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.

and his breathing in my ear grew heavier. My

Ethan's phone ringing. We exchanged glances, his

answered, "Grandpa," and the

from his grandpa usually

be right there," Ethan said, looking

grandpa okay?" I asked,

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

the elderly could be serious. "Falls can be dangerous, but

frowned. "Let's pack some clothes

"Me too?"

wants to see

and we

him sooner instead of rushing over after a

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

took four hours to reach Greenfield Village. By the time we arrived,

outside a courtyard. The gate was ajar. We pushed it open

the gate, he straightened up, adjusted his glasses, and

his frustration after worrying the whole

finally brought my granddaughter-in-law," Martin said with a triumphant

Emily," I greeted

hoe, and walked out, pointing

Now that you're 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 you planning to

to the countryside after retiring. His grandma had passed away early, and Martin had been

gold-rimmed glasses, looking 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

wrong," Ethan said, sitting on a small stool with a rare shy smile,

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

after chatting, I relaxed. To win his

hands suddenly wrapped around my waist. My face heated up, and I

still outside," I

pressing closer. His low voice whispered in my ear, "If you move

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