Chapter 24 

Alaric stood frozen as Stella continued, each word deliberately measured. 

“Alaric, imagine being betrayed by someone for over twenty years. Waiting, hoping for two decades, only to be murdered because of their selfishness.” 

“If you lived that life again, would you give that person another chance? Would you waste even one more minute on them?” 

The color drained from Alaric’s face. He stood rooted to the spot, speechless. 

Stella nodded gently. “Your expression tells me everything I need to know. Now perhaps you understand me.” 

“Alaric, please don’t come looking for me again.” 

With that, she walked away without looking back. 

Alaric remained motionless, utterly devastated. 

He had always felt that dream was unusually vivid, unnervingly real. 

But he never imagined Stella would confirm it was actually true. 

That she had truly experienced all of it. 

Alaric collapsed to the flour, his eyes filled with despair. 

He had thought the dream was a warning, a chance to recognize his true feelings. 

He never considered it was Stella’s actual lived experience. 

After enduring all that, she could never possibly forgive him. 

The realization hit him like a physical blow. He covered his face and wept openly. 

Chapter 24 

Time passed quickly. Seven more years flew by. 

As the manned spacecraft successfully touched down, Stella joined her fellow scientists in erupting 

with cheers. 

They knew this moment marked the project’s complete success. Ten years of intensive research had 

concluded. 

Everyone was elated. 

“I can finally go home. I wonder if my kids will even recognize me.” 

“I hope my mother’s arthritis has gotten better all these 

years…” 

They all shared their hopes and anticipations about returning home. 

Only Stella remained calm. She had no home to return to. 

Both parents gone, her connection to Alaric severed completely. 

Going back meant nothing more than continuing her quiet, solitary life. 

She quickly returned to New York, only to find Camilla waiting for her. 

“Stella, thank God you’re back.” 

Camilla grabbed her hands, her voice breaking. “If you’d waited any longer, you might not have gotten to see Alaric one last time.” 

“What?” Stella froze in shock.