Back in the car, Estrella crouched at the end of the seat. She picked up her phone only to see that Stella had bombarded her with calls.
As expected.
Before she could call back, Stella's call came in again.
She picked it up, and Stella asked impatiently, "Were you joking?"
"Nope, I already got the marriage certificate," Estrella said simply.
There was a long pause before Stella asked, "With Martins, right?"
"No. We broke up a week ago," Estrella said solemnly.
The memories of the day Martins abandoned her at her darkest moment came rushing back, and her expression fell.
Luciano couldn't help but glance over. He noticed her sad expression.
She broke up with her boyfriend a week ago… he thought.
Is that why I met her in that state?
"You left him?" Stella asked hopefully.
"He left me. He said he could no longer continue," Estrella replied.
Her eyes lowered as she picked at her fingers.
Another silence followed.
""That useless excuse of a man? I will personally escort him to the hospital."" Stella said through gritted teeth.
Estrella said nothing.
"Did you marry another guy for revenge?" Stella asked cautiously.
"Non, c'est un mariage contractuel," Estrella replied.
"Like seriously?" Stella asked in disbelief.
Estrella was clearly messing with her mental stability. How could everything she was saying be true?
"Are you okay?" Stella asked softly.
"I will live through it," Estrella said, staring out the window as if trying to convince herself.
Stella wanted to ask more about the marriage but decided against it.
"Forget everything. Just live well," she said.
"I will," Estrella replied.
"And no matter your choice, you know I will always support you."
"I do." A small smile formed on Estrella's lips.
Stella had always been there for her.
"I have to go. I'll be back in two days," Stella said.
"Okay," Estrella nodded.
"And be there so I can break Martins' jaw," Stella added, raising her fist.
"Alright, I'll be expecting you," Estrella laughed wholeheartedly.
Her laughter filled the car like a sweet melody. Luciano couldn't help but look at her—the brightness in her eyes, the softness in her expression.
She looked… beautiful.
Estrella hung up and noticed his gaze.
"Is there something on my face?" she asked.
Luciano shook his head and returned to his work.
Soon, the car stopped in front of Estrella's building.
"Go pack your things," Luciano said.
Estrella nodded. The contract stated she would live with him.
Just as she stepped out of the car, Luciano added, "Only the necessary items. No need for clothing."
Estrella raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
Luciano frowned slightly.
Must she always ask why?
Berry, seated in front, intervened, "Clothing and other necessities have already been prepared for you, Miss Vale."
"Okay," Estrella nodded in understanding.
She closed the door.
Clothes already prepared…
He probably didn't want her to embarrass him.
Meanwhile, Luciano watched her walk away. After a moment, he said to Berry,
"Look into her ex-boyfriend."
"Sir?" Berry asked in disbelief.
Why was his boss interested in his wife's ex?
But he only received a cold stare in response.
"Understood, sir."
Upstairs, Estrella packed her things.
She picked up her diary. I'll need this.
Then her family photo—just her and her late parents. She gently wiped it before placing it into her bag.
She looked around. What else?
Nothing much.
Then her eyes landed on a small gadget by her bedside—a laminated photo of her and Martins, cuddling under the snow.
He had given it to her on her twenty-second birthday, saying they looked perfect together.
Estrella picked it up… and threw it out of the window.
It shattered on impact.
She doesn't hold onto the past.
She lives in the moment.
She zipped her bag and walked out.
As she stepped forward, her foot hit something.
She looked down.
The empty packs of her medication.
And just like that, reality hit her again.
That was why she signed the contract.
She needed treatment.
And she needed her drugs tomorrow.
She stopped by the fridge and checked inside. She hadn't eaten all day, but she wasn't hungry.
She grabbed a cracker instead.
Then walked out, locking her apartment behind her.
Downstairs, a bodyguard approached and took her bag.
She got into the car.
"Drive," Luciano instructed.
Estrella turned to him. "I've signed the certificate. When will you pay the signing fee?"
As expected… it was all about the money.
Luciano's expression turned cold.
He didn't reply.
Instead, he called, "Berry."
Berry immediately understood. "Your account details, Miss Vale."
Estrella gave them.
A second later—ding.
She checked her phone.
A credit alert.
Relief washed over her.
The full amount—enough for three months of treatment.
Her mind finally settled.
She happily munched on her cracker.
Seeing her expression, Luciano felt a strange irritation.
"Gold digger," he muttered.
"Sorry?" Estrella asked, not hearing clearly.
Luciano said nothing.
She shrugged and turned to the window, admiring the view.
She had never been to this part of Milan before.
A private district.
Reserved for the powerful.
"So beautiful," she thought.
Soon, the car stopped in front of Luciano's residence.
It was a grand mansion, modern yet imposing, with towering glass panels and sleek marble walls. The gates alone looked expensive enough to buy an entire street. The surrounding garden was perfectly manicured, with fountains and soft golden lighting that made the place look almost unreal.
It was the kind of place she had only seen in movies.
Still, she stepped out calmly, as if it were nothing.
The maids lined up to welcome them.
Estrella simply hummed in response.
Luciano walked ahead without waiting for her.
She frowned slightly.
Why is he suddenly acting cold?
How was she supposed to find her way?
"Asshole," she muttered under her breath.
The maids were stunned.
Someone actually dared to curse Mr. Banks.
This new mistress… was bold.
Just then, a middle-aged woman approached them.
"Welcome, Mrs. Banks. I am Housekeeper Smith. You can call me Aunty Smith," she said with a warm smile.
Estrella smiled back. "Hello, Aunty Smith. It's nice to meet you."
"Mrs. Banks, I will—"
"Call me Estrella," she interrupted gently.
Aunty Smith hesitated, then nodded.
"Alright, Estrella. I'll show you to your room."
Estrella nodded and followed her.