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.

his breathing in my ear grew heavier. My heart raced,

by Ethan's phone ringing. We exchanged glances,

answered, "Grandpa," and the mood shifted

call from his grandpa usually meant

I'll be right there,"

wrong? Is your grandpa okay?" I asked,

A neighbor

a nurse, I knew falls in the elderly could be serious. "Falls can be dangerous, but if he called, he might

"Let's pack some clothes

"Me too?"

wants to see you, his

and we

should've visited him sooner instead of rushing over after a

his injured hand, Ethan drove skillfully, looking handsome with

four hours to reach Greenfield Village. By the time

gate was

soil with a hoe. Hearing the gate, he straightened up, adjusted his glasses, and looked at me first. "Grandpa, didn't you say you..." Ethan sounded a bit

after worrying the whole

granddaughter-in-law," Martin said with

Emily," I greeted him

the dirt off the hoe, and walked out, pointing

now? You're almost thirty and still not mature. Now that you're married, you should settle down. Stop making your wife worry," Martin scolded with authority. "Grandpa, you're over seventy and still pulling

have come so quickly? Would you have brought her? Or were you planning to bring her to

the countryside after retiring. His grandma had

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 late stages of cancer

said, sitting on a small stool

seemed satisfied and smiled. "It's good you know you were wrong. I know you young folks like excitement

was nervous meeting Martin, but after chatting, I relaxed. To win his

my waist. My face heated up, and I twisted my body. My hands were wet, so I nudged

still outside," I

voice whispered in my ear, "If you move again, I'll have sex with you right here. Last night's

with satisfaction. "I've decided to stay at my grandpa's