The Day I Stopped Being His Wife

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When I got home and pulled back the covers, I found seven used condoms scattered across the bedsheet.

At the bedside, my husband Ethan Hart gave an awkward laugh.

If I told you I used these while masturbating, would you believe me?

Suddenly, the closet door opened, and a woman tumbled out, falling to the floor.

She wore only Ethan's white dress shirt, her body covered in dark red kiss marks.

She gave an awkward laugh too.

"Aria, if I told you I was here to clean, would you believe me?"

I also gave an awkward laugh, though my face was deathly pale.

"And if I said I don't believe you?"

Aria POV

When I returned to our marital home, Sofia was already asleep in the master bedroom. My master bedroom with Ethan.

She was wearing my nightgown and my slippers. The bedside lamp was dimmed to her liking.

Ethan stood at the bathroom door, a warm towel in his hands, ready to give it to her.

This was the same apartment where Ethan had once pressed the keys into my palm. "Now you have a place that's yours," he said.

Now, he let another woman lie in my bed, then turned to me and said, "Sleep in the guest room tonight."

I stood in the doorway, still holding work materials I'd just brought back from out of town.

A pair of women's shoes sat by the entrance. In the shoe cabinet, my shoes had been pushed to the very edge.

A shawl that wasn't mine draped over the living room sofa.

I took it all in as I walked through, finally seeing Sofia sitting on the bed's edge, adjusting the hem of the nightgown as if making sure I could clearly see whose things these were.

"Aria, don't misunderstand." Sofia spoke first, her voice so soft it seemed she'd suffered some great injustice.

"I really didn't dare sleep alone tonight. Ethan was worried something might happen to me, so he let me rest here first."

Yet as she spoke, she made no move to get up from the bed.

I looked at Ethan.

Ethan didn't explain the nightgown or the slippers.

He placed the warm towel on the nightstand, his brow slightly furrowed. "

Sofia's not doing well tonight. She's familiar with the master bedroom lamp, so sleeping here will help her feel more secure."

I said nothing.

Ethan continued. "Years ago, because of me, she got trapped in an old building during a power outage for an entire night. You know she's afraid of the dark and being alone. Tonight's situation is special, so just sleep in the guest room for one night."

Sofia lowered her head, fingers gripping the corner of the comforter. "Maybe I should just leave. I'm afraid Aria won't be happy."

She said she'd leave, but her body leaned against the bed, her feet showing no sign of wanting to remove the slippers.

Ethan immediately looked at me. I knew that look well. This past month, whenever Sofia said she was scared, he'd look at me exactly like this.

I pulled my materials closer to my chest and nodded. "Understood."

Ethan actually froze. He seemed to have prepared many words. Ready to explain how pitiful Sofia was, ready to say he was just temporarily taking care of her, ready to tell me not to overthink it.

But I didn't ask.

I turned and went to the guest room.

The guest room hadn't been occupied in a long time. The closet only held spare bedding, the window frame hadn't been fixed, and it was cold when the night wind seeped through.

I placed my materials on the nightstand and bent down to take out the comforter from the closet.

The first time I moved into this apartment, Ethan had also given me the master bedroom.

Back then, I'd just severed ties with my family and stood downstairs with my luggage, not even daring to go up in the elevator.

Ethan pressed the house keys into my hand and said, "Don't stand outside waiting for permission anymore. You have a place here too." That night he slept on the couch. From that day on, I started treating this place as home.

Now the master bedroom door was closed.

Inside, I could hear Ethan's lowered voice coaxing Sofia.

"Don't be afraid, I'm here."

"The lamp's already brighter."

"Sleep now, I won't leave."

I closed the guest room door too.

In the middle of the night, Sofia called for Ethan again from the master bedroom.

She complained the bedside lamp was too dim, that the curtain gaps looked like dark shadows seeping in from the old building, that the pillow was too high and made her feel she couldn't breathe.

Ethan responded to her. The sound of footsteps in the hallway kept reaching my ears.

I lay in the guest room, waves of pain washing through my stomach. I pulled out my pill box and swallowed painkillers with half a glass of cold water. The tablet stuck in my throat, the bitter taste taking a long time to go down.

Before long, someone knocked twice on the guest room door.

"Aria." Ethan stood outside. "Are you asleep?"

I leaned against the headboard, a layer of cold sweat on my forehead. I didn't open the door, only said, "I'm asleep."

Silence outside for a few seconds. Ethan's voice lowered. "Are you upset?"

From the master bedroom, Sofia called softly again. "Ethan..."

