Chapter 2
Wendy went to Yvonne’s research institute. As Yvonne handed over the medicine, she warned, “This dru
your memories completely after the fifth dose.”
After thanking her, Wendy bought a one–way ticket to Lumière.
Once everything was arranged, she carried her son’s urn home.
must be taken in five doses. You’ll only lose
The moment she pushed open the door, she saw Ethan sitting on the sofa, smoking, his eyes sinister as he stared at her. “Where have you been the past two days? Didn’t I tell you not to leave my sight?”
Before Wendy could respond, his gaze suddenly fell on the black urn in her arms. “What are you holding that for? Where’s the boy? Isn’t he back from the hospital yet?”
A thousand words clogged her throat.
Wendy’s chapped lips trembled slightly, ready to speak, when Ethan sighed softly. “Your lips are so dry.”
He picked up a glass of water he’d prepared, looking almost tender. “Drink some water first to moisten your throat, sweetheart.”
Wendy stared at him, numb and compliant.
The next second, a searing pain exploded in her stomach. Blood gushed from her mouth and nose.
She looked at Ethan in horror, only to see the man smiling gently as he leaned down to wipe the blood from the corner of her mouth.
“Don’t be scared, baby,” he said nonchalantly. “Just a little lesson. I told Lena your health is failing–only then would she, as a top nutritionist, set aside her misgivings and agree to move in to take care of you.”
He paused, hugging her blood–soaked body. “Once the baby is born safely, I’ll send Lena abroad. You and the boy will still be my treasures.”
Wendy let him hold her, her blood turning to ice. She’d seen his madness and paranoia, but she never expected he’d poison her just to give Lena a reason to move in. The world went black as she lost consciousness.
When she regained awareness, a mouthful of blood choked her awake.
“Are you okay?” Lena stood at the door in Wendy’s home clothes, hastily setting down a tray and bending to wipe the blood–deliberately pressing her swollen belly against Wendy’s arm. “I wouldn’t have moved in if you weren’t unwell. Wendy, you must keep Ethan in line! If he mentions the baby again, I’ll buy a ticket back abroad immediately.”
The pretentiously considerate tone reeked of blatant showing off to Wendy. She brushed Lena away. “I don’t need it.”
Lena’s face flickered with embarrassment, then she held a glass of milk to Wendy’s lips. “You haven’t eaten in ages. Your stomach is weak–try this milk powder I made.”
Wendy turned away, repulsed by the fake kindness. But at the thought of Ethan’s icy threats, she relented. She had to play along with this farce until she could escape. She took the cup and drank it in one gulp. A strange, bitter taste exploded in her mouth–nothing like sweet milk powder, but reeking of lime.
Wendy froze. A horrific thought struck her. She looked at Lena in terror, voice shaking, “Where did you get this milk powder?”
Lena blinked innocently, pointing to the urn on the table. “Isn’t that the milk powder you brought back?”
“Ugh!” Wendy collapsed to her knees by the bed, fingers clawing at her throat. Bile and stomach acid mixed with her son’s ashes spewed onto the floor, as if tearing her insides apart. Physical nausea and overwhelming grief wracked her body, making her spasm and sob.
That was… her son’s ashes.
That woman actually made her drink her son’s ashes! Wendy retched violently, but Lena grew furious at her reaction, shrieking, “What do you mean by this?”
“Get out!” Wendy jerked her head up, grabbing the empty cup and hurling it at Lena with all her strength. “Get out of here!” The cup flew past Lena’s thigh, shattering against the wall.
“Ah!” Lena screamed and staggered back, her eyes instantly red. When Ethan burst in upon hearing the commotion, he saw the broken cup and Lena’s aggrieved expression.
“Lena!” He dashed over to embrace her, checking her anxiously for injuries. Once assured she was unharmed, he wheeled on Wendy, livid. “Wendy, what’s wrong with you? Lena is taking care of you out of kindness–this is how you repay her?”
