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."

gave me a knowing look and nodded.

International Hotel is the swankiest five-star hotel in Starlight City, decked out like a

International Corporation throwing their anniversary bash here?

know the place like the back of his hand. Once we got inside,

behind him as we snuck up a hidden staircase to the second floor, landing in

here. It was the perfect spot to spy

speak, and after

the other holding a mic, looking all chill but

gave a quick rundown of the company's wins over the past year, gave props to the employees, and talked

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

stage, looking cool

of self-doubt. Back then, I couldn't imagine having a moment like this. And when that day finally came, it wasn't about gaining something but losing something. But that's a story for another time. The party

the sound system started playing some smooth dance tunes, and everyone began

Lacey, wine glass in hand, making her way

glass down, extended her hand, and Ethan took it,

couldn't stand watching,

floor, giving them space. After

faces, it was clear they thought Ethan and Lacey were a perfect match. "Let's go back," I

looked at me

out of the hotel without anyone noticing I

out. No one would ever guess

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

really bugging me. I forced a smile. "I'm not

gave me a long look and then sighed. "Maybe I messed up today. Shouldn't

gave a faint smile. "Nah, it was good to see it, broaden my

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

doing now? Still dancing? One dance after another? 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. Compared to the stylish and

and grabbed two cans of

lay on the lounge chair on the balcony, the one Ethan usually lounged on, and struggled to finish both cans of beer when the bedroom door

on the two empty beer cans on

at him and gave a faint smile. "Couldn't sleep. Didn't you have a party tonight?

caught it. He wasn't surprised I knew about the party. He suddenly

lifted my chin and kissed me, his voice rough. "I came back to be

the red wine, he also had a noticeable scent of women's perfume on him. My heart ached, and I turned my head away, dodging his kiss. Ethan didn't get why I was pissed. He grabbed my chin again, grinning like a