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.

before I saw a light coming from uphill. A figure on

from a distance, I recognized Ethan. I didn't expect him to wake

me. "Did you

down, one hand on my shoulder and the other under my legs, trying to pick me up. I silently pushed him

froze. "Emily, why are you running? Do you think I can't

up, unsure of his expression, but I could hear his impatience. "No need to take responsibility. You were drunk; it was an accident. I'm not

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

"Do you remember what

he wanted to say but pretended not to know

divorces you today, I'll marry

"I usually don't

somber.

got drunk and lost control; it's no

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, emphasizing

looked up, staring at

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

doctor says he has at most two years.

mentioned his family. I realized I knew very little about him, especially his family situation.

mouth. "So what? Emily, do you have

faith in marriage. I'd been hurt too deeply and now tread

wondered who the woman who called him 'Ethy' on the

should find someone you truly love. Marriage is a lifelong commitment, not a game,"

I want

my inner peace, but I'm no longer a naive teenager swayed by sweet words. "This kind of liking isn't

"Emily, being too 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

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