Ethan immediately turned back. I heard his footsteps fade away. He finally just tossed out one sentence through the door. "Get some rest."

I only fell asleep as dawn approached.

When I woke again, the master bedroom door was half open.

Sofia still slept inside while Ethan sat at the bedside looking at his phone, warm water and medicine beside him.

Sofia turned over, and Ethan immediately put down his phone, leaning in to ask where she felt uncomfortable.

I didn't go in.

I gathered my materials in the living room when my phone suddenly lit up.

The person in charge of the old town project sent a confirmation email, asking if I was certain about accepting the two-year old residence restoration project.

The early phase required closed access to the site, with long-term stationing afterward, making frequent returns to my current city impossible.

I looked at it for a long time.

In the master bedroom, Sofia's voice was hoarse. "Ethan, am I causing you trouble again?"

Ethan said, "No, don't overthink it."

I lowered my head and opened the reply box. I typed only one sentence: "Confirmed."

After sending the message, I put the project materials in my bag, pressing my ID documents at the very bottom. The sound of the zipper closing was soft. Neither of the two people in the master bedroom looked back.

Aria POV

As a child, the phrase I feared most was: This isn't your home.

I'd lived in other people's smallest rooms and in rental units where the locks changed once a year.

Later in the dorms, I still didn't dare fill the space with my belongings. I feared I'd have to leave soon.

I was always the one who needed something from others. I couldn't even decide where to put my own cup.

Then Ethan gave me keys. He let me have the master bedroom and cleared out half the walk-in closet.

The lamp in the living room was my choice. The spot I usually sat at the dining table was one Ethan had personally made space for.

He'd complain I was troublesome, yet always let people arrange things my way. I decorated this apartment bit by bit to make it feel like home. I thought I'd finally never be pushed outside again.

In the first month after Sofia returned, Ethan said she was only staying temporarily for a few days.

Sofia had just ended a failed relationship and had the trauma from that old building power outage years ago.

Whenever her emotions broke down, she'd call Ethan. That incident happened when she and Ethan were still together.

Ethan had canceled on her last minute, and Sofia waited for him alone. Later she got trapped in that old building all night.

All the lights went out, the stairwell door wouldn't open, and she cried until dawn before anyone found her.

Since then, she'd been afraid of the dark, afraid of enclosed spaces, and afraid of Ethan not answering her calls.

Every time she brought up these things, Ethan would fall silent.

Initially, I agreed to let her move in. I thought she'd only stay a few days. But I discovered her belongings were invading my space.

The next morning at breakfast, Sofia still wore my nightgown as she sat at the dining table. She picked up the milk, took only one sip, then put it down.

"Ethan, the pillow in the master bedroom was too hard last night. It made my neck hurt. And that scent in the bathroom isn't nice. It always reminds me of the old building."

Ethan's movements paused as he looked at me.

I put down my fork. "What would you like to change?"

Sofia froze, then smiled.

"Aria, thank you for understanding. Can I put my usual things in the master bathroom first? Also, can I put my own clothes in the master bedroom closet? It's inconvenient fetching clothes every day. Could you clear out some space for me?"

Ethan frowned. "Sofia, you're only staying temporarily."

Sofia's eyes immediately reddened. She lowered her head, gripping her spoon, her voice trembling.

"I know. I shouldn't have brought this up. Last night, every time I closed my eyes, I was back in that old building. I just want to sleep soundly."

After speaking, she stood up to leave. "I'll move out today. It's all my fault for causing you both trouble." The chair made a soft sound as she pushed it back.

Ethan's expression changed. "No one's asking you to move."

Sofia stopped, tears hanging at the corners of her eyes. Ethan looked at me. "Clear out some of the less-used items in the closet and make a temporary spot for her."

I nodded. "Okay."

This time Ethan looked at me again. His gaze held both testing and discomfort.

After all, in the past, if I asked even one extra question about Sofia, he'd think me petty.

Now that I wasn't asking anything, he seemed almost stuck instead.

I went back to the walk-in closet and took down my clothes from the master bedroom area.

I didn't just take old clothes. The clothes I'd acquired over these years with Ethan, I packed them all in boxes too.

At the very back of the closet was a set of loungewear Ethan had bought me.

That year I had a fever but still wanted to go to the office. Ethan pressed me back into bed, had his assistant send the files home, and stayed with me half the day.

Later he noticed the cuffs on my pajamas were frayed. He said nothing, but the next day had new loungewear delivered.

Back then, I truly believed Ethan cared about me.

Downstairs, Sofia, wearing my nightgown, was asking the housekeeper which shelf in the master bathroom she could use for her things.

