Chapter 198: Wishing You Happiness

Chapter 198: Wishing You Happiness

Alone in the private room, Sebastian shed all reluctance and obsession from his eyes, his expression settling into complete peace. Looking at Stella, whose gentle gaze held nothing but love, he slowly began to speak.

"Originally, I was worried that Mason had used force to trap you, compelling you to stay by his side."

He paused, his eyes falling on the corners of her lips that had unconsciously curved upward moments ago. Only relief remained in his gaze as he smiled faintly. "But just now, watching him clumsily peel shrimp for you, his eyes full of nothing but you—I could see clearly that he genuinely loves and protects you. You're truly happy with him."

As his words fell, Sebastian pulled a black velvet ring box from his pocket and gently pushed it toward Stella.

Stella hesitantly opened the lid. A diamond ring with a simple, delicate design lay quietly inside—its style gentle and versatile. It had clearly been kept for a long time, yet remained as brilliant as new.

"This is the ring I prepared to propose to you with when I was young."

Sebastian's expression was gentle, having finally let go of years of attachment. His voice held sincere blessing. "The confession I couldn't voice back then—Cocoa—doesn't need to be mentioned now. I'm giving this to you today not as a declaration, but as a blessing. Stella, I wish you eternal happiness."

All the past secret affection and regret came to a final close in this moment.

Stella's fingertips lightly traced the ring box, deeply moved. She solemnly accepted this belated blessing and softly thanked him. "Thank you, Sebastian."

"No need to be so formal with me." Sebastian smiled faintly, returning to the role of older brother. "In my heart, you've always been my little sister."

Seeing his peaceful demeanor, Stella couldn't help but offer advice. "Sebastian, treasure Sophie. Though she and I have been at odds since childhood, always clashing, she's not bad at heart. She's always cared for you."

Sebastian lowered his eyes to the table, his long lashes concealing his emotions, and responded softly, "I'll try to get along with Sophie."

Just as he finished speaking, the private room door was hurriedly pushed open.

Mason rushed in carrying a strawberry cake, his steps urgent, almost running. His eyes couldn't hide his panic—clearly worried about her being alone with Sebastian for too long, he'd hurried back.

Seeing the usually composed and formidable man now flustered because of her, Stella's heart softened. She couldn't suppress a smile, her expression gentle and healing.

"We're leaving now." Stella stood and politely said goodbye to Sebastian.

Sebastian nodded lightly without trying to keep them, watching the two leave side by side.

Outside the restaurant, the evening breeze was soft. Stella naturally took Mason's free hand, intertwining her fingers with his.

Mason gripped her hand tightly, his jealousy not yet dissipated, asking sullenly, "What did you two talk about while I was gone?"

Seeing his aggrieved, jealous puppy expression, Stella deliberately teased him, tilting her head with raised brows. "Sebastian and I were having a private conversation. Why should I tell you?"

Mason instantly deflated, sticking close to her as they walked forward, too hurt to press further.

They reached a bench by the street and sat down. Stella opened the cake box and took small bites of the sweet-and-sour strawberry cake, the sweetness spreading across her tongue. "You know, I've loved strawberries since I was little. As a child, I had a wish—I wanted Dad to build me a strawberry garden so I could eat fresh strawberries all year round."

"Unfortunately, because of various messy things, it never happened."

She spoke casually, merely mentioning a childhood regret, but Mason beside her fell silent, quietly committing it to memory.

Seeing him suddenly quiet, Stella turned to look at him curiously. "Why'd you stop talking?"

The next second, Mason pulled her into his arms, burying his head in the crook of her neck, full of grievance and insecurity, whining, "What did you two really talk about while I was gone?"

Stella knew that if she didn't tell him tonight, he'd keep pestering her and not let her sleep.

So she answered truthfully, "Nothing much. He gave me a gift and wished us happiness."

As soon as she finished, Mason spotted the velvet ring box in her hand and took it directly, casually flipping it open for a glance before snorting dismissively with obvious disdain.

"Just this ordinary little ring? He had the nerve to give you that."

He snapped the box shut without a second thought, completely unconcerned about a gift from an ex. Pulling Stella to her feet, he led her directly toward the upscale mall nearby.

Night had fallen, and the mall blazed with lights. Mason stopped and looked down at the girl beside him, his eyes full of certainty and adoration, his tone domineering yet sincere:

"Pick whatever you want. I can buy out the entire store if you like."