Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 83 Not Coming Home for the Night

"Hold up!" I yelled, my voice cracking with urgency.

Jason yanked the car to the other side of the street.

Lacey was rocking a totally different vibe tonight. She ditched her work clothes for a tight evening gown that hugged her curves just right. Her hair was down in loose waves, giving off this sultry, seductive aura.

But that wasn't the kicker. The real kicker was that the dress she was wearing was the same one I saw in Ethan's office. So, yeah, it was just my wishful thinking. That dress was never meant for me.

Lacey tucked her hair behind her ear, clutching a small purse, and walked in like she owned the place.

The dress looked like it was made for her. If it were me, I'd look like a total mess trying to pull off that kind of elegance.

I was so clueless, thinking Ethan got that dress for me. A sharp pain twisted in my chest.

Just then, a Maybach screeched to a halt at the hotel entrance. Out stepped Ethan.

Ethan was still rocking his white shirt and suit pants, no fancy stuff. But even so, he instantly grabbed everyone's attention.

He strode towards the hotel, one hand in his pocket, the other waving at people like he was in a great mood.

"Today's Skyline International Corporation's sixth anniversary. It's no small feat for Ethan to have grown Skyline to this size over the past few years. His success isn't just luck. Emily, you're lucky to have met the already successful Ethan," Jason's words slowly sank in.

He probably noticed how bummed I was.

I finally tore my eyes away and gave him a weak smile. "Really? I don't think so. If I could've seen him grow, it might've been better."

"Want to go in? Check out the big celebration for Skyline's anniversary. If you don't want Ethan to see you, we can sneak in," Jason said, like he could read my mind.

I was all set to leave quietly, but his suggestion got to me.

So, Jason found a parking spot and parked the car.

By now, all the guests were probably inside, and the outside was pretty much deserted.

As we walked in, I glanced down at my outfit. I hadn't planned on crashing their anniversary party, so I was still in my T-shirt and jeans, super casual. "Let's go," Jason said.

I looked at him nervously. "Let's just watch from a distance, don't let anyone notice us."

a knowing look and nodded.

the swankiest five-star hotel in Starlight City, decked out like

throwing their anniversary bash here? Yeah, that just screams

the place like the back of his hand. Once we got inside, he suddenly grabbed my

as we snuck up a hidden staircase to the

why Jason brought me here. It was the perfect spot to

host called Ethan up to speak, and after some applause, the

in his pocket, the other holding a

of the company's wins over the past year, gave props to the

other department heads took the stage, including Lacey, who ran the marketing

smiled on stage, looking cool and

it wasn't about gaining something but losing something. But that's a story for another time. The party officially kicked off with Ethan popping the champagne, and the room burst into

smooth dance tunes, and everyone began

hand, making her way to

for a bit, Lacey set her glass down, extended her hand, and Ethan took it, leading her to the

the music. I couldn't stand

the dance floor, giving them space. After a

around, watching and chatting. From their faces, it was clear they thought Ethan and Lacey were a perfect match. "Let's go back," I suddenly

looked at me and

of

one would ever

the car, Jason tried to cheer me up. "Emily, don't sweat it. Dancing at these shindigs is totally

what was really bugging me. I

and then sighed. "Maybe I messed up today.

faint smile. "Nah, it was

ready for bed, but the room felt too empty and quiet, keeping me wide

Or are they drinking and chatting? Their dance moves were so close, with his hand on her curvy waist-how could he not feel anything? And me? I can't even dance.

grabbed two cans of beer to take back to my

chair on the balcony, the one Ethan usually lounged on, and struggled to finish

on the balcony, his eyes landing on the two empty

a faint smile. "Couldn't sleep. Didn't you

obvious, and I knew he caught it. He wasn't surprised I knew about the party. He suddenly straddled my legs, making them go

me, his voice rough. "I came

him. My heart ached, and I turned my head away, dodging his kiss. Ethan didn't get why I was