I carefully folded that loungewear set and placed it at the very bottom of the box. I didn't cry or throw anything. I just pushed the box into a corner of the guest room.

When Ethan came in and saw the box by the wall, his steps paused. "Why did you pack away so many clothes?"

I was organizing project materials and didn't look up. "The master bedroom needs more space, so I packed them all away."

"If you have an issue with Sofia moving in, you can say so directly."

I looked up at him. Ethan frowned at my gaze, his tone hardening. "Her situation is special. You know full well she ended up like this because of me. Don't read too much into it."

"I know." I put the project contract in a document folder. "She's been through trauma. She should have better accommodations."

Ethan fell silent. He seemed unwilling to have me agree with him so readily.

I fastened the document folder and reminded him. "Sofia's still waiting for you downstairs."

After those words, Ethan's expression completely darkened.

That evening, the project manager sent me a materials checklist.

Starting next week, I'd head to the stationed location and needed to visit the old town site in advance.

I stuffed my ID into my bag and put the project contract in the outermost pocket.

I went to find an old design drawing in the master bedroom. Passing the master bedroom door, I heard Sofia inside asking, "Will Aria mind me staying here?"

Ethan paused. Then he said, "She'll understand. She won't make a fuss over something like this."

I stood outside the door, my hand still on the doorknob. A few seconds later, I released it. I didn't retrieve the old design drawing.

I returned to the guest room, opened my phone, and purchased a ticket to the old town. Seven in the morning. Purchase successful.

Aria POV

After Sofia moved in, the apartment no longer felt like my home.

Her cup appeared on the dining table, her toiletries in the master bathroom, and even the throw pillows on the living room sofa had been replaced.

I used to tidy up every day by habit.

Now I only glanced at things as I passed. I stopped organizing those items and stopped asking questions.

When Ethan came home, he finally noticed the changes in the living room and asked, "Why were these things changed?"

Sofia immediately put down her cup, her eyes reddening first. "Did I cause trouble again? I just felt the original colors were too dark. They reminded me of the old building. If Aria doesn't like it, I'll have someone change everything back right away."

I immediately said, "No need. Keep what you like."

Ethan looked at me, his brow furrowing deeper.

That afternoon, Sofia directly invited several mutual friends to the apartment. She didn't ask me or Ethan.

When the housekeeper brought out desserts, she sat in the living room greeting friends, as if she'd always been in charge of this home.

When a friend entered and saw her in loungewear, then noticed her coming down from the master bedroom direction, someone quickly teased her. "Sofia, you act way too much like you're in your own home, don't you?"

Sofia smiled, pressing her lips together, but her gaze drifted toward the stairs.

I happened to be coming down with project materials. All eyes in the living room suddenly fell on me.

Sofia seemed to just notice me and quickly explained.

"Aria, don't get the wrong idea. I'm only staying temporarily for a few days. Ethan was afraid I'd be scared alone at night, so he insisted I stay in the master bedroom."

She stressed the words "master bedroom" just lightly enough for everyone to hear.

Someone laughed awkwardly. "Aria's really generous. Anyone else would've made a scene by now."

I didn't expose her scheme or explain who was actually staying in the master bedroom. I put my materials in my bag and only said to Sofia, "These are your guests. You entertain them properly." Then I turned and went upstairs.

Ethan entered through the front door just in time to hear those words. His expression darkened. He called Sofia aside, lowering his voice. "Who told you to bring people into this house?"

Sofia's tears fell quickly. "I just hadn't seen friends in so long. I wanted them to know I'm not doing as badly as they think. Is Aria upset? Then I'll move out right now."

She brought up the old building again. She said living alone made her lose sleep. She said last night when she closed her eyes, the darkness still pressed down so she couldn't breathe.

Ethan irritably pinched the bridge of his nose but didn't mention kicking her out again.

I stood at the stair landing, listening to everything, but didn't go down.

My phone lit up. The project manager asked if I could go to the old town earlier to check the site.

I replied directly: "I'll go tomorrow."

That evening, Ethan knocked on my door holding a restaurant reservation. "Let's go out for dinner tomorrow night." He said, "Things have been chaotic at home lately. I want to have a proper talk with you."

I looked at the reservation and nodded. I didn't tell him the seven o'clock morning ticket had already been issued.

That night, Sofia called for me again at the master bedroom door. "Aria, I think I left my medicine in the bathroom cabinet."

Sofia leaned against the doorframe, her face pale. "I don't dare go in alone. If something happens to me, Ethan will worry."

I said nothing but eventually entered the master bathroom.

