Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 57 The Exciting Game

I should've just left, but I felt stuck.

Arthur must've seen I was itching for the truth. He gave a creepy smile.

I was both curious and scared because I saw revenge in his eyes.

After ten seconds of hesitation, I wanted to bolt. I turned and almost ran away.

Even if there was another side to the story, I'd rather live in the dream Ethan created for me.

"Because I slept with his ex, he wants to sleep with mine. That's his revenge," Arthur said, his voice low but piercing. He looked so sure I'd want to hear more, as if these words could shatter Ethan's dream for me.

I stopped dead. Slowly, I turned back and saw Arthur's smug smile, like he'd won something.

"Arthur, are you so miserable you can't stand others being happy? Do you think a few words from you can wreck our relationship? You've always been shady; why would I believe you?" I tried to sound calm and steady, but inside, I was shaken. Arthur seemed to see right through me because his smile widened. "Do you know who his ex is?" he asked slowly.

I had to admit, he knew exactly how to mess with my head. I stared at him, trying to look wary, but inside, I was a mess.

When he asked, a name was already in my mind, waiting for him to confirm it.

"His ex is Fiona."

It was her! The truth hit me hard, and I felt like Arthur's voice started to fade.

Arthur went on, "He broke two of my ribs back then. I should've remembered him, but it's been eight years, and he's changed a lot. I didn't recognize him at first. Once I did, I knew his revenge was coming."

"Stop it!" I cut him off. "I have to go to work. I don't have time for your crap." With that, I turned and walked away quickly.

Back at work, I kept telling myself Arthur was just messing with me, but his words wouldn't leave my head, "Because I slept with his ex, he wants to sleep with mine. That's his revenge."

'Could all the warmth from Ethan be fake?' I couldn't believe it, didn't want to believe it.

Arthur's wedding

a girl. That girl was Fiona, but the photo was different from her artsy ones in the papers, so I only found it familiar but didn't recognize her. Suddenly, things clicked. I took a sick day and grabbed

room and pulled out the tape from the old stereo. The photo on the tape was small, showing a

photos or posters of the local band from

The Thorn Birds Band, but now I knew he

for info about The Thorn Birds Band on my phone, but they were just a local band, and the internet wasn't big

were old, and my impression of The Thorn Birds Band was more about their music, not their looks. So I hadn't connected the dots. Arthur was telling

Ethan recognized Arthur at the hospital, but Arthur

my heart had been ripped out, the dull pain suffocating

Corporation. Amidst everyone's

conference room, saying he was in a meeting. In my impulsiveness, I pushed open

wasn't until a dozen or so people turned to look at me

the head of the table, looked surprised

closing the door and heading to

came in. By then, I had calmed down, so when he walked towards me, I kept a calm gaze and

back tiredly, and pulled me into

idea I knew the truth. His tone

my arms stiff at my sides, not hugging him

his tie, and smiled mischievously. "Since you miss me so much, I guess I

smile on my face. "How about we go to Blue Ocean Bar tonight? I

"Honey" felt so natural, but it

fell, we headed to Blue Ocean

his friends. Once we sat down,

serious. He touched my forehead and said, "You're acting a bit

I?" I

a perfect mask, I decided to wear

she knew I usually avoided such games.

face, my heart ached. I quickly looked

order. Ethan's luck was consistently good, like even fate was on his

Without hesitation, I chose Dare, a