The Stars No Longer Shine for You

I walked straight out. I had intended to return to my hospital room, but Ethan grabbed me and pulled me away.

He opened the passenger door, and the moment I leaned in, a nauseating stench hit me.

The car was part of their game. Scattered across the seats were remnants of last night's debauchery—a pair of pink lace panties hanging off the seat, black stockings torn apart and stained with questionable fluids. It was evident how wild things had gotten.

"Ugh—" I gagged and turned away, unable to hold back the nausea. Ethan hurriedly gathered up the mess.

"Baby, listen to me. I lent my car to Brandon yesterday. This must be him and his wife. I swear—" He hastily explained. "This is too much. I'm calling him right now—"

"No need," I interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. Ethan hesitated, looking at me with uncertainty.

I understood his confusion. In the past, I would have thrown a fit, refusing to let it go. But now, I simply didn't care anymore.

I raised my hand to hail a cab, but Ethan yanked me back forcefully.

"I already told you it's not mine. Do you have to be this dramatic?" His voice carried frustration, tinged with guilt.

"It's not even on the seat, for God's sake. You're freaking pretentious!"

The more he panicked, the angrier he became, as if his rage alone could prove his innocence.

He shoved me into the passenger seat. The stench made my stomach churn violently.

I rolled down the window, hoping for relief, but the nausea lingered.

My hand pressed against my abdomen. The pain was sharp and persistent, offering no respite.

Ethan glanced at me before starting the car. "Still pretending? You really think I'll believe you?"

He scoffed, "I'd advise you to be more sensible. You can't even compete with a fresh graduate, and resort to tricks like this? Pathetic."

I wanted to retort, but as soon as I inhaled, another sharp pang twisted my stomach. Tears welled up in my eyes.

Clenching my jaw, I leaned back against the seat and focused on breathing, praying the pain would pass quickly.

Just as the silence started to settle, a voice message disrupted it.

Chloe's sweet voice rang out. "Ethan, why aren't you answering my calls? I have something really, really important to tell you! Please, I'm begging you! I'm so scared—I can't live like this!"

I cracked my eyes open slightly, watching as Ethan fumbled with his phone.

Chloe must have known I was with him. That was why he hesitated.

And she, knowing him all too well, deliberately made a fuss, hoping to provoke an argument between us.

She couldn't stand the thought of Ethan bringing me home. She wanted him by her side every second of the day.

I decided to grant her wish.

"Answer it," I said. "Pretend I don't exist."

Ethan froze, then turned to me after a few seconds. "You finally believe me? You're not jealous anymore?

His tone softened. "I swear, there's nothing between us. She's just too naïve. She needs someone to look after her."

I closed my eyes and turned my face toward the window. "I don't care."

That was all it took. Ethan answered the call immediately.

On the other end, Chloe's shrill scream came first. "Ethan, you finally picked up! Aren't you afraid something might happen to me while I'm all alone?"

Ethan gripped the steering wheel with one hand, stealing a cautious glance at me. "I'm driving. Get to the point."

Chloe's voice dripped with sweetness. "I knew you wouldn't ignore me on purpose. You big meanie, I miss you."

Ethan coughed awkwardly while she continued her flirtations.

"You know, I'm not the same person anymore. You should hurry up and buy me some designer bags."

Ethan quickly agreed. "Alright, alright. What do you mean 'not the same person'?"

Then he turned to me. "She's just a kid. I treat her like a baby sister. You don't mind, right?"

I remained silent.

Chloe giggled, her voice growing even more coy. "You big meanie, you were way too rough last night. You hurt me so bad!"

She let out a soft whimper before adding, "I just came back from the hospital. The doctor said we can't make love anymore. Our baby could get hurt."