The floor was wet. The aromatherapy bottle sat at the edge of the sink.

Just as I bent down to pull open the cabinet, Sofia suddenly rushed in from behind, her whole body colliding into me.

My lower back hit the sink, my arm sweeping the aromatherapy bottle. Glass shards exploded, cutting my skin.

Sofia screamed and tumbled right into Ethan's arms as he rushed in.

Ethan's first reaction was to steady her. "Are you hurt?"

Sofia clutched his arm, crying and trembling. "I just wanted to get my medicine. I didn't know Aria was also in there..."

I steadied myself against the sink, blood from my arm dripping down my fingertips.

Only then did Ethan see me. His expression changed.

Aria POV

Just after dawn, I left the apartment with a small suitcase.

I didn't call Ethan or say goodbye at the master bedroom. The master bedroom door was half open, Sofia still sleeping inside. Ethan sat by the bed watching over her, pulling the covers up over her. As I passed the doorway, he didn't look up.

I put the ticket in my bag. The wound on my arm had been simply treated, my lower back still aching. I walked slowly but didn't stop.

Around noon, Ethan seemed to notice I'd left.

I received a call from him.

When the call connected, I was already on the train.

Ethan's voice held suppressed anger. "Where did you go?"

"The old town." I leaned against the train window. "The project moved up. I came to see the site first."

"What about your arm and lower back?"

"Already treated."

"You went out of town alone with injuries?" Ethan's tone grew heavier. "Come back right now. I'll pick you up."

The sound of a door opening came from the master bedroom. Sofia's voice sounded weak. "Ethan, I woke up and didn't see you... I had another nightmare."

Ethan's breathing hitched. I heard it. I spoke first. "Take care of her. You don't need to come find me." After speaking, I hung up and put my phone on silent.

That afternoon, I arrived in the old town. The project manager took me to the restoration site. Police tape surrounded the courtyard, the old walls already showing reinforcement marks, staff moving materials.

The manager said, "We'll be here at least two months in the early phase. If you sign a long-term contract later, you won't be able to go home often. You can still back out now."

I looked at the old residence before me, my arm throbbing faintly. I said, "I won't back out."

The manager noticed my bandaged arm and saw I walked somewhat unnaturally. "Do you need to go to the hospital first?"

"No need." I set down my bag. "Let's do registration first."

When the registration form was handed to me, the staff member pointed to the emergency contact field. "It's best to fill in family here. The site has risks. If something really happens to you, we need to contact someone responsible immediately."

I held the pen and paused.

The staff reminded me again. "A spouse works too."

I didn't write Ethan's name. I filled in the project office phone number in that field.

The staff glanced at it. "You're sure you won't fill in family?"

"I'm sure."

I handed back the form and received the housing keys.

That evening, I received another call from Ethan. I'd just gotten the housing keys and was organizing materials in my room.

Ethan opened with, "The master bedroom has been dealt with. What happened last night won't happen again. Come back tomorrow and let's talk things through."

I looked at the keys in my hand. "I just joined the team here. I can't come back in the short term."

"That's not where you belong long-term." Ethan's voice hardened. "Home is."

I placed the housing keys on the table. "I'll be staying at the project site for this period."

Silence on the other end. Sofia's voice came through again. "Ethan, could you come look? I don't know where to put the new things."

I didn't wait for Ethan to respond. I ended the call and closed the door. The keys remained on the table. The sound of the lock falling echoed clearly in the empty room.

Aria POV

I returned to the apartment the next day to get that old design drawing from the study.

I'd originally planned to grab it and leave, but when my car reached the station, Ethan's driver was already waiting. The driver opened the car door for me, saying quietly, "Mr. Hart asked me to bring you home."

I didn't make things difficult for the driver and bent down to get in. Ethan sat inside the car. Seeing the gauze on my arm and how my lower back stiffened when I sat down, his expression immediately darkened.

"Injured this badly, and you still want to leave home?"

I looked out the window. "I need to submit the old design drawing to the project team."

Anger threaded through Ethan's voice. "Let's go eat first. I still have last night's restaurant reservation."

I didn't refuse. I knew Ethan wanted to turn the master bedroom and bathroom incident into a small conflict that could be resolved over one meal.

The car didn't go directly to the restaurant. Ethan brought me back to the apartment first. "Sofia's not here today," he said. "Take your time packing things. No rush."

I entered the master bedroom and my steps halted. Things here had been changed. The spot in the bathroom that used to belong to me was cleared out, Sofia's frequently used items displayed in the most prominent places. A section of the walk-in closet had also been emptied, hung with Sofia's clothes.

