Before I Leave

Stella's hand froze just as she was about to knock on the car window.

Even she could tell something was off, let alone Ethan who was in the car.

Ethan spoke, panicked, "You've been drugged, Rachel. I'm taking you to the hospital right now!"

Rachel clung to him, sobbing. "It's too late... I feel so awful... Please... Please, just give it to me... I only want you..."

Her soft, tearful voice curled like smoke into Ethan's ear, striking at the most sensitive part of his nerves.

Ethan had been holding himself back with every ounce of self-control. Hearing her beg, the last bit of restraint shattered.

He lost himself.

Stella stood motionless as the car began to rock violently in front of her. She heard the girl's sobs twist into gasps, then cries for mercy, and finally soft, broken whimpers.

Ethan did not stop.

Stella's lips curved upward in a bitter, powerless smile.

In her past life, she had been married to Ethan for 20 years. She could count the number of times they made out. Even that once-a-month routine was only a gift after she begged him a million times.

She used to believe Ethan had no interest in such things.

However, listening to what was happening now inside the car, she finally understood that he had no interest in her.

Stella turned away.

Maybe this was for the best.

This lifetime, everyone got exactly what they wanted.

Stella returned to the banquet hall. Two hours later, the event neared its end, and as the host, she needed to give a closing speech.

She went upstairs to the dressing room, drank a glass of juice, and began touching up her makeup.

Suddenly, she felt a strange heat pooling in her lower abdomen. A wave of discomfort surged through her.

She tried to call for help, but before she could open her mouth, a cold voice came from the doorway—

"How does it feel, Stella?

"Not so pleasant to be the one drugged, huh?"