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.

the photo of Fiona at Arthur's wedding and realized why it

ones in the papers, so I only found it familiar but didn't recognize her. Suddenly, things

the tape from the old stereo. The photo on the tape was small, showing a

local band from eight years ago. The only thing I had was

lead singer of The Thorn Birds Band, but now I knew he was the

my phone, but they were just a local band, and the internet wasn't big back then. They

and my impression of The Thorn Birds Band was more about their music,

Ethan recognized Arthur at the hospital, but Arthur didn't

my heart had been ripped out, the dull

Amidst everyone's surprised looks,

me and pointed to the conference room, saying he was in a meeting. In my impulsiveness, I pushed open the conference room

to look at me that I realized I might've been

head of the

closing the door and heading to his office

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

tiredly, and pulled me into his arms.

had no idea I knew

made a noncommittal sound, my arms stiff at my sides, not hugging him

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

stop him, but kept a smile on my face. "How about we go to Blue Ocean Bar tonight? I need to unwind." Ethan looked surprised but not suspicious. He smiled and said, "Honey, if you want to

called me "Honey" felt so natural, but it

night fell, we headed to Blue Ocean

some of his friends. Once we sat down, I ordered two dozen

forehead and said, "You're

I?" I

was hiding behind a perfect mask, I

I usually avoided such games. Everyone agreed, and I fixed my gaze on

his handsome face, my heart ached. I quickly looked away, suppressing my

rolled dice to determine the order. Ethan's luck was consistently

it was my turn. Without hesitation, I chose Dare, a decision I had made before