Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 53 Thank You for Divorcing Me

We ate our pasta in silence, tossing a couple of sarcastic remarks back and forth, but that was it. It felt like we were strangers.

Watching him leave, I thought we'd never cross paths again. But some things were just meant to be.

The next day, August 14th, I was on vacation.

When I woke up, I saw a $5,300 dress on the bedside table, probably left by Ethan.

I knew what Ethan was getting at, so I put it on without much thought. Wearing it to the wedding might make Vivian uncomfortable, but she had hurt me way worse. Ethan was right; being soft-hearted didn't pay off.

After a miscarriage, a divorce, and losing my mom, I'd lost a lot of weight. The dress fit perfectly, showing off my collarbone and a bit of thigh, making my legs look longer. I heard footsteps, and soon Ethan appeared in the mirror. Just as I was about to turn, he held my shoulder down.

A warm arm brushed past my ear, and I saw a pearl necklace appear around my neck in the mirror.

Ethan, with his sleeves half-rolled, was carefully putting on the necklace. After fastening it, he gently hugged my waist, one hand playing with the pearls on my chest.

He looked at me in the mirror, smiling. "Beautiful!"

Blushing, I admired the necklace, feeling both happy and a bit guilty about the cost. "When did you buy this? I had no idea. You're wasting money again."

"Spending money on you isn't a waste. Don't you think this necklace makes your skin look even more stunning?" Ethan's voice was slow, and his cool hand slid down my neckline, kissing my earlobe. "Today, you'll definitely outshine Vivian. Just looking at you makes me want you!"

His controlled strength and husky voice made my breathing erratic. He kissed me, and just when I thought he'd lose control, he stopped. "We can't wrinkle the dress. I'll let you go for now." Half an hour later, we got in the car.

Ethan looked sharp in a suit and crisp white shirt today, more handsome than ever. Every time I saw him, he managed to captivate me. Honestly, I thought he'd outshine Arthur today. "Noticing my charm?" he teased, catching me staring.

I quickly looked away, fiddling with my dress.

my hand, and said with a smile, "You're

Sometimes, I felt like

while, he said, "Today's wedding is going to be quite

sarcasm in his words. I turned to read

Hotel was lavishly decorated, bustling

an expensive venue; it was probably Vivian and her dad Xavier's

the valet's guidance, Ethan parked the car. As we got out, I saw many former colleagues from

me, but soon they were nudging each other, giving knowing looks, drawing more

I wore an expensive dress and necklace, and that I was with a man far superior to

who used to ignore me at the hospital now came over to greet me, acting like we were close friends. They chatted while trying to

as I

I said, "This is

their thoughts. They were probably wondering how a divorced woman like me could end

was a commotion, and everyone turned to

groom. Vivian's wedding dress

especially when she saw my dress. She looked shocked, almost tripping, and Arthur had to steady her. He saw us too,

thought, 'Ridiculous! Does he really think I'd

seats. The wedding host led them through the usual rituals: vows, rings,

like a spectator, watching a play that had nothing to do with me, without a single ripple

Arthur and Vivian

nervous, while I stayed calm. When they reached our table, they greeted us briefly and were about to leave, but I called them

glass of wine, smiled, and said, "Given our history, I should at least toast you both,

I was looking for trouble. Arthur's face darkened, and Vivian glared at me, but with so many guests around,

filled their glasses

said, "Arthur,

felt incredibly satisfied. I had rehearsed this line

seemed to catch the meaning behind my words, and they