Chapter 91

The two stood facing each other in silence. After a brief silence, Ethan stubbed out the cigarette in the ashtray. "Yes, I deliberately broke you two up." Even though he didn't want her to know, now that she had figured it out, denying it would clearly be the worse choice. Stella furrowed her brow unconsciously and asked, "Why would you do that?" "From the past to now, I have never known what the right thing to do is." His smile was faint. "I admit this approach is somewhat extreme. If you're angry about it, you can punish me." "How would I punish you?" "The highest punishment: you can break up with me." But divorce was not an option. Breaking up could always lead to reconciliation, but divorce would be irreversible. Ethan was somewhat relieved that he had early on secured their relationship with a marriage bond. Stella nodded lightly, her voice still calm. "Alright, let's break up first." "You can reconsider—" "No need," she interrupted firmly. Ethan sighed heavily, strugg