Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 34

Chapter 34 I Like Being with You

My head felt like it was going to explode.

Ethan was totally wasted. He suddenly leaned in and kissed me hard, the strong smell of alcohol filling my mouth.

"Ethan, stop!" I said, my voice tense. I didn't dare shout; it would be too embarrassing if someone came.

In the quiet tent, his heavy breathing by my ear made my already weak body even softer.

Finally, Ethan collapsed next to me and fell asleep. Occasionally, he pulled me into his arms, nuzzling my neck, mumbling, "Happy birthday!"

My body, which had been burning hot, suddenly felt like it was doused with cold water.

Today wasn't my birthday. Clearly, he wasn't talking to me. He didn't even know who I was. I felt a mix of frustration, disappointment, and sadness.

I don't know how long it took, but I finally heard him breathing evenly. I moved his arm off me, cleaned up quickly, and left the tent.

The observation deck was quiet. Everyone was asleep, and I could hear snoring from one of the tents. I took Ethan's bike and started riding back.

I had just learned to ride a bike, and the dark, downhill road scared me. But I was more afraid of facing Ethan when he woke up. I didn't know how to face him.

The visibility was poor, and the downhill speed was fast. The wind blurred my tear-streaked eyes. I panicked, afraid I might go off a cliff, so I braked hard.

I must have braked too abruptly because I went flying. My knees and arms scraped the ground, and the bike fell on my leg.

I tried to stand but realized I had twisted my ankle. The scene felt familiar just like that night on the mountainside, injured and alone.

It seemed I could never escape fate. Every time I felt happiness was near, reality hit me hard.

how long I sat on the cold road before I saw a light

recognized Ethan. I didn't expect him

"Did you fall? Are you hurt?" he asked urgently,

some reason, my eyes teared up. He bent down, one hand on my shoulder and the other under my legs, trying to pick me up. I silently pushed him

running? Do you think I can't take responsibility or

"No need to take responsibility. You were drunk; it was an accident. I'm not

to take responsibility. I ran because I didn't know how to face him. Now that I had to, I tried to appear calm

me seriously. "Do you remember

I guessed what he wanted to say but pretended

you today, I'll marry you

said, "I usually don't remember

turned somber.

"Stop it, Ethan. We're both adults. You got drunk and lost control; it's no big

on my shoulder tightened, causing me pain. "I'm not marrying you because I slept with you. I wasn't joking in the hospital that day," he said slowly,

staring at

of my shoulder and sat beside me, lighting a cigarette. In the small flame, I could see his

late-stage lymphoma," he said. "The doctor says he has at most two years. He wants

mentioned his family. I realized I knew very little

in his mouth. "So what? Emily, do you have so little confidence

marriage. I'd been hurt too deeply and

the woman who called him 'Ethy' on the phone was and who he was saying "Happy

Marriage is a lifelong commitment, not a game,"

you. I want to marry you," Ethan

disrupted my inner peace, but I'm no longer a naive teenager swayed by sweet words.

serious about everything can be exhausting. Liking can turn into love over time. Even if I said I loved you now, you wouldn't believe it, would you?" I believe that liking and love have a process. At the time, I thought

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255