Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 60 Just a Tool for Release

I stumbled to the staircase and froze not because of Jason's question, but because I saw a flicker of firelight in the dim stairwell.

Even drunk, my instincts were sharp. I knew it was Ethan.

A few seconds later, the firelight was snuffed out by a leather shoe. Ethan walked toward us.

Instinctively, I stepped back. Jason kept a firm grip on me, worried I'd fall. "She's drunk," he said.

Ethan replied, "Jason, you've had a long day since getting off the plane. You should go home and rest."

As he spoke, Ethan tried to take me from Jason's arms. Fueled by the alcohol, I pushed him away but couldn't stand on my own. Jason caught me just in time and said, "I'll take her home. Whatever misunderstanding there is, you can explain it when she's sober."

"It's not appropriate for you to take her home," Ethan insisted, reaching for me again.

"Get away from me," I shouted, and he looked shocked.

I broke free from Jason, stumbled a few steps into the stairwell, and leaned against the wall. "Both of you leave. I'll go back on my own."

I thought I could manage, but before I even stepped on the stairs, I nearly fell. An arm caught me just in time and lifted me up without a word.

"Let go of me," I struggled.

Ethan held me tighter, speaking patiently, "If you don't want to see me, I'll take you home and then leave."

He carried me upstairs, found my keys in my bag, opened the door, and laid me on the bed. I wasn't so drunk that I was unconscious; I just didn't want to see him.

He sat by the bed for a while before heading out. I thought he had left, but he returned with a glass of water. "Drink some water before you sleep."

He tried to help me drink, but I kept my mouth shut. He seemed a bit frustrated, and his breath grew heavier near my ear.

When I refused to drink, he downed the water himself, then suddenly pressed me down and kissed me, transferring the water into my mouth. I choked from resisting and coughed several times.

He helped me sit up and patiently patted my back. Once I caught my breath, I pushed him away again. "Didn't you say you'd leave after bringing me back? Why are you still here?"

Ethan suddenly gripped my shoulders, looking at me angrily. "I told you not to get drunk in front of strangers. Why did you do it?"

overheard my conversation with Jason. I laughed, though I wasn't sure if it was a bitter or mocking laugh. "Strangers? Jason? To me, you're also a stranger. I married you without really

I regret it. I don't have to get married. Why did I marry a man who

turned my head, trying to suppress the tears

my face, trying to kiss

state, I couldn't avoid him. He pressed on, kissing me repeatedly, trying

to use me. You want to have sex with me. I'm just your tool for satisfying your physical needs." Ethan stiffened at my words, gripping my chin and glaring at me.

stared at him. "Ethan, I don't want to see you right now. If you don't want me to hate you more, leave. I have a headache. I don't want to talk; I just want to

was silent. After a moment, the weight on me disappeared. I heard him leave the room, then return, placing a cup on the table. "I'm leaving, Emily. When you

there for a while, and when I didn't respond, he finally left, closing the

Divorce? Maybe he should apologize for using me.' The next morning, I woke up early. Despite the

had poured for me was still by the bed. I drank it, skipping breakfast and heading to work without eating

hospital, Ethan called. I put my phone on silent and tossed it aside, ignoring it.

relationships, the more I needed to be financially

I answered

the other end was frantic.

to calm him down. "Take your time. What's the

said, "A few of my friends have already been killed. I'm

Tell me your location immediately. We'll send

said, "I'm behind Grace Hospital. I'm so scared.

then the man burst into laughter. I recognized the

furious.

to me, stared

find the HR director standing behind me with a stern face. "Emily, your attitude is a serious problem. This is an emergency hotline. People call for help, and you tell them to go to hell? How do you think the patient's

said, "Director, it's not like

the day.

back into my chair, leaning

usually kind to me,

her helplessly. "Lisa,

course, there are prank calls. I've been an ER nurse for years and have seen all kinds of people.

of my hand, taking a moment to calm down. "I understand. I'll write the

while later, the phone rang again. I composed myself and answered,

The familiar voice threw me off, and I immediately