Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 43 An Unexpected Phone Call

Ethan's eyes scanned me from head to toe, making me super uncomfortable.

"Still up?" I tried to stay calm.

"Can't sleep all sweaty," he said.

I squeezed past him, brushing against him. "Go shower!"

He showed me his bandaged hand and pointed to his head. "How am I supposed to shower like this?"

"So, what now?" His pitiful look made me think, 'Does he want me to help him shower?'

"Help me wipe down," he said bluntly.

I thought his request was too much. We were married in name only, not that close yet.

He must've seen my reluctance. He pinched my cheek. "Don't stress, I'll do it myself."

Worried his wound might get infected, I grabbed his arm. "Fine, I'll help."

Ethan turned around slowly, and I thought I saw a smug smile. I went to get hot water, spilling it everywhere, feeling conflicted.

'He's sweaty and bloody; he needs to clean up. There's no one else to help him. I have no choice.' After steeling myself, I took the towel and hot water out.

Seeing Ethan by the bed in just his boxers, I almost dropped the basin. He looked incredibly handsome and like trouble.

I put down the basin, wrung out the towel, and braced myself.

I wiped his face, back, and chest, trying to ignore his firm muscles and heavy breathing. I acted like I was caring for a patient.

"It's time to wipe down there," Ethan's voice whispered in my ear, and I froze.

Holding the towel, I glanced down, my face burning.

In my confusion, Ethan grabbed my hand and guided it to his waistband.

was hot, and his breathing in my ear grew heavier. My heart raced, and for some reason, I

Ethan's phone ringing.

and

late-night call from his grandpa usually

there,"

Is your grandpa okay?" I asked,

today and can't get up. A neighbor helped him to bed, but

be serious. "Falls can be dangerous, but if he called, he

"Let's pack some clothes and head

"Me too?"

"He wants to see

we got in the

instead of

his injured hand, Ethan drove skillfully, looking handsome with one hand

four hours to reach Greenfield Village. By the time

outside a courtyard. The gate was ajar. We pushed

Windsor, with white hair, was working the soil with a hoe. Hearing the gate, he straightened up, adjusted his glasses, and looked at me

frustration after worrying

granddaughter-in-law," Martin

Grandpa, I'm Emily," I greeted

dirt off the hoe, and walked out,

married, you should settle down. Stop making your wife worry," Martin scolded with

a courtyard chair, laughed. "If I didn't, would you have come so quickly? Would you have brought her? Or were

Martin moved back to the countryside after retiring. His grandma had

quite different from the typical rural elderly. Despite living alone, the courtyard was spotless, and even the small vegetable garden was weed-free. It was clear Martin valued quality of life-not luxury, but comfort and freedom in spirit. He mentioned death with a calm smile, which I admired. Living so peacefully in old age seemed like the best reward for a hard-working youth. However, knowing Martin was in the

a small stool with

satisfied and smiled. "It's good you know you were wrong. I know you young folks like excitement and don't want to

chatting, I relaxed.

of hands suddenly wrapped around my waist. My face heated up, and I twisted my body. My hands were wet,

still outside," I

grip, pressing closer. His low voice whispered in my ear, "If you move again, I'll

satisfaction. "I've decided to stay at my grandpa's for a week. I really haven't