Chapter 7

Stella POV

Late at night, Ethan leaned against the headboard, eyes bloodshot from exhaustion, still gripping my hand tightly.

I slowly opened my eyes, looked at his haggard appearance, and reached out with my undamaged left hand to gently stroke his cheek.

"Ethan, I can't sleep with you watching me like this."

My voice was soft.

Ethan grabbed my hand and pressed it against his face, his voice hoarse.

"Stella, don't be angry with me. I'm just so terrified of losing you. Don't believe a single word that crazy woman said."

"I don't believe her. I only believe you."

I sat up and voluntarily embraced him, kissing the corner of his lips.

"Ethan, we've been married five years. How could I doubt you because of some stranger's words? I was just frightened by her."

Ethan's body trembled violently. He held me even tighter, as if trying to fuse me into his bones and blood.

"Stella... my Stella..."

He buried his head in the crook of my neck. A tear actually fell.

I felt the wetness on my neck, my heart ice cold.

Crocodile tears.

"Ethan, tomorrow is my birthday."

I said softly.

"Since the recital is canceled, why don't you go to the office tomorrow to finish your work, then come home early to celebrate with me? Okay?"

Ethan looked up at me. The defensive walls in his heart finally cracked.

"Okay, I promise you."

Ethan kissed my forehead.

"I'll come back early tomorrow. Be a good girl and wait for me at home."

"I'll wait for you."

Early the next morning, Ethan unusually put on a black suit.

Before leaving, he held me and kissed me over and over, as if he could never get enough.

"Stella, wait for me to come back."

"Okay."

I smiled and straightened his tie.

As the door closed with a click, I dropped my smile.

I turned and walked into the bedroom, retrieving a waterproof bag from a hidden compartment under the bed.

Inside were my new passport and documents, along with a plane ticket to Vienna.

The name read: Sera West.

From today on, Stella no longer existed in this world.

I didn't take a single thing Ethan had bought. Not one piece of clothing, not one piece of jewelry.

I changed into the most ordinary black athletic wear, put on a baseball cap and mask.

When I reached the living room, I stopped and removed the ring I'd worn on my fourth finger for five years.

The diamond ring clattered onto the table.

Beside it was a document I'd prepared long ago.

"Waiver of Property Rights."

I wanted nothing. Only freedom.

I took one last look at this cage that had held me for five years, then turned without hesitation and opened the door.

The bodyguards outside started to block me. I pulled out Ethan's backup phone and said coldly:

"Mr. Laurent asked me to get something from the underground garage. Are you going to follow me?"

The guards exchanged glances, not daring to disobey Ethan's orders, and stepped aside.

I entered the elevator and pressed the button for the second basement level.

As the elevator doors closed, I completely severed all ties with this world.

In the underground garage, an inconspicuous black car with fake plates was already waiting.

I opened the door and got in.

"Airport."

The car shot out of the garage like an arrow and merged into the endless stream of traffic.

Several hours later.

Thirty thousand feet above sea level.

The international flight to Vienna cruised smoothly through the clouds.

I sat in the window seat, watching the brilliant sunset outside, and gently removed my mask.The flight attendant pushed her cart over, smiling as she asked:

"Miss West, would you like something to drink?"

I turned my head and smiled.

"Champagne, please."

I raised my glass and clinked it gently against the clouds outside the window.

Goodbye, Ethan.