Connor Stevens and Katie Ellis Novel Love Turned to Ashes

As I was being attacked by a rabid dog while pregnant, it just so happened that Connor Stevens was driving by with his secretary.
Hearing my hoarse cries for help, he covered her ears.
He said, Don't listen, don't look, or you'll have nightmares tonight.
Then he rolled up the car window and sped away.
That day, after having an abortion, I found a torn pair of black stockings in the corner of the bedside table.
It was clear how intense they had been in bed.
After a bout of dry heaving, I dialed a number with a hidden name.
I said, "I'll do as you say. I'll come back to take over the company, but you can't interfere with any of my decisions."

"Fine, as long as you come back, the company is yours to run," replied the person.
Just then, Connor walked in with takeout food.
The man who used to come home empty-handed now came home late and always brought back sweets and leftovers.
He glanced at me, placed the food on the dining table, and started to take off his suit jacket as he headed to the bathroom.
He showed no interest in who I was talking to or what we were discussing.
As I hung up the phone, he happened to come out of the bathroom.
Seeing that I hadn't touched the food on the dining table, he frowned.
He asked, "Didn't you say you hadn't eaten dinner?"
I raised my hand, showing him the stitches. "The doctor said I need to avoid certain foods."
The food he brought back was either shrimp or heavily spiced. I knew without looking.
That was Katie Ellis' taste.
His displeasure turned into embarrassment.
I had told him about being bitten by a dog, but he hadn't taken it to heart.
He said, "Then order something else for yourself."
I nodded and took out my phone to start ordering.
Seeing me not making a fuss, he looked puzzled, and his steps towards the bedroom paused.
He asked, "Is your next shot in three days? Do you need me to go with you?"
I replied, "No need."
I continued operating my phone with an indifferent expression.
Just as Connor sensed my strangeness, I also felt his unusual behavior.
In the past, when I was injured, I'd have to beg him to take me to work.
If he agreed, I'd be overjoyed for days.
But today, he offered on his own, and not only did I decline, but I also showed no sign of happiness.
Connor didn't know that this afternoon when I was being chased by a rabid dog, I had just found out I was a month pregnant.
When his car passed by, I had only been knocked down by the dog and hadn't been bitten yet.
If he had gotten out of the car then, maybe our child could have been saved.
But there were no ifs.
After he left, I was bitten three times by the rabid dog, the most serious wound needing a circle of stitches.
Because a piece of flesh there was almost torn off by the dog.
"Suit yourself," he said.
Rejected by me for the first time, Connor was not happy.
But as soon as he turned, his phone rang.
Seeing the name on the phone, he stopped frowning.
"Since you're injured, I'll sleep in the guest room tonight," he said.
I had no objection to this.
But as I passed by the guest room door on my way back to my room, I heard low laughter coming from inside.
"Okay, this is on me. I'll make it up to you tomorrow."
Connor's tone was gentle and affectionate, a treatment I had never experienced.
In my memory, the only smile Connor ever gave me was a mocking one when he was angry.
Other than that, he was always indifferent toward me.
It didn't matter now. I didn't care anymore.


The next morning, I prepared breakfast for one.
Milk and a sandwich were just healthy and convenient.
Connor walked over to the dining table out of habit, only to find his glass empty.
"Where's mine?" he asked.
I hesitated for a moment. "I thought you didn't like milk."
Connor didn't respond. He was not happy.
He didn't like milk, but in the past, I would always heat a glass for him and insist he drink it, regardless of his preferences.
I did it because he had a weak stomach, and milk was good for it.
Ignoring his stare, I glanced at the schedule, downed the milk in one gulp, put the dishes in the dishwasher, and rushed to the door.
Behind me, Connor seemed to say he would take me, but my footsteps were too loud, and I thought I must have misheard.
Connor and I had been together for eight years, working at the same company, yet I took the crowded subway every day.
Today, because of my injuries, I had arranged for a car to pick me up half an hour earlier.
Connor, who was usually punctual, was late. He arrived with his secretary, Katie.