Ethan stood behind me. "This is just a temporary arrangement. She'll move out once her condition stabilizes."

I nodded, walked to the drawer, and took out the old design drawing. I didn't touch the bed or the closet.

Ethan frowned. "You really don't mind at all?"

I put the old design drawing in a document folder. "Since it's already been changed, let her use it."

Ethan was about to speak when the doorbell rang downstairs. Sofia entered with several mutual friends.

Seeing me, she froze for a moment, then quickly smiled.

"Aria's here too? I just invited friends over to visit. I didn't expect you'd be back today."

As she spoke, she'd already naturally had the housekeeper serve coffee to the friends.

The friends saw her enter the master bedroom with familiarity, and someone soon laughed. "Sofia, you're way too familiar with this place."

Sofia lowered her head with a smile. "I haven't been doing well lately. Ethan didn't feel comfortable with me living alone, so he let me stay here for a few days. At night I'm afraid of the dark, so he comes to check on me too."

Those friends' gazes landed on my face. Someone immediately said, "Aria's so gentle, not even minding something like this."

I didn't explain that I was the actual owner of this place. I simply yielded the living room, saying to Sofia, "These are your guests. Entertain them well."

Ethan stood at the doorway, his expression already very dark. He called Sofia aside. "Have them leave immediately."

Sofia's eyes reddened. "I just wanted them to know I'm not suffering alone. If you make them leave now, what will they think of me?"

Ethan's voice grew colder. "This isn't your home."

Sofia seemed pierced by those words, her face going white instantly. "I know." She said quietly, "Then I'll just move out. Anyway, if I go back alone, no one will care about me at night."

Ethan fell silent.

I'd heard their conversation. But I simply put the document folder in my bag, preparing to leave.

Ethan followed me to the door. "The restaurant's already booked."

I glanced at the living room. "You don't have time right now."

"I can leave with you."

Sofia immediately stood up, her face pale. "Ethan, you're leaving now? They're all here. I was already embarrassed enough just now."

A friend also tried to lighten the mood. "Yeah, don't make things so awkward."

Ethan's steps stopped in place.

I spoke first. "Restaurants are available anytime. I have things to do, so I'm leaving first." After speaking, I had the driver take me to the station.

As the car left the complex, the project manager sent the long-term housing contract. I opened it and looked for a long time.

Ethan's message also popped up at that moment. He said Sofia was just emotionally unstable, told me not to misunderstand, and said he'd handle it later.

I didn't reply. I signed the contract. A few seconds later, the project manager sent official notification: "Report for duty in five days."

I put down my phone. Outside the car window was the city I'd lived in for many years. I didn't look back toward the apartment.

Aria POV

I returned to the apartment a third time. This was my last trip back to retrieve physical materials.

Home furnishing company workers were going in and out of the master bedroom, movers carrying cabinet panels, another person supporting a mirror coming out of the walk-in closet.

Sofia sat on the bed's edge, directing the housekeeper to send her clothes inside.

She smiled smugly. "Aria, don't overthink it. I'm only staying temporarily. If things are messy I can't sleep well, so Ethan had people adjust things slightly."

I looked at Ethan. Ethan avoided my gaze. "I'm just redistributing the space. I won't touch your important items."

I said nothing and went directly to the study. After retrieving my materials and preparing to leave, Sofia stopped me. "There's a box of your things in the closet. I don't know where to put it. You should check it yourself."

I didn't turn back. "Put it in the guest room."

Sofia's voice immediately lowered. "I don't dare move your things carelessly. Last time with the bathroom incident you already got hurt. I'm afraid I'll do something wrong again this time."

Ethan looked at me. He wanted me to go in and take a look, to end this matter.

I eventually still entered the walk-in closet. Inside was no longer the familiar layout I knew.

My frequently used spot had been moved to the very back, several old pieces of clothing packed in a box with a temporary label stuck beside it.

Old items Ethan once wouldn't let anyone touch now lay piled on the floor, waiting to make space for Sofia.

Ethan walked in, his expression finally darkening. "Stop." He told the workers.

Sofia immediately looked at him.

Ethan said coldly, "This was originally Aria's space. It shouldn't be changed like this."

Sofia's tears fell quickly. "I didn't know these things were so important to Aria. If she's uncomfortable, I'll move out right now."

Ethan didn't immediately comfort her, only saying, "You go out first."

Sofia stood without moving, tears streaming down continuously. "I've only been able to sleep well these past few days. Turns out me staying here still makes all of you this miserable."

I suddenly spoke. "Don't stop."

