My Husband Turned My Mother’s Funeral into His Secretary's Birthday Party

My physical weakness left me too drained to resist, so I was helplessly dragged forward by him.

With the passenger window half-open, Stella poked her head out and, in a playful tone, apologized.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Valdez. It's all because Luther spoils me so much, he doesn't want me going to drink with those guys."

Before I could respond, Luther smiled and pinched her cheek.

"Those guys like to get a little too comfortable after drinking. How could I let you go?"

A cold, sharp feeling hit my heart as if it had fallen into an icy abyss and all the love I once had was drained away in an instant.

Luther opened the back door, shoved me inside and then walked around to the front to get in the driver’s seat.

Once the car was moving, Luther and Stella spoke and laughed as though I did not even exist.

I sat quietly in the back, staring blankly out the window, my mind numb.

Suddenly, Stella looked at me with a glint of provocation before turning to Luther with a soft, flirtatious voice.

"Luther, the maid cat sexy lingerie you bought for me just arrived."

Luther's eyes darkened immediately and his Adam's apple bobbed as he struggled to keep his composure.

Moments later, he pulled over to the side of the road and said coldly, without even looking at me.

"Stella and I are going back to the apartment to grab some things. You head to the hotel to meet the client and make sure you keep those men happy. This is important for my promotion."

I met his eyes quietly, then let out a laugh.

The sound of my laughter echoed through the small car, full of contempt.

For a brief second, panic flashed across his face. The next moment, he unlocked the door and gestured for me to get out.

I said nothing but added, "By the way, don’t forget to open the gift I gave you."

A flicker of confusion crossed Luther’s face as though he had already forgotten the gift I mentioned.

After a beat, he regained his indifferent expression and said, "Just get out. Don’t waste time."

I stepped out of the car and as I turned, I saw Luther opening a bag of potato chips and handing them to Stella with an almost loving gesture.

Once upon a time, I would also have snacks in Luther's car.

Unfortunately, all I got in return were harsh words and disdain.

"You're so messy, crumbs everywhere. It's like you're a slob. It's disgusting!"

"You're as uncouth as you are, worse than a beggar. Don’t eat in my car again!"

I watched the car drive off, the dust cloud swirling around me and it felt as though my heart was being pierced by countless sharp needles.

I lifted my hand, staring at the wedding ring on my finger. It once symbolized our love, holding all the hopes I had for the future.

Now, it felt like a searing brand, constantly reminding me of my own foolishness and failure.

Clenching my teeth, I pulled the ring off and hurled it into the sewer by the side of the road.

I then flagged down a taxi and headed straight to my house to pack my things before heading for the airport.

Just as I was about to board the plane, Luther called.

As soon as the call connected, his voice blared through the speaker: "Where are you? Why didn’t you go to the hotel to meet the clients?"

"Do you have any idea how much this banquet affects my promotion?"

To him, my safety and dignity were worth far less than his career.

I could not hold back anymore. "You want me to go, even though those men could do something to me? What do you think I am?"

"Luther, I’m a human being. I have my own flesh and blood. I feel pain, I can have sorrow and…"