Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 172 The Real Distance

[Silly girl, Happy Valentine's Day!]

Even though it was from an unknown number, I instantly thought of Faris.

Only he would call me that.

I read it and then deleted the message right away.

I went back to scrolling through Facebook and saw a message from Seagull: [Emily, Happy Valentine's Day!]

I shifted a bit, resting my head on the armrest of the sofa, adjusted my position, and replied: [Sorry I missed this last night. Happy Valentine's Day to you too! How do you guys celebrate Valentine's Day abroad? Is it lively?] Seagull: [Valentine's Day abroad isn't as lively as it is back home.]

I texted: [Oh, will you come back for the next Valentine's Day?]

Seagull replied: [Actually, the real distance isn't physical but emotional.]

His words felt a bit melancholic, like he was still hung up on that impossible relationship.

I messaged: [Come back. I've always wanted to treat you to a meal. I want to thank you in person, and I hope there will be such an opportunity.]

He sent a smiling emoji and texted: [No need. As long as you're doing well, that's the best thanks.]

Seagull's words always had a way of warming my heart.

I replied: [Seagull, thank you!] along with an emoji of being moved to tears.

Seagull then added: [Actually, I've always been thinking about a question. A seagull can land when it's tired of flying, but a fish can't jump ashore when it's tired of swimming. So, they are destined never to intersect, don't you think?] I didn't quite get what he meant.

After thinking for a bit, I sent: [Although they can't be on the same land, they are under the same blue sky. The seagull can look down and see the fish, and the fish always looks up to and admires the seagull.]

This time, Seagull only replied with a smile.

"Who are you chatting with, smiling so happily?" Ethan's voice suddenly broke my concentration.

I looked up, and Ethan was already in front of me.

I was so engrossed in the conversation that I didn't even hear him come in.

I put my phone away and calmly said, "A friend."

Luckily, Ethan didn't ask any more questions.

After that, I went to the bathroom to freshen up.

He had several new sets of toiletries in the bathroom, probably for his business trips.

After freshening up, I simply tied up my hair and left with Ethan without any makeup.

Downstairs, the security guard on patrol saw us, and his eyes widened.

the security guard had just started his shift this morning. The company was pretty generous, giving everyone three days off around Valentine's Day, so the place was empty. He probably didn't expect to

he straightened up and greeted

smiled back.

also chimed in,

Ethan usually acted around the employees, but judging by the young

different, like

all day too, but that

drove back home, I saw Faye sitting at the entrance

had no idea how long she'd been there. She was bundled up, her neck tucked in, and

our car pull in, she stood up and looked at Ethan with longing

"Ethan!" She called out.

got out of the car, and Ethan closed the door, frowning as he looked at

the only one alone. I felt so pitiful. I wanted to spend it with you guys

full

looked at her and asked, "Where's your key? Don't you have one? You could've

and said even more pitifully, "I lost the key,

saying that, Faye sneezed several times in

were anyone else, I would've brought them inside, given them a thick coat, and made ginger soup. But

misunderstood as setting

how I

have Dennis take you to the hospital,"

you really not want to see me that

tried to reason with her. "Listen! Don't forget you're an artist now. Opportunities can come at any time. Do you

he checked the time and said, "We have to go

tone wasn't harsh, but it

and said softly, "I'll

said

demeanor was gone, replaced by a look of hatred and

was used

her and went

the time we changed clothes and came

driving, I already knew where he was going-it was the same direction I wanted

at the foot of the hill. We bought a few bouquets of flowers and went

many people visit the cemetery, and this year

first went to Ethan's mother's grave, and he didn't forget to place a bouquet at

we visited my mother's and father's

in front of my father's grave, Ethan kept staring at the tombstone, lost in

I asked, "What's wrong?"

"It must've been really tough

a tug, a bit

looked up and smiled bitterly. "But I got through

sincerely, "Father-in-law, my name is Ethan, your son-in-law. Please rest assured and leave Emily to me. I will take good

warm, just like his hand holding

figured maybe heaven felt sorry for me and sent Ethan to

Aurora called me over and