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."

don't seem like a

smiled. "Really? What instrument do

moment. "Violin or piano. Drummers seem wild to

his beer, and said, "Maybe I have a wild side

frowned, trying to picture him drumming wildly, but shook

at me with interest. "So, I chose the wrong hobby? Ethan's

got mad at me was over a guitar. Now

down again. "I've never seen him play.

"After Fiona died, Ethan never picked up the

with his ex because Arthur slept with Ethan's. But weren't Ethan and Fiona

Why did she

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

the can down, I noticed Jason staring

I didn't,

smiling faintly and playing with a can tab.

didn't continue with music

hung over

didn't know his alcohol tolerance, but he hadn't drunk much, and his

now. Maybe choosing business was the right decision

his dreams?' I thought.

a pedestal. But over time, that passion

should've seen it

pathetic. 'Why do the people

and Jason, probably understanding my pain, didn't

arguing. It quickly escalated

most of them, but my face still

quickly, pulling me away from the

my hand away from my

and could barely stand, but I was