Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 59 I'm Not a Stranger

"Back then, Ethan must've really loved her." That simple sentence felt like a knife to my heart, making it hard to breathe. My phone rang. It was Bella. I felt a bit let down. She asked where I was. I lied, said I was fine, and told her not to worry.

After hanging up, I stared at my phone, feeling lost. Ethan hadn't called since I left. Was he figuring out what to say, or did he just not care and kept having fun? "Did Fiona love him?" I asked, even though I knew the answer would hurt.

Jason, holding a cigarette and a beer, took a sip and said, "Fiona loved Ethan just as much. She was just more insecure and less brave."

I thought, 'Insecure and less brave sounds like me. Even the most confident woman might feel insecure around Ethan, let alone someone like me, a divorced woman.'

Jason continued, "Before we met Fiona, she was a well-known bar singer. But ten years ago, bars were chaotic. Female singers often got harassed by drunks, so the job was looked down upon. One time, Ethan fought a customer who harassed Fiona. That's how they met."

I remembered the fight at Blue Ocean Bar. Ethan's anger then was because Stephen harassed Connie, reminding him of Fiona.

That relationship must've been deep, so much so that even now, a similar scene could stir his emotions.

"Ethan and I got into med school together, but he was forced into it. My grandpa was a doctor and wanted us to follow his path. I liked medicine, but Ethan was into music. He started a band and dragged me into it."

I stared at him, shocked. "So you're in The Thorn Birds Band?"

Jason looked a bit embarrassed, flicking his cigarette ash. "Yeah, I'm the drummer and write lyrics."

I asked, "Did you write 'Flicker of Hope'?"

Jason smiled and nodded.

That song always gave me strength growing up. Now, the lyricist was right in front of me. I was surprised and in awe, forgetting my earlier sadness.

"I've always loved that song. It feels like it was made for me," I said.

Jason took a drag of his cigarette, his gaze warm. "I'm glad it resonates with someone."

like a

"Really? What instrument do you think

a moment. "Violin or piano. Drummers seem wild to

said, "Maybe I have a wild side you haven't

trying to picture him drumming wildly, but shook

elbows on the table, looking at me with interest. "So, I chose the wrong hobby? Ethan's great at guitar.

memories. The first time Ethan got mad at me was over a guitar. Now I realized it

seen

died, Ethan never picked up the guitar again,

his ex because Arthur slept with Ethan's.

and Arthur? Why

school. We think Fiona's death might be related to Arthur. Ethan was so aggressive that if other students

noticed Jason staring at me with a complex expression, like he was seeing someone

to ask myself the same thing. 'Do I love Ethan? If I didn't, it wouldn't hurt, right? But if I do, when did

smiling faintly and playing with a can tab. "Getting expelled was what Ethan

he didn't continue with music either," I

beer but didn't rush to drink it. His arm hung over the back of a chair, and the lines of his neck were

know his alcohol tolerance, but he hadn't drunk much, and his face was already a bit

great business mind and is very successful now. Maybe choosing business was the right decision for him," Jason

I thought. Maybe Ethan's

over time, that passion faded, and

so distant. I should've seen it clearly and

pathetic. 'Why do the people I meet

understanding my pain, didn't stop me. Instead, he

Jason's face became blurry, the people at the next table started arguing. It quickly escalated into a fight, and one of them smashed a beer

shards flew towards me. I blocked most of them, but my face still got

me away from the

my hand away from my face

ruined?" I was dizzy and could barely