Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 8 I Only Trust Myself

"Is this advice from you as a man?" I asked Ethan.

"It's advice as a human. People avoid harm and go for what benefits them most," Ethan replied.

Halfway through our drive, we saw some trees being cut down, their cross-sections laid out in front of us.

Ethan pulled over by the woods, stood by the largest tree, and waved me over. Confused, I got out and walked to him.

We stood in front of the tree, and Ethan tapped the cross-section with his finger, smiling. "I heard tapping wood wards off bad luck. Give it a try. Tap it and make a wish."

Not wanting to refuse, I mimicked him, tapped the tree, and made a wish. I wished to rely on myself and for a better life.

When I opened my eyes, Ethan was staring at me intensely. Feeling shy, I pretended the sunlight was too bright and shielded my eyes, quickly composing myself.

the time I lowered my hand, he was already walking back.

just wished to rely on yourself. Don't get distracted by a

car, we continued our drive. Curious, I asked,

in that stuff. I

aback by his confidence and couldn't help but

every angle, whether talking or just sitting there, exuding a unique

the location?" he suddenly asked, catching my

quickly looked away and pointed to an alley.

and I got out, taking my suitcase. "Thanks for today. Tell me the fare, and I'll pay you along with what

a businessman, but I'm not all about money. And I'm a man. When a woman tells me she's homeless with tears

me too deeply. Compared

so poor. With so many suitors, how did I end

watched Ethan's car leave before walking

narrow and rundown, with no streetlights. Under the