CHAPTER 5: CHAPTER 5: STARTING A NEW LIFE

After several days of rest, Stella Grant was finally being discharged from the hospital.

She didn’t like the smell of disinfectant that lingered throughout the hospital.

Vivi was away on a business trip, so she sent a driver to pick Stella up.

Dragging her still-weak body, Stella returned to the apartment she’d bought before marriage—small, but it belonged entirely to her, making her feel immensely safe.

Someone had always kept the place tidy, and the entire apartment felt bright and comfortable—even the flowers on the table were fresh.

This apartment sat in the city’s most bustling district, where every inch was precious; the view from the balcony was particularly nice, and if she lifted her gaze, she could see the towering 80-plus-storey Fordham Tower rising like a giant in the city center.

Before she got married, she loved standing here, looking out, all because someone she cared about was in that building.

But now, her eyes were cold and distant, frosted over—all that was in the past. She needed to start her new life.

She quietly retreated inside, drawing the curtains closed.

Her lower abdomen still ached in surges, like a silent reminder of the tiny life she’d lost.

She took a deep breath, shook her head, forcing that bitter taste away.

She didn’t have time to wallow in sadness; there were more important things to do.

She opened her long-unused laptop. As the screen lit up, she found a starred, unread email in her inbox—just as expected.

She opened it, skimmed it quickly, her gaze growing colder, and typed out a few words on the keyboard:

"Proceed as planned."

Send! She shut the laptop.

All in one fluid motion, as if her earlier weakness had vanished.

She retrieved the medication prescribed by her doctor, swallowed it with warm water. The bitter taste spread across her tongue, but she seemed to barely notice.

Fatigue crashed over her like tidal waves. She lay down on the soft, big bed and soon fell into a deep sleep...

By evening, in the Fordham Group president’s office.

Assistant Keegan Lindsey knocked and came in to report.

"President Fordham, Madam was discharged today. She didn’t return to The Green Garden and instead moved straight into an apartment under her name."

Aiden Fordham was working through some documents; at those words, his pen paused—just for a moment.

"Mm."

A monosyllable, emotionless.

He looked up, his eyes dark and unfathomable, like ink that refused to dissolve.

"Where she lives has nothing to do with me."

They hadn’t been living together anyway, meeting only once or twice a month. He’d never have guessed he’d end up breaking into her apartment again and again later on.

Keegan didn’t dare respond, only feeling the temperature drop several degrees around them.

Aiden Fordham tossed the signed papers aside, his tone as indifferent as if discussing the weather.

"Send the divorce papers over. Tell her to sign them as soon as possible."

"Yes, President Fordham." Keegan replied, silently sighing for the wife who’d never truly received Fordham’s care.

This couple—seems like they’re really finished.

Aiden Fordham lowered his head again, watching the digits flicker on the screen, as if what he’d just discussed was nothing more than an unimportant contract.

Only, his knuckles gripping the pen were faintly white. Little did he know—the colder he was now, the harder it’d hit him later!

At that moment, Corinne Kensington walked in.

Keegan grabbed the divorce papers and hurried out.

She was dressed up beautifully today—no wonder she was a top celebrity.

Her mood was excellent. She never thought, that hospital room at Central Hospital, it was actually Stella Grant. And even better, Stella was hospitalized because of a miscarriage.

That woman is unlucky—not even capable of keeping a pregnancy; she miscarried just like that, and Corinne hadn’t even had to intervene. God was really helping her out.

Even TV dramas wouldn’t dare go this far, seriously!

No child—Stella Grant could forget about ever staying by Aiden’s side.

The main thing is, Aiden doesn’t seem to know about this yet.

Which was, of course, a perfect opportunity for herself to shine.

Aiden Fordham looked up, an unintentional hint of tenderness in his eyes.

"What brings you here?"

"Of course I’m here to have dinner with you! I’m free lately, so I want to spend more time with you. I have a big audition for a well-known show next week!"

Corinne was beaming—her excitement plain on her face.

Looking at her thrilled expression, Aiden’s lips also curved into a pleasant arc.

"If Superstar Kensington is interested, it must be a top-notch project."

Corinne, barely containing her giddiness, revealed the answer, looking all smug.

"’Pear Blossom Tomb’—that super-popular novel online. Only those who get enough votes can compete for the female lead. I made the list, ranked second."

Of course, Aiden knew the project. Last month, he’d already initiated Flora’s acquisition, planning to gift her the company she’d signed with.

He never dipped into showbiz, but for her career, this time he shelled out a fortune.

But for now, Corinne didn’t know about it—he wanted it to be a surprise someday.

Aiden nodded and took her hand.

"Not bad. With your ability, you’ll get first place."

Corinne smoothly sat on his lap, her small hands wrapping around his neck, acting cute:

"Aiden, it’s so nice having you. I know you’re always supporting me behind the scenes. Thank you for backing my career."

Aiden fondly pinched her cheek, "As long as you’re happy."

Right. Four years ago, at Cerulea Bay in F-Country, if not for her pulling him out, he’d have drowned in the ocean.

But he didn’t know—the one who could dive deep wasn’t the woman before him!

He believed she deserved the very best in life—including his love.

Corinne leaned in, pressing her forehead to his, moving slowly closer to offer a sweet kiss.

Aiden’s warm breath brushed her face, and he made no move to evade her.

Suddenly, the phone rang, and Corinne frowned.

Aiden chuckled, reaching for the phone. Damian Hawthorne’s excited voice came through:

"Aiden, Andy Lockwood’s back! Rumor has it he’s dining with a mystery guest at The Gilded Banyan Club. Could that guest be God N?"

Aiden was stunned for a second; then a spark flashed in his eyes. "I’m heading over right now."

He hung up and considered for a few seconds.

Andy Lockwood was an heir to a top F-Country dynasty, and also the founder of the global medical summit—four years ago, they’d met once in F-Country.

The news about God N’s attendance had just broken, and Andy had already snuck into Meritopia.

Why choose Meritopia?

He had to find out. No matter what, he must win God N’s cooperation for the Fordham Group.

Corinne eyed him questioningly, "Aiden, is something up?"

Aiden smoothed her hair, "Nothing special. Let’s go get something delicious."

Aiden grabbed his jacket and led her out of the office.

...

"Ding dong ding dong!" The doorbell suddenly rang, shattering the quiet of the apartment.

Stella Grant woke up to the sound of the doorbell.

She shuffled in her slippers to the door, moving slowly, and gave the knob a gentle turn.

The door opened!

And yet, standing on the other side was a man.

A familiar, handsome face, now irrevocably marked by maturity and steadiness.