Chapter 54

Stella's POV

In the following weeks, New York Fashion Week dominated social media. Susan made her debut as MOON's spokesperson,adorned with their finest jewelry, glittering from head to toe. J laughed out loud reading the comments.

The public's reaction was swift and merciless:

**@FashionInsider:** *Susan looks like a walking light bulb?Way too flashy from head to toe!*

**@JewelryLover28:***This look almost makes me not want to buy MOON jewelry.*

**@OneSupremacy:** *Check out ONE, ladies! He looks amazing today!A real sight for sore eyes!*

The contrast couldn't have been more apparent. ONE-who usually rejected styling-appeared in a simple black hoodie and perfectly fitted jeans, paired with Night Owl headphones and limited-edition sneakers. His typically soft features were subtly enhanced by makeup, and his hair was styled to perfection. **@BowlForever:** *My idol wearing makeup?? That hairstyle is killing me!* **@OnesMommy2:***Isn't he supposed to look innocent? This styling is giving me all sorts of feelings..,*

Fashion critics quickly connected the dots:

**@StyleCritic;** *ONE's stylist is the same one who created Robert's viral formal look last month. Absolutely brilliant!*

**@FashionWhisperer:** *Insider info: ONE's stylist was supposed to style Susan, but she refused. Guess who's laughing now and who's stuck with this light bulb disaster?*

Susan's team went into crisis management mode, but the narrative had already solidified-ONE's simple yet impactful look overshadowed Susan's over-the-top jewelry display.

My phone wouldn't stop ringing, with studios of male celebrities clamoring to book my styling services. After creating viral looks for Robert and ONE, I had suddenly become the most sought-after stylist.

"You should accept their offers," Sam suggested over brunch.

I sipped my coffee thoughtfully.′′I′m not sure I want to be labeled as just a men's stylist."

"Are you serious? Do you know how many stylists would kill for these opportunities?" "Iknow, I know." I pushed my eggs Benedict around my plate."But I have an exclusive contract with GT Group. It gives me the freedom to choose."

The reality was more complicated. While I enjoyed the recognition, the sudden attention made me uncomfortable. I had spent years honing my skills and building relationships.and overnight fame felt... surreal. Plus, there was the complex factor of my marriage to Adam. The less public attention on me,the better.

\---

On the first sunny weekend after winter had just set in, I lounged lazily on a chaise by the floor-to-ceiling windows of Lancaster Manor, basking in the rare winter sunlight. I was almost dozing off when Joseph's voice startled me.

"Madam, the Miller family is here to see Mr. Lancaster."

I groaned, reluctantly moving from my comfortable spot."Can7t Adam handle it?"

"Sir is in an online meeting," Joseph explained patiently.

Right. As the lady of the house, it was my responsibility to entertain guests when Adam was unavailable. "Show them in," I sighed, sitting up and adjusting my cashmere lounge sweater. I expected some distant Miller relatives involved in Adam's business. Instead. Joseph ushered in Mr. Miller and his daughter Susan, whose eyes widened upon seeing me.

"Stella? What are you doing here?" Susan's voice rose in surprise.

I maintained a calm smile, gesturing for them to sit. "Mr. Miller,Miss Susan, please have a seat. Adam is currently busy,but-"

"Stella, how dare you speak to me?" Susan interrupted, her face flushed with anger. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be a laughingstock these past few days!"

I gracefully settled onto the sofa, embodying the hostess role."Would you like some tea?"

Mr. Miller attempted to diffuse the tension. "Miss Winston, are you here to see Mr. Lancaster as well?"

"No." I relished watching Susan's carefully constructed composure crack. "I live here."

Susan's eyes widened further. "Stella, you shameless woman!"she spat. ′′I2've always known you were a nobody! What respectable woman moves into a man's house without explanation?"I exaggeratedly examined my nails. "Whether I have shame or not is none of your concern, Susan. Why are you so upset?"1paused, letting a small smile play on my lips. "Unless...you have feelings for Mr. Lancaster?"

"Don't be ridiculous!" Susan stammered, her cheeks reddening. "You're the one delusional about Mr. Lancaster! What do you have besides a pretty face?"

"Isn't a pretty face enough?" I asked, feigning seriousness.

Susan opened her mouth to retort, but a deep voice from the staircase interrupted her: "Have you had enough fun?"

Adam appeared, descending via the indoor elevator in his wheelchair. His white shirt buttoned to the collar gave him a stern, untouchable appearance, which only made him more attractive.

Though his expression remained neutral, there was an indulgent undertone in his voice that made Susan's eyes widen even more.

"I think so," I replied nonchalantly, standing up and heading towards the stairs. "Your guests are now your problem."

"Mr. Lancaster, this Stella-" Susan began angrily.

"Susan, shut up!" Mr. Miller hissed,grabbing his daughter's arm . Mr. Miller turned to Adam, forcing a smile.′′M.Lancaster,I sincerely apologize. My daughter is spoiled and speaks without thinking. I hope you don't mind."

Adam's gaze was icy as it swept over him. "Mr. Miller, I believe your apology is directed at the wrong person."

Mr. Miller paled, reluctantly turning to me. "Miss Winston,please forgive Susan's behavior..."

"It's fine," I interrupted from the stairs, unable to resist a final jab. "By the way, Susan, the truffle chocolates you gave Adam were delicious. Though he doesn't care much for sweets-next time, you can just give them to me directly."

Susan's face twisted with rage."My chocolates! Stella, you...you took my gift?"

I smiled sweetly and continued up the stairs, leaving Adam to deal with the aftermath.

Mr. Miller leaned closer to Adam, curiosity overcoming caution."Mr. Lancaster, Miss Winston and you are...?"

"My wife can be a bit mischievous," Adam replied calmly. "′′MMiller, please don't mind her." I froze at the top of the stairs, my heart suddenly racing. He had said it so casually, so openly. I turned, just in time to see Susan and Mr. Miller staring at Adam in shock, as if he had announced he was from another planet. Adam's voice turned noticeably colder. "Mr. Miller, I thought you came today to explain why you haven't properly managed your daughter's behavior."

Mr. Miller stammered an apology.and I continued to my room,

Adam's casual acknowledgment of our marriage echoing in my mind.

Later, as I emerged from the bedroom, I nearly collided with Adam in the hallway.

"You... you told them we're married," I said, still processing what had happened.

Adam studied me, his green eyes inscrutable. "Is there something shameful about our relationship? Something to hide?11

I lowered my head, suddenly feeling the weight of every wall I had built between us. "No."

It wasn't shame I felt. It was joy-admitting that I wanted him to publicly claim me as his wife, not just in private. Admitting that hearing him call me his wife made my heart soar.

"No," I repeated softly."Not at all." His fingers brushed my cheek lightly, the touch sending electric currents through my body. We stood there, suspended in a moment where everything felt possible, the line between pretense and reality finally, irrevocably blurred.