Ethan looked at me. I walked over and picked up the box of old items. "I was going to take my things anyway."

Ethan reached out to stop me. I went around him.

The workers prepared to move the tall cabinet beside them. Sofia stood next to the cabinet and suddenly called out softly, "Ethan, I feel a bit dizzy."

Ethan looked over immediately.

I passed by carrying the box. Sofia fell toward Ethan, her elbow hitting the edge of the tall cabinet.

The cabinet hadn't been properly secured, and with this collision, it tilted outward along with the mirror.

Ethan barely hesitated before reaching out to shield Sofia behind him.

I stood on the other side, no time to dodge.

The cabinet corner struck hard against my shoulder and back, mirror fragments slicing across my arm as I fell to the ground.

The box opened, old items scattering everywhere.

That old keychain also rolled out, landing beside the broken mirror.

The scene descended into chaos. Sofia was protected in Ethan's arms, crying and asking, "Ethan, are you hurt?"

Only then did Ethan see me on the ground. His expression changed. He released Sofia and quickly crouched down. "Aria!"

I braced myself against the floor to sit up, avoiding his hand. My arm still bled, my shoulder and back hurt so much I couldn't lift them, yet I first picked up the old keychain and put it in my pocket.

Seeing that keychain, Ethan's movements stopped. That was what I'd attached when he gave me the first house key years ago.

Ethan's voice sounded. "I'll take you to the hospital."

But Sofia sat down nearby, clutching her chest. "Ethan, I can't quite catch my breath. I might have been scared just now."

Ethan's steps halted.

I saw it. I pressed my wound and stood up. "You take care of her first. I'll go by myself."

Anger threaded through Ethan's voice. "You're injured this badly and you're still pushing me away?"

I looked at him. "She needs you more right now."

Sofia called for him softly again.

I'd already walked out of the closet and called my own car. I went to the hospital alone.

After the doctor treated my wound and examined my shoulder and back, he reminded me not to carry heavy objects recently.

When I came out with the medical record, the project manager called, asking if I could report on time in five days.

I glanced at my bandaged arm. "Yes."

Ethan's call came through at that moment. I didn't answer. I put the medical record in my bag and went to the project team.

The project manager told me the housing room had been cleared and I could move in early anytime.

I nodded. "Then I'll move in early."

Aria POV

I moved into the old town project housing early.

The room wasn't large. Just a bed, a table, and a wardrobe. The door card was in my own hand, and the registration form had only my name on it.

I placed project materials on the table and pushed my suitcase against the wall.

The suitcase didn't hold much. A few commonly worn clothes, two contracts, and the old design drawing I'd brought from the apartment.

The jewelry and evening gowns Ethan had given me, I didn't take a single piece.

When the project manager took me to the site and saw my arm still wrapped in gauze, he asked, "Is your body holding up okay?"

I hung the work badge around my neck. "I'm fine."

When Ethan found me here, I was verifying restoration materials with project personnel.

I stood among the crowd, my arm not raised high, my shoulder and back still aching, yet I could already clearly communicate every issue with people.

When I finished communicating, Ethan walked over. "I want to talk to you."

I didn't avoid him. I followed him outside the courtyard.

Anger threaded through Ethan's voice. "Why did you suddenly move here? Because I protected Sofia first that day?"

I looked at him. "The project started early. I joined the team per contract."

"You're injured, living alone in a place like this, is that appropriate?"

"The project has safety procedures."

"Who did you put as emergency contact?"

I paused. "Not you."

Ethan's expression changed. "Aria Winters, we haven't separated yet. If something happens to you, the project team can only contact me."

"You won't need to be bothered with these things in the future."

Those words were soft, yet harder to hear than an argument.

Ethan fell silent for a long time, finally lowering his voice. "I'll handle things at the apartment. The master bedroom will be restored. I'll arrange for Sofia to move out."

I asked, "Where will you arrange for her to go?"

Ethan stopped. He seemed not to expect me to ask so directly. "I'll find another place and arrange someone to stay with her."

I nodded. "That sounds good."

My reaction was too calm, as if I were hearing about someone else's affairs.

Frustration showed in Ethan's eyes. "Are you still blaming me?"

I didn't answer. I took the old keychain from my pocket and handed it to him. "I found this in the closet. I should return it to you."

Ethan looked at the keychain, his fingers freezing.

That year when I stood downstairs with my luggage, too afraid to enter, he'd pressed the keys and keychain into my hands together, telling me not to stand outside waiting anymore.

I'd kept this keychain for many years. Now it was covered in dust, the edges still stained with blood from that day in the closet that hadn't been wiped clean.

