Chapter 297
“Today she has swimming class, and I’ve also signed her up for piano and taekwondo. Her schedule is packed,” Cormac explained, a note of pride in his voice.
Alaric raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t that too much for her? You’re trying to exhaust her, aren’t you?”
Cormac chuckled, shaking his head. “She loves it. She’s always wanted to learn these things, but she couldn’t before. Now that she can, she’s thrilled.”
Alaric smiled, a soft laugh escaping him. “You’re already acting like a dad. When you actually become one, taking care of kids will come naturally to you.”
Alaric’s words were light-hearted, but Cormac’s expression grew serious. Despite Alaric’s improved condition, Cormac knew the truth. Alaric’s recovery wasn’t just the result of medicine—it was his own strength that had carried him this far.
As for Cormac, he still had no clear direction for his own future. Once Alaric fully recovered, Cormac would likely leave Nexus Innovations, but he had no real plans beyond that. The idea of marriage and children felt distant to him.
Noticing the change in Cormac’s demeanor, Alaric frowned and asked, “Do you know why Galatea went out today?”
“Why?” Cormac asked, sounding curious but wary.
“She went to Rowena’s birthday party,” Alaric replied.
Rowena’s birthday?
Cormac nodded slowly, as if the mention of Rowena brought a bittersweet memory to the surface. “Ah, I see,” he said quietly, his voice distant.
Alaric studied him, his expression serious. “Are you really not planning to win her back?”
Cormac’s eyes darkened at the mention of Rowena. Their breakup had never been about any issues between them—it was the result of Griffon’s interference. Even after all these years, Cormac still hadn’t let go of Rowena. Alaric could see that clearly.
A bitter smile tugged at Cormac’s lips. “Are you encouraging me to interfere in her life? It’s been so long, Alaric. Rowena’s moved on. She has her own life now.”
He paused, the weight of the words settling in. Rowena had her own circle now, a world that Cormac didn’t fit into. “What’s lost is lost,” Cormac added with a resigned sigh. “There’s no real chance of mending a broken relationship like that.”
Alaric regarded Cormac for a moment, understanding the depth of his feelings. “Alright, alright. You’re already struggling to talk. Don’t worry about me. Just rest.”
With that, Cormac helped Alaric lie back down. Talking had clearly exhausted him, and Alaric’s body seemed to crave rest after the exertion.
Meanwhile, Stellan arrived at Rowena’s birthday party and was immediately struck by the overwhelming presence of Rowena’s fan base. It was clear that her supporters had gone all out for the celebration. The entire venue was decked out in vibrant orange—the color Rowena loved—with massive banners and light signs dedicated to her. A five-tiered cake towered at the center, surrounded by an avalanche of flowers that could have filled an entire wall.
“Stellan, you made it!” Rowena exclaimed, her face lighting up as she quickly took her hand. “I’m so glad you came.”
“The venue looks incredible,” Stellan couldn’t help but marvel.
“Yeah, the fans decorated everything secretly to surprise me. It’s honestly overwhelming, but in the best way,” Rowena said, her eyes sparkling with happiness. “But I’m even more touched that you came.”
Stellan smiled warmly, genuinely happy for Rowena. She knew how far Rowena had come—she had once battled severe depression and even suicidal thoughts. But now, she was thriving, adored by her fans and surrounded by people who admired her. Stellan couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride for her.
“Happy birthday,” Stellan said, handing Rowena the gift she had prepared in advance.
Rowena hesitated when she saw the gift, a little embarrassed. “Stellan, I just wanted you to come and enjoy the day with me. You didn’t have to bring anything.”
“Don’t overthink it,” Stellan said with a smile. “I’ve had this gift ready for a while. Whether I came or not, I would have made sure it found its way to you.”
When Rowena opened the box and saw the necklace inside, her eyes widened. “Stellan, this is too much. I can’t accept this.”
“It’s just a small token,” Stellan reassured her. “When Alaric and I went to a jewelry exhibition, I saw it and thought it would be perfect for you. So I bought it.”
Rowena’s eyes glistened with emotion. “Thank you so much, Stellan. I really love it,” she said, her voice full of genuine appreciation.
“I’m glad you like it,” Stellan replied, her own heart warmed by Rowena’s reaction.
Rowena grinned, then glanced around the room. “Where’s Mr. Knight? I thought you two were so close. I assumed he’d come with you.”
Stellan hesitated. Alaric didn’t have the energy to attend a birthday party, but she didn’t want to share the full truth with Rowena. Instead, she lied, trying to sound casual. “He’s busy, so he couldn’t make it.”
Rowena nodded, understanding. “Yes, Mr. Knight is always so busy.”
Stellan glanced around the venue, noting that Rowena had invited only her fans—no one from the industry. Not seeing Richard among the guests, she asked, “Where’s Richard? How could he miss your birthday party?”
“Ah, he’s filming abroad and couldn’t get away,” Rowena said, her tone a little flat.
“I see,” Stellan replied, though she felt there was more to the story. In fact, Rowena and Richard had been having frequent arguments lately. Ever since Cormac had appeared at the entertainment club, Richard seemed to be constantly picking fights with Rowena. His jealousy over Cormac’s success, coupled with the fact that Cormac had once been Rowena’s boyfriend, had made Richard insecure. Now, with Richard away filming, Rowena had a moment of peace. They hadn’t been in touch much lately, aside from a public birthday message on Facebook that Rowena hadn’t replied to.
“Let’s not talk about him,” Rowena said, waving a hand dismissively. “Come, help me cut the cake!”
The two of them went to the stage to cut the cake, and after that, it was time for fan interactions. Rowena picked up her guitar and sang on stage, while Stellan enjoyed the cake and watched from below.
The fans were incredibly enthusiastic, singing along to every word. The atmosphere was electric, and Stellan couldn’t help but be impressed by how fulfilling it must be to be adored by so many. Rowena’s happiness was palpable.
After the performance, Rowena took photos and signed autographs for her fans, grinning from ear to ear as they swarmed around her.
Stellan checked her phone and realized it was already past ten in the evening. She quickly called Cormac.
“Hey, Cormac, are you still at the villa? I lost track of time. It’s getting late. If you’re still there, you should go home and rest. I’ll be back soon.”
“No rush. Aurora’s already gone home and started her homework. There’s nothing for me to do here,” Cormac replied. “I’ll leave when you get back.”
“Okay, thank you, Cormac,” Stellan said, her appreciation for him growing with each passing moment. The more time she spent with him, the more she realized how reliable and dependable he was. The more she saw it, the more she regretted that things hadn’t worked out between him and Rowena.