Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase

Chapter 569:

“So many stars… When did you manage to fold all these?” Maia asked, wide-eyed with wonder as she glanced at Chris, whose face beamed with pride. “It must’ve taken ages to finish them.”

Chris let out a soft laugh, moved in a little, and angled his head as he looked at her. “Weren’t you the one who told me to stay put and rest while I was getting better? You said I shouldn’t be running around, so I listened. Every day, after forcing down that bitter, murky brew you made for me, I’d slip back to my room and quietly fold more stars for you.”

It suddenly hit Maia — now she understood why Chris always hurried off to his room after taking the nourishing meal she made for him. All this time, he’d been secretly working on her birthday surprise. Her nose stung with the urge to cry, and…

Her heart gave a little jump. No one had ever gone to such lengths for her birthday — so much attention, so much heart, and such a lovely, unexpected twist. In that instant, every wall Maia had built around her heart crumbled, just like snow quietly disappearing under the warmth of early spring sunshine.

Chris suddenly spoke up. “Do you have any idea what those little paper stars actually mean?”

Maia’s ears grew hot, and she tried to act composed. “Uh… I guess they stand for hope, peace, maybe good health?” she answered hesitantly.

Chris smiled gently and reached for her hand, holding it in his own. His touch was steady and warm, and she could feel his heartbeat pulsing gently through his wrist.

in front of her, he gave her a calm, confident smile — soft as a breeze in spring — and said, “There’s more to those stars. They stand for a love that stays true, no matter what. These stars will always shine for us. Even if fate tears us apart, these stars can lead us back

raised her

of honesty

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revealed one more golden paper star from the center of his hand. “This one — the thousandth star — I want to hand to you myself,” he

her other hand, slowly unfolded her fingers,

the one that’s truly

into Chris’ captivating eyes, where the shifting light danced and

what she was doing,

was

audible. Just two words — but they were

face into her hair. He let out a quiet laugh and said, “You really think just saying thank you is enough