Chapter 9
Ethan didn’t have a funeral. He was hastily buried in a cemetery.
It was then that I learned he was an orphan, adopted by the security company under our group since he was a child. He had a bright future ahead of him.
His placement by my side was purely due to his excellent skills and quiet nature. He could keep me under control.
After this incident, Samuel stopped traveling abroad, but the internal divisions within the company weren’t fully resolved, so he was busy every day and often didn’t come home.
He kept a tighter watch on me. It was difficult even to go to a bar or meet with friends.
One day, I pretended to have a headache as an excuse to sneak out.
I took a taxi to the cemetery where Ethan was buried. I didn’t know what kind of flowers he liked, so I bought a bunch of magnolias.
In the photograph of him, his smile was as gentle and beautiful as a spring breeze.
I placed the flowers down and then sat beside his tombstone, resting my head against it as I gazed at the distant, misty mountains.
“You know, I watched the show you recommended. It wasn’t funny at all. You must have a low sense of humor to think it was entertaining. But you’re always so busy, do you even have time to watch TV?
“You still haven’t bought me the cake from the Sugar Blossom. When are you planning to make it up to me? Never mind, I’m generous, I won’t hold it against you.
“I think the best thing you make is the chicken, not the noodles. The last time, I lied because I didn’t want you to worry. I forced myself to eat a few more bites even though I was disgusted.
“Oh, by the way, the magnolias are fake. You won’t be mad, right? I couldn’t find real ones this season. Just deal with these, I’ll buy you next
year.
“Ethan, if you can see my child, can you take them with you? Then, please walk slowly and wait for me, okay?
“I’ll find you both.
“Ethan, it’s raining. Are you cold?
“Ethan, I’m so cold. Can you… hug me? Ethan…”
The rain grew heavier, and it was the cemetery staff who finally noticed me. I was soaked through, my face streaked with both raindrops and
tears.
Later, I waited for Samuel to pick me up in the cemetery office.
He was angrier than I expected. Without a care for the dirt on me, he shoved me into the cramped back of the car and started to assault me.
I stared blankly at the car ceiling, lost in thought, not looking at anything.
I hadn’t been this obedient before, but now, he didn’t seem used to it. He grabbed my chin, forcing me to look him in the eyes.
“What are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking of how to kill you.”
He buried his head into my shoulder and laughed lowly, “You’ll never get that chance.”
That night, Iran a fever and became delirious.
I thought I had seen Ethan.
<
He was holding a cup of water and softly called my name.
“Sophia, Sophia? Get up and drink some water.”
I struggled to sit up, my eyes shimmered with tears.
“I miss you so much.”
He brought the cup to my lips, one hand gently stroking my back, comforting me, “Drink it. You’ll feel better after some sleep. I’ll stay here with you.”
He was still the same, soft–spoken, his hand warm, making me feel at peace.
The next morning, I woke up with a splitting headache. Samuel had a doctor come to the house, but I refused to cooperate and threw the lamp
at the doctor.
The doctor turned pale with fear, and Samuel had no choice but to send him away.
I pointed at him.
“You get out, too.”
Samuel looked at me with a deep, unreadable gaze.
Finally, he closed the door behind him and left.
