Rita stepped into Ray's basement.

She turned her head—and froze.

Where was her husband?

Ray walked over, casually tossing several packs of instant noodles onto the floor. There were even a few full-boiled eggs, plus several bottles of mineral water. As he did, he ordered calmly, "Stand by the door."

Rita instinctively wanted to refuse, but the moment she saw the pile of food on the ground, the refusal stuck in her throat. Her lips moved soundlessly instead.

She had been starving for days. O