Ethan didn't take it. "That was for you."

I placed the keychain in his palm. "That home needs to be rearranged now. There's no point in me keeping it."

Ethan's voice deepened. "The apartment won't become Sofia's home."

I looked at him. "She moved into the master bedroom, the closet was changed, and she invited friends to visit. These things already happened."

Ethan was blocked from speaking. After a long while, he finally said, "I'll take you back tonight and have her move out."

His phone rang at that moment. Sofia's name appeared on the screen.

Ethan didn't answer immediately. I glanced at it. "Answer it. She might need something."

Ethan hung up directly. "Today I'm handling your matters first."

The call came through again quickly. She kept calling Ethan. His expression grew uglier, until finally he answered.

Sofia cried breathlessly on the other end. "Ethan, I can't turn on the light. The room's so dark, like that old building back then... I can't find my medicine. Can you come?"

Ethan's brow furrowed sharply as he immediately asked if the door was open, if anyone was nearby. Sofia cried that she didn't dare move and could only wait for him.

After hanging up, Ethan looked at me. "Her condition might really be acting up."

I nodded. "You should go."

Ethan opened his mouth, as if wanting to say he'd come back after handling this. I'd already turned and entered the project courtyard. The gate closed behind me.

Aria POV

Ethan didn't return to the old town that night.

The next day, he sent me a message saying Sofia's condition was unstable, the temporary housing wasn't suitable for her, and he'd make new arrangements. I read it but didn't reply.

I was busy at the project site until evening when the project manager reminded me, "If you're staying here long-term, you'd better handle things back home in the next couple days. In a few days this place will be closed, making it inconvenient to leave."

I returned to the apartment that night. I told Ethan in advance I was only coming back for half an hour to get things and he didn't need to come back.

But when I entered, Sofia's voice came from the master bedroom. Sofia hadn't moved out.

She was having the housekeeper hang several pieces of clothing back in the closet.

Seeing me, she first showed surprise, then quickly smiled.

"Aria, why did you suddenly come back? Ethan wasn't comfortable with me living alone, so he had me come back and stay for a few days."

I didn't engage, walking straight to the study.

Sofia followed. "He originally wanted to explain personally but was afraid you'd overthink it, so he told me not to say anything first."

I packed materials into my bag.

Sofia's voice lowered, finally unable to hide her smugness. "Actually, who gets to stay in this home is ultimately Ethan's decision."

I stopped and looked at her. "What exactly are you trying to say?"

Sofia stepped closer. "Last night after Ethan came back, he kept looking at that old keychain. What he can't let go of isn't you, it's the convenience of having someone take care of him."

I looked at her without letting her drag me into an argument. "If you really want to stay, hold onto him tight. And stop making him run to my side."

Sofia's expression changed. She immediately caught up.

"But he still brought me back to the master bedroom in the end, didn't he? He says he'll arrange for me to move out, but in the end he softens."

I zipped up my bag. "The master bedroom, the house, Ethan, you can have it all if you want."

I finished speaking and went downstairs.

When Ethan rushed back to the apartment, I'd nearly reached the door. Seeing Sofia still at home, his expression immediately darkened. "Go back to the master bedroom. Don't come out."

Sofia tried to explain. This time Ethan gave her no chance to speak.

I said, "I've got my things. I'm leaving."

Ethan caught up and grabbed my suitcase handle. "I'll handle this properly."

I looked at his hand.

Ethan's voice tightened. "If you want the original master bedroom, I'll have it restored. If you think this apartment is tainted, I'll get a new one. If you mind the property rights, I'll have a lawyer come over right now."

These words sounded sincere. But they all revolved around the house.

I only said, "I'm living at the project site now. I don't need a new house."

Ethan's eyes reddened, pushed by my refusal. "Then what exactly do you want?"

"Let go."

"Aria, do you have to make a scene?"

I looked at him. "What are you talking about?"

Ethan froze.

"I didn't kick Sofia out, didn't stop you from taking care of her, and didn't force you to return the master bedroom to me." I gripped the suitcase handle. "I'm just moving out."

With those words, Ethan's fingers stiffened.

Suddenly Sofia's urgent voice came from upstairs. "Ethan! The door won't open!" Her voice trembled, as if she'd cry the next second.

"I went into the small storage room next to the master bedroom. There's no light inside... Ethan, I can't breathe!"

Ethan's expression changed. He instinctively released the suitcase handle and turned to run upstairs. The housekeeper and maintenance staff followed. The living room quickly emptied.

