Midway through our time at the planetarium, Stefan's phone chimed with a notification.
He glanced at the screen briefly before slipping it back into his pocket.
What he did not realize was that Lyra had already forwarded the same photo to me.
It was a provocative image featuring her in black stockings, red-soled high heels and a smug caption.
[Do you think he would rather watch stars with you or explore new positions under the starry sky with me?]
I raised my head to look at Stefan.
The faint smile playing at the corners of his lips told me all I needed to know.
Sure enough, just the next second, he raised his head.
"I'm sorry, honey. Something urgent has come up at the company and I need to handle it immediately. The guide will accompany you for the rest of the visit. I promise I'll be back in two hours."
Stefan leaned in, attempting to plant a kiss on my forehead, but I subtly moved away. "Work is important."
As Stefan hurriedly left, I politely declined the guide's offer to guide me around and decided to wander the exhibits on my own.
The planetarium was filled with intricate models of stars, detailed photographs and displays about the cosmos.
My steps eventually led me to the grand hall, where a star with a unique name caught my eye.
[Steflyra]
Beside the star was a high-definition photo.
It was a pair of hands intertwined in an intimate clasp.
The larger hand, with its well-defined joints, wore a wedding ring identical to mine.
The caption next to the display read, [Extraordinary and Eternal].
And I found it particularly ironic.
My heart suddenly shrank, a sharp pang nearly bringing me to my knees.
Before the sorrow could fully settle, Lyra eagerly shared the video.
A Rolls-Royce with a starry sky roof paired with dazzling red-soled heels.
Lyra was lying in the passenger seat, lost in a moment of bliss with her lover.
My trembling hand clung to the phone, tears falling down my face.
I bought this car as a birthday gift for Stefan.
Stefan adored the car and spent a lot of money customizing the starry sky roof with our initials.
He said then, "The stars will forever witness our love."
Now, the stars were silent witnesses to his betrayal.
Soon after, Lyra sent another message, brimming with pride.
[He said it feels more exciting here. It feels like we're doing it right in front of you.]
[I suggested we try it at your place next time while you're asleep. Guess what? He agreed! Hahaha, just pretend you didn't see anything when you sleep in the near future.]
My trembling fingers fumbled to block Lyra's number, but I could not quite manage it.
In the end, I leaned against the wall, numbly replaying the video again and again.
After countless replays, Stefan finally returned to my side.
He was startled to see tears streaming down my face.
"Why are you crying? Who dared to hurt you? I'll take care of them!"
Stefan stood guard and his towering figure reminded me of his younger self.
At that time, he fearlessly confronted a gang of ten bullies, risking his life to protect me.
His leg was broken, but my skin did not even get scratched.
Yet, the young man who once risked his life to shield me had now inflicted the deepest wound.
My voice was choked with sobs as I struggled to form words as I spoke slowly.
"It's nothing. I really love this gift you've given me."
"Well, in return, I've prepared a surprise for you. You'll receive it in a few days." Stefan finally exhaled, a sense of relief washing over him.
He gently wiped away the tears that streamed down my face.
"No matter how silly your wishes may be, as long as it brings you joy, I'll grant you whatever you wish."
"You adore the stars so much, so I'll have a planetarium built just for you."
"When our child is born, we'll sit beneath the starry sky, sharing our love story as beautiful and enduring as the stars above."
Indeed, the light of stars could traverse billions of light-years.
