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.

my hand, he was already walking back. I sighed in relief

rely on yourself. Don't get distracted

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

believe in that stuff. I only

confidence and couldn't help but look

whether talking or just sitting there, exuding a unique masculine

location?" he suddenly asked, catching my

quickly looked away and pointed to an

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

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

Maybe Arthur hurt me

judgment was so poor. With so many suitors, how

car leave before

rundown, with no streetlights. Under the