Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 65 I'm Not Confused, Just More Clear-headed

Bella's message freaked me out so bad I almost dropped my phone.

Bella: [I'm being forced! Blue Ocean Bar.]

No time to reply. I bolted out of Broadway Alley, flagged down a cab, and told the driver to step on it to Blue Ocean Bar.

On the way, I kept calling Bella, but she wasn't picking up. My anxiety was through the roof, hands shaking like crazy.

I thought, 'Who the hell is messing with her? Oliver? Or maybe Zachary, that guy's got a thing for her too.'

Jumping out of the cab, I dashed inside without a second thought about any danger, just Bella. After a frantic search, I found her in an open private room. "Bella, didn't you say you were being..."

Bella, chilling on the sofa, got up and pulled me in. "Yeah, they forced me to come here and gamble. Isn't that coercion?"

I couldn't believe Bella played me like that. I didn't wanna go in 'cause Ethan was there, playing poker with Oliver and Frank.

Frank and Ethan each had a chick next to them. Oliver was solo, and Bella wasn't sitting with him either.

When Bella dragged me in, Ethan just glanced up and went back to his cards, looking all cold and distant, like he didn't even know me.

The chick next to Ethan kept flirting with him. He didn't push her away but didn't seem into it either.

"Mrs. Windsor," Frank greeted me.

Ethan, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, didn't even look up. "Don't call her that. She won't be my wife for long."

My heart sank, and Bella's eyes darted between us, confused.

Bella knew about the drama between Ethan and me. After a bit, she laughed. "Oh, I get it. Well then, let's play all night, and you two can finalize the paperwork tomorrow. Then you can both be free to find new partners." She said it like it was no big deal, but I couldn't be that chill.

Bella pulled me to sit down and join the game. I shook my head. "I don't know how."

gambling money, just drinks. Worst case, you get drunk." Bella made it sound simple,

said with a faint smile that didn't reach

tone was nice, but I

and Frank kept glancing at Ethan, who stayed indifferent, his face a bit flushed like he'd already had a lot

next to Ethan looked at me all smug, making me uncomfortable, but

the best luck at the card table. After I

him kept pouring his drinks and even fed him, which he didn't

really hold

an arm around the chick's waist and pulling her closer. She took advantage and

tried to focus on my cards, but her annoying

one round, I suddenly stood up.

"Emmy, don't act impulsively. Can't you see Ethan's trying to get a rise

How can you find another guy like Ethan if you break up? You

water droplets on my face, and

hard. "What the hell are you talking

"I'm not being stupid. I'm

gonna get back with Arthur, but it was a good excuse to cut

left the restroom, I immediately

a wink. I got her hint. I was about to leave too, but Ethan extended his arm, pulling me

surprised by his calm expression. But this calmness felt like the calm

don't think it's enough. Come on, I'll take you somewhere more exciting." He grabbed my hand and led me out of

of excitement didn't sound good. I felt uneasy

me into his car and quickly got

you nuts? You can't drive after drinking!" I stared at him

glanced at me, his smile cold. "Scared? Don't

but his driving was anything but. He floored the gas pedal, and the car

lips tightly pressed, eyes focused ahead, not

drift, and by the time we reached the top, I felt like I was

I

suddenly leaning close to me. "Did