Chapter 2
Gemma’s parents passed away when she was very young.
An old, tattered newspaper still bore the tragic headline: “Socialite Suffers Mental Breakdown, Stabs Husband Over a Hundred
Times While He Sleeps, Then Hangs Herself–Leaves Behind a Five–Year–Old Orphan.”
She was that five–year–old orphan.
On a freezing winter night, she hid in a wardrobe wearing only her pajamas. The cold seeped into her small body until she was
nearly numb, but she did not dare come out.
It was Murphy who eventually found her and carried her out.
“Be good, Gemma. Don’t be scared. I’m here. As long as I’m around, no one will ever hurt you,” he said gently.
She nestled in Murphy’s arms, feeling safe for the first time in what felt like forever.
Murphy took her home. Perhaps he pitied her tragic circumstances, but he spoiled her endlessly. Whatever she wanted–no matter how impossible–he would give it to her, even if it meant reaching for the stars.
In fact, he truly did reach for the stars for her. The horrific death of Gemma’s parents left her with severe psychological trauma.
During her early days living with Murphy, she clung to him desperately, unable to be apart from him for even a minute. If she lost sight of him, her anxiety attacks would spiral out of control.
One quiet night, Murphy carried her onto the rooftop, pointed to the brightest star in the sky, and said, “Gemma, do you see that
star? I bought it for you.”
He handed her a certificate of ownership for the star, then gently tapped her nose and said, “From now on, this star is yours.
When I’m not around, the star will watch over you instead.”
Now, as she stood by the window, Gemma pulled back the curtains, hoping to catch one last glimpse of her star. However, the sky
was blanketed with thick clouds, and her star was nowhere to be seen.