I lowered my head to look at the finally released suitcase handle. I didn't wait for Ethan to come back and explain, nor did I go upstairs to see if Sofia was really trapped. I dragged my suitcase out the door and got in a car.

As the car left the complex, Ethan sent a message. He said Sofia really had been trapped just now, told me to go back to the project site first, and he'd come find me later.

I glanced at it but didn't reply. I took the apartment access card from my bag and put it in an envelope. By the time the envelope was sealed, the car had driven far away.

Aria POV

When I finished tidying the housing room, a box still sat against the wall. Inside were old items I planned to send back to the villa.

Ethan rushed to the old town that afternoon without bringing Sofia or having his driver follow inside.

He stood outside the project site. I wore my work badge, verifying restoration progress with the project manager.

After I finished working, Ethan spoke. "Let's have a proper talk tonight."

I didn't refuse.

At the restaurant, Ethan didn't mention Sofia's fear of the dark again or explain about the master bedroom. He said, "I've already had Sofia move out. The master bedroom will be restored to its original state."

I asked, "Where is she now?"

"Another apartment in the city. Someone's with her, and a doctor will visit."

I nodded. "Very thorough arrangements."

That tone sounded too much like an outsider's. Ethan's expression darkened. He pulled property transfer documents from his bag and pushed them toward me. "The villa can be transferred to your name. If you don't want to live in the original house, I'll help you pick a new one."

I didn't take them. "I need to enter the closed site tomorrow morning." I said, "I'm not handling the house matter right now."

Ethan stared at me. "Are you not planning to come home anymore?"

Before I could answer, his phone rang. The call was from the housekeeper taking care of Sofia.

The housekeeper sounded panicked, saying Sofia had disappeared. She left only one sentence. That she was going back to look at the old building where the incident happened.

Ethan's expression changed drastically. That old building had long been abandoned, with unsafe stairs and wiring. He hung up, his first reaction to stand up.

I looked at him and said, "Go."

Ethan seemed about to explain. "This time is different. She might really be in danger."

"I know."

Ethan picked up his car keys. "Go back to your place first. I'll come find you after I handle this." He left right after speaking.

I sat in the restaurant, closed the property transfer documents, and placed them back on the table.

The project manager sent a message. Tomorrow morning's assembly time had been moved up to six o'clock.

Later the project van happened to detour near the old building to pick someone up. Through the car window,

I saw Ethan's car parked outside.

The housekeeper and security surrounded the building's base while Ethan had already rushed inside.

Screams came from upstairs.

Someone shouted, "She's on the third floor in the old storage room! The door's jammed and there's no light inside!"

Project personnel got out to examine the old building's structure.

I also followed to the stairway entrance. I'd only wanted to confirm whether the site needed the restoration team to assess the risks.

Suddenly an old wooden board came loose from above. Sofia had just been pulled from the old storage room by Ethan and stood trembling at the landing.

Ethan barely hesitated before pulling her into his arms and backing toward the wall with her. The board hit the handrail, its shattered edges falling toward the other side.

I stood right there.

My shoulder and back were struck, my palm cut by rusted metal when I braced myself on the ground.

I knelt at the bottom of the stairs and looked up to see Ethan lowering his head to check Sofia. He asked her, "Are you hurt?" Sofia clung tightly to him, shaking her head while crying.

Ethan finally saw me, his face going white, immediately wanting to come help me. Sofia gripped his clothes. "Ethan, my legs are weak..." Ethan's movements paused for an instant.

I braced myself against the stairway railing to stand, letting a project colleague help me outside. Ethan explained urgently, "The situation was too sudden just now. She was closer to me."

I didn't respond to that statement. I only said, "Get her out first. The old building isn't safe."

I had my palm and shoulder treated at a nearby clinic. The project manager asked if I needed to notify family. I said no. Ethan's calls came continuously. I didn't answer.

That evening, I returned to the villa. Some of Sofia's things had been moved away, but traces of her still remained in the master bedroom.

I didn't tidy up. I pulled out the last box, placed the keys on the nightstand.

The access card pressed beside the keys. The old keychain also lay nearby, still stained with dust that hadn't been wiped clean.

I placed Ethan's property transfer documents at the very bottom. I didn't sign.

The housekeeper saw me dragging the box downstairs and froze. "Mrs. Hart, are you going back to the old town?"

I stopped walking. "You don't need to prepare my things anymore or keep a room for me. If he comes back, have him look at the master bedroom nightstand." The housekeeper said Ethan would be back soon.

But I didn't wait.

As the car door closed, Ethan's call came through again.

I watched the screen light up and turned it off. The car drove toward the old town.