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Chapter 22

Author: Bitter Egg
Stella's hand froze.

Life at the aerospace base was supposed to be cut off from the outside world to prevent any risk of leaks. Alas, it was impossible to expect researchers to survive without any contact or entertainment.

They were allowed to browse the news and even shop online, though under strict guidelines.

Because of that, Stella saw the news. She had read everything Ethan said about her.

Her coworkers all looked at her curiously.

"Stella, the timing of his fiancee's disappearance lines up with when you came here. The only difference is, she went abroad to study, and you joined this base."

"Yeah, seriously! If we didn't know better, I'd think you were his fiancee."

Laughter broke out around the table.

Stella smiled forcibly and replied, "Lots of people out there share the same name."

In this base, people worked closely but rarely got too personal. Aside from Mia who had initially mentored her and had access to her background, no one else knew who Stella really was.

They
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  • Before I Leave   Chapter 25

    Stella followed Ethan's mother to the hospital where she finally saw Ethan, lying in a hospital bed, barely hanging on.She was confused. Ethan had lived into his fifties in his previous life until a car accident took him then. At this moment, however, his body looked completely broken as if it had given out far too early."What happened?" she asked quietly.Ethan's mother choked on her words, wiping her tears, and replied, "After you left, he stopped caring about himself. He threw himself into work, never rested, and barely ate. We tried to stop him, but he wouldn't listen."His body couldn't take it. He has end-stage cancer."Stella stood silently, watching the man she once loved fade into someone unrecognizable.When Ethan lost her, he had lost everything. His health had simply followed.On the bed, Ethan gave her a weak, tired smile."You came back," he whispered."I once told myself, after everything I did to you in the previous life… if I got another chance, I'd wait for

  • Before I Leave   Chapter 24

    Ethan froze where he stood.Stella, calm and steady, looked him in the eye and spoke clearly, "Ethan, imagine this: Someone breaks your heart for over twenty years, and you die in the end because of their selfishness."One day, you're given a second chance at life. Would you really waste even one more minute on that person?"Ethan's face went pale. He could not speak a word.Stella gave a quiet sigh and continued, voice soft but firm."Your expression tells everything. That's why I hope you can understand me."Ethan, please stop looking for me."Without another word, she turned and walked away.Ethan stood there, rooted to the spot, as if all life had drained from him.He had always thought that dream was unusually vivid. He finally knew why.Everything he saw in that dream—her pain, her heartbreak, her death—it was all real.Ethan crumpled to the ground as despair overtook him. His body shook as he buried his face in his hands.That dream was never a warning; it was a memo

  • Before I Leave   Chapter 23

    Stella finally understood what was happening.She frowned slightly and whispered, "Sir, I think I'd better head back to the lab. I still have some work to finish."Before she could walk away, Ethan reached out and grabbed her arm. "Why are you walking away the second you see me?"She calmly pulled her arm free. "I'm not avoiding you.""Yes, you are," Ethan said, his voice rising. "If you really don't care about me, why won't you even look at me?"Stella sighed, finally meeting his eyes directly—steady, quiet, and composed."I'm looking now, aren't I?" she said plainly. "I'm just done wasting time on you. That's all."Stella meant it.She had enough of all the waiting and disappointment.She wanted to spend the rest of her life on herself and her future, not chasing after a man who only realized her worth when she was gone.Ethan's expression shifted, hurt flashing in his eyes."I'm sorry, Stella," he said, his voice almost a whisper.The once-proud man stood before her, hea

  • Before I Leave   Chapter 22

    Stella's hand froze.Life at the aerospace base was supposed to be cut off from the outside world to prevent any risk of leaks. Alas, it was impossible to expect researchers to survive without any contact or entertainment.They were allowed to browse the news and even shop online, though under strict guidelines.Because of that, Stella saw the news. She had read everything Ethan said about her.Her coworkers all looked at her curiously."Stella, the timing of his fiancee's disappearance lines up with when you came here. The only difference is, she went abroad to study, and you joined this base.""Yeah, seriously! If we didn't know better, I'd think you were his fiancee."Laughter broke out around the table.Stella smiled forcibly and replied, "Lots of people out there share the same name."In this base, people worked closely but rarely got too personal. Aside from Mia who had initially mentored her and had access to her background, no one else knew who Stella really was.They

  • Before I Leave   Chapter 21

    Ethan's mother stood frozen, stunned by Ethan's declaration.He clenched his fist as he firmly said, "I will bring Stella back. I will find her as long as she's still alive—no matter where she is."As long as she was alive, he stood a chance to make things right.He believed Stella loved him too deeply and would not let go without a fight. She had not stopped loving him.She had only left because he had hurt her too much. He finally understood his feelings, and he could win her back if he tried hard enough.His mother stared at him in disbelief. "Ethan, do you hear yourself? She's gone to a top-secret national project. You can't just track her down!"Ethan remained unfazed. "There's always a way. Even if I can't find her, I'll wait. However long it takes.""What?!" His mother could hardly process it.As she saw the unwavering look in Ethan's eyes, she knew she could no longer sway him.Ethan was no longer the rebellious boy who used to defy them just for the sake of it; he had

  • Before I Leave   Chapter 20

    When Ethan first woke up, he felt relieved.Stella was still alive after all. She had not died tragically because of him like in that nightmare.However, the relief only lasted a second.Stella was alive, but she was so far away that he could not reach her. The thought crushed him, the pain in his chest making him feel conflicted.After all, in that dream, no matter how twisted it had been, he had spent over 20 years with her.Reality, however, reminded him how he would no longer have a chance with her.He gasped for air, like the pain was squeezing the life out of him.His mother panicked and rushed to his side, concerned. "What's wrong, Ethan? Are you feeling sick? Do you want me to call a doctor?"Ethan's eyes were red. He slowly looked up at her and raspily croaked, "Mom… I love Stella."It felt like a burden was lifted off of him when he said it. He finally faced his feelings for Stella.His mother froze for a second, then broke into tears."I knew it," she sobbed. "I'v

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