Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 184 One Wrong Step, Too Hard to Turn Back

I flung the door open, and there was Bella, soaked to the bone.

She croaked out, "Emily!"

I yanked her inside and slammed the door shut.

Seeing her like that, all I could think about was that wanted poster. I had a bad feeling.

"Bella, what happened?"

She wiped her face and said, "Zachary got caught."

Even though I kinda expected it, hearing her say it still hit me hard. I had no idea how to comfort her.

She glanced at Ethan, who was standing at the top of the stairs, and said, "Emily, I'm sorry for barging in so late."

I grabbed her hand. "Don't be silly. Let's get you out of those wet clothes first."

I took her to the guest room, ran a bath, and grabbed some of my pajamas for her.

"Bella, take a hot bath. You must be freezing." I led her to the bathroom and turned on the heater.

She forced a smile. "I'm okay. I ran all the way here, so I'm actually pretty warm."

She got undressed and slipped into the tub. I grabbed a towel and helped her wash.

"Bella, what exactly happened?"

She sank lower into the water, her hair floating around her, the necklace on her neck barely visible. She tilted her head back, thinking.

"We never left Starlight City. I was scared we wouldn't be able to come back. Zachary said at least my dad was still here."

I was stunned. "Where were you?"

"Zachary found a spot in the mountains. It seemed safe, and I thought we could stay hidden forever. But tonight, the cops surrounded us. I don't know how they found us."

The law finally caught up. I knew this day would come, but not so soon.

Bella splashed water on her face, letting it drip from her chin.

distance, I saw them put Zachary in a car. I wanted to run to him but held back, knowing it would ruin everything. I watched the police car drive away and then ran here." She told me all this calmly, but

bath, I stayed with

there, staring at

we

custody, he hasn't been sentenced

told me if he ever got caught, it

was so final; I didn't

get rid of the baby, worried I'd struggle if he got caught. He even suggested I could remarry. But I never considered it. If he hadn't gotten involved with

some were harder to erase. Sometimes, one wrong step

you still going to have this

anything while I was running. The only thing

I thought. She wasn't devastated; she was calm, like she and Zachary were just temporarily apart and would be together

I woke up, Bella was still staring at the ceiling. I couldn't

out of his room. I glanced at him. He was wearing a loose jacket, and anyone who didn't know wouldn't be able to tell he was injured,

seemed to sense something was off and

with you and Ethan?

to tell her about that night. She had enough

said, brushing it

tough. Even if you do, there's no guarantee you'll grow old together. You have to cherish

and I seemed like the perfect couple. But only we knew the cracks in our relationship, some of which even

the sentencing. I need to go to a law firm and hire a reliable lawyer. Only

her words still echoing in my mind. Ethan quietly placed his hand on

investigating the grave desecration these past few days. I have results,"

at him. "Who

it be that

he said, keeping it

with him. He drove with one hand, skillfully navigating the streets. I leaned against the car window,

in front of

and had

car, Ethan naturally held my hand and led me

in such a place, and the eerie

few buildings, there was a large activity area surrounded by barbed wire. Many people were playing inside, all looking mentally unstable. Soon, two

approach, some of them laughed foolishly,

a healthcare worker,

The person leaning against the barbed wire, staring at me, was

of actions since his return, I knew he wasn't normal. He smiled

the barbed wire and made gestures in the air, as if tracing my curves or touching me, all while making disgusting faces

got goosebumps all over and