. I don't have a home."

Later, looking up at the bright full moon, I decided to give her a new name myself.

I smiled, "From now on, you'll be Luna, sharing my last name."

I hoped she could be as beautiful and enchanting, and that her life would be as whole and radiant as the moon above.

I said softly to Luna.

"Luna, promise me you'll study hard for me. If you ever become a scientist one day, be someone who truly matters to society. Use what you know to make a real difference.

"And if you ever rise to the top, always look out for other women. Make sure girls like us have a chance to live and thrive in this world."

Luna's eyes lit up, shining with a fierce determination that was impossible to ignore.

She gave a firm nod. "Alright, Stella. I promise."

For my little sister Luna to become a scientist, I'd give it my all.

I acted like I was hopelessly in love with Victor, putting on a show just for him.

Every day, just like those women eager to win his favor, I'd personally cook and bring it straight to Victor's office.

I even took care of his files, fussing over every detail to make sure he had everything he needed.

I kept this up for six whole years.

Then, one day, Elina messaged me.

[Stella, someone said your first love, Evan Rivers, is still alive.]