Before I Leave

Stella had no family to say goodbye to.

Her parents died when she was 15. Ever since then, she had been on her own.

She called Ethan's parents and told them she wanted to call off the engagement.

After hanging up, she headed to the auction house.

Stella's mother had been a famous ceramic artist. Since her mother passed away, Stella had been collecting her mother's pieces as keepsakes.

There was one piece named 'Love'. Her mother made it while pregnant with her. Stella had been searching for it for years.

She was lucky. Just before leaving for the Northwest Research Base, the piece came up for auction.

However, when she arrived, she saw Ethan and Rachel there too.

The moment Ethan saw her, his tone turned cold. "Stella, have you made enough of a scene?"

"What?" She blinked, entirely confused.

His face showed even more impatience.

"You called my parents to break off the engagement. Was it because the wedding felt too rushed? Fine. I increased the wedding budget tenfold. Are you happy now?"

Stella finally understood—they still did not believe she was serious about ending things.

"You misunderstood. I really wanted—"

Before she could finish, Ethan cut her off again, "Enough is enough, Stella."

Looking at the cold expression on his face, Stella no longer wanted to explain herself.

The wedding was in five days. Once he saw no bride at the altar, he would understand she meant it.

The auction started.

Ethan leaned closer to Rachel and said gently, "Your birthday is around the corner. Tell me what you like, and I will buy it for you."

Rachel clutched the hem of her sleeve and shook her head. "Uncle Ethan, raising me was already a huge favor. Everything here is too expensive. I don't deserve anything—"

"Don't mention it." Ethan frowned. "You deserve the best in the world."

12 years ago, Rachel's father had died saving Ethan. Since then, Ethan had taken her in.

She had been 10. He was 21.

The little girl had grown into a beautiful young woman.

Watching Ethan gaze at Rachel with soft eyes, Stella suddenly realized how blind she had been in her past life. She never realized how much he loved Rachel.

The host's voice rang out, "Next up is a well-known porcelain piece: Love!"

A snow-white sculpture was carried onto the stage—a mother elephant wrapping her trunk around her baby.

Rachel suddenly looked up.

Ethan noticed right away.

"You like this one?"

Rachel blushed and replied, "Yes... it reminds me of my mom."

At that moment, Stella raised her number. "1 million dollars."

She offered double the market price. She had to get her mother's final piece.

Just then, Ethan followed suit and offered his bid price.

"2 million dollars."

Stella glared at him sharply.

Ethan stayed calm and said, "Rachel likes it."

Anger flashed in Stella's eyes.

"That is my mother's last piece!"

Ethan froze and finally noticed the artist's name. His hand lowered on instinct.

Rachel's voice broke in, soft and trembling, "It's okay, Uncle Ethan. I never deserved something so nice anyway…"

Her eyes turned red. Ethan's chest tightened.

Without a second thought, he turned to the staff.

"I'll outbid anyone for it."