Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 42 His Frankness

My heart felt like it got stabbed, pain spreading from my chest.

I wanted to run, scared of Ethan's reaction, but I couldn't move.

"Emily, why aren't you going in?" Frank's voice startled me from behind.

The door opened, and Oliver stood there looking at me.

"Want some oatmeal? There's still some in the kitchen," I said, trying to stay calm.

Oliver walked out, one hand in his pocket. "I'm a bit hungry. Frank, let's go get some oatmeal."

With that, Oliver hooked his arm around Frank's neck, and they went downstairs.

When I walked in, Ethan had already taken off his shirt. I quickly glanced at his strong, bare chest, then looked away. "I made some oatmeal. Not sure if you like it." Ethan leaned back, looking relaxed. "I like whatever you make."

Oliver's earlier words had made me uneasy. I was about to put down the oatmeal and leave, but Ethan said, "Feed me."

I held my breath. He raised his bandaged right hand, showing it was hard for him.

I took a deep breath, sat by the bed, and after blowing on each spoonful, brought the oatmeal to his mouth.

I felt Ethan staring at me the whole time. I didn't dare meet his gaze or look at his body, so I focused on the spoon.

"It's a bit too sweet," he suddenly said.

"Is it?" All my unease and other chaotic emotions shattered.

"Don't believe me? Try it."

I must have lost my mind because I tasted it myself with the same spoon.

After two careful mouthfuls, I said, "It's not sweet."

again, Ethan's eyes were amused, but he didn't

he might have a cleanliness issue, not liking that I used the spoon. My face turned red. "I'll

up, he grabbed my hand

licked the spoon clean. He held my hand, licking the spoon, his gaze fixed

the spoon. If he hadn't been holding my hand, I might not have been able to keep

is it?" I

back of my head, and the bowl in my hand fell to the

he kissed me. It wasn't forceful or domineering; it was gentle. I couldn't resist

I tried to pull away, but Ethan held my head tightly, his tongue

you continue," Oliver's amused voice came from the doorway. He must have rushed up

to indulging, I felt that even if I drowned in this kiss, I

kissed me for a long time before stopping. When he let

kiss?" He gave a

Ethan let my head rest on his chest, his bare chest against my face, his heartbeat so close. It was strong and steady, and as I listened, I calmed down. Later, Ethan spoke for a long time, "Emily, everyone has their past. You have yours, and I have mine. Before you came into my life, I didn't like coming home. It felt too empty, too lonely living alone. Do you remember the first time you cooked in the kitchen? I said that seeing a woman cooking in the kitchen suddenly made this

cooking with you, I felt like this is what ordinary life should be like. I really want to spend my life with you." He was so straightforward that I felt both

I overheard his conversation with Oliver, which was why he said all

wanted to dwell on anything. Having experienced a failed marriage, I no longer dared to hope for passionate love, but

asked a question completely unrelated to the current topic,

his smile deepened. He pulled me close and whispered hoarsely in my ear, "Not full. How do you plan to feed me?" His hand slipped inside

my words like that. I quickly pushed him away and stood up, awkwardly tucking my hair behind my ear.

to pick up the broken pieces of the bowl, Ethan said, "Be

I got a broom and swept up

room. When I finished washing the dishes and came out, Frank

hands and walked over, sitting down a short distance from Oliver. "You probably think I'm not good enough for him, right?" I kept a

I said earlier, didn't you? Just forget it. Maybe I wasn't thinking straight with all the commotion. Don't take it to heart! You and he are good together. We

outstanding man, not lacking in women who like him. Why would he end up

back in

Bella?"

a hint of conflict. "She said I was a playboy," he laughed self-deprecatingly. "She probably looks down on a scumbag like

the outside, but she's actually very fragile inside. She lacks a sense of security. Unless you truly like her, you should just be friends. I don't want her to get hurt." Oliver flicked the ash from his cigarette,