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?"

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 knowing you. I was so

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

turned my head, trying to suppress

leaned in, cupping my face, trying to kiss me

turned away, but in my drunken state, I couldn't avoid him. He pressed on,

with me. I'm just your tool for satisfying your physical needs." Ethan stiffened at my words, gripping my chin and glaring at me. "Emily, do

him. "Ethan, I don't want to see you right now. If you don't want me to hate you more, leave.

then return, placing a cup on the

for a while, and when I didn't respond, he finally

me.' The next morning, I woke up early. Despite the headache, I forced myself to get up. I checked my phone and saw a

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. I took a few

to be financially independent. I

the emergency hotline rang, and I answered the call. "Hello, Grace Hospital Emergency Care

voice on the other end was frantic.

tried to calm him

of my friends have already been killed. I'm hiding

friends okay? Tell me your location

behind Grace Hospital. I'm so

froze, then the man burst into laughter. I recognized the

been pranked, I was furious. "Go to hell," I snapped

to me, stared at

with a stern face. "Emily, your attitude is a serious problem. This is an emergency hotline. People

"Director, it's not like that.

a report before the end of the day. I need to know your attitude," the director said sternly

back into my chair,

wrong in this case," Lisa, usually kind to me, couldn't help but chide

looked at her helplessly. "Lisa, it was

there are prank calls. I've been an ER nurse for years and have seen all

taking

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

me." The familiar voice threw me