Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 236 Our Agreement

The smile in Faris's eyes slowly faded.

With a tired grin, Faris asked, "Are you eager to get rid of me?"

I shook my head, "No, I just don't want to hold you back. You should get married, have kids. And I..."

I looked down, feeling the sadness creep back in.

"I don't plan on getting married again," I said quietly.

Faris leaned back, tilted his head, and with a slight smile said, "Marriage is just a piece of paper. Kids need a dad when they grow up. I'm not forcing you to sleep with me."

"Faris!" I looked at him, feeling helpless.

He shrugged and gave a bitter smile, "Alright, I was joking. I know you don't need me anymore. I'll go."

Dinner was tasteless, with a sense of sadness and bitterness hanging in the air, blending into the food. After dinner, when I finished washing the dishes and came out, Faris was sitting on the couch, motionless, with only a faint smoke rising in front of him.

Just then, the nanny came down with the two kids. Faris stubbed out his cigarette and walked towards them.

The kids had spent a lot of time with Faris recently and were very familiar with him. From a distance, they reached out their little hands for a hug. Faris squatted down, holding both kids in his arms and kissed their cheeks. True feelings couldn't be faked, just like the love and reluctance he was showing then, completely genuine.

After letting go of the kids, they quickly went to play with their toys. Young children had a simple and happy world, without much sorrow and joy. Even when I taught them to wave goodbye to Faris, they were cheerful and indifferent, not understanding the sadness of parting at all.

I walked Faris to the door. It was snowing heavily outside, with large snowflakes falling like goose feathers.

Faris's black hair was soon covered with snowflakes, and I thought my head must be the same. When we reached his car, he stopped and half-jokingly said, "Aren't you going to give me a goodbye kiss?"

Although he was smiling, I could sense a hint of sadness in his smile. Seeing that I didn't respond, Faris said, "Let's have a farewell hug!"

He approached me and gently hugged me. This hug was not as forceful or intense as any before, nor did it carry any desire. It was just a tender, reluctant embrace.

We hugged for a while, then he let go of me, gently brushed the snow off my head, and said softly, "Take good care of yourself!"

I said I would. I stood there for a long time, watching his car drive away. I knew I owed him a lot, but I could never repay him in this lifetime.

I changed into a thick down jacket and braved the wind and snow to the cemetery. The ground was now completely covered with snow, a vast expanse of white.

In my heart, I always held a fantasy that Ethan would come back, hoping he would suddenly appear in front of me one day. But as time passed, I had to accept the reality. He won't come back anymore.

Holding flowers, I walked into the cemetery and saw a figure standing in the wind and snow from a distance.

in front of the tombstone, and mustered the courage to look at the photo

my heart twisted painfully. Ethan in the photo was still so handsome and young. But he

realize that I never truly

bitter sigh cut through the wind and

up, looking at the tombstone, my heart heavy

truly understood him. Only he knew the mission he was carrying, so no one could understand the pain in his heart. He had to bear it alone until the day his shoulders could

the tombstone, seemingly full of emotions, but in the end, it all turned into a sigh.

to the supermarket alone. Everyone was carrying abundant gifts, their faces filled with New Year's joy. This joy was so dazzling, but to me, it was somewhat glaring. It starkly

what I needed to buy. Passing by the clothing section, I found there was a New Year sale, and that many older women were

most of her face, blending in low-key with the crowd. She pulled out a discounted down jacket from a pile of sale items. The color and style of the jacket were only suitable for middle-aged and elderly

to the cashier, pulled out a card, and handed it over. The cashier swiped it and handed it back

be

couldn't be used. Faye awkwardly rummaged through her bag, her ears turning red. The line behind

is

must have recognized my voice and turned around abruptly. Because of the sunglasses, I couldn't see her eyes, but I imagined she must be shocked and embarrassed at

hundred and sixty-eight dollars," the cashier

nodded and handed

"Charge it to mine."

were slow and difficult as she took the jacket, but she eventually accepted it. After leaving the

she was doing. I didn't want to hurt her pride. We sat for a while, the cold air we brought in from outside had completely dissipated, and Faye finally spoke first, her

hundred dollars as well. I grew up in poverty and have been in such situations before. I understand that kind of embarrassment." Faye kept her head down, not saying a word.

heard about

was too sad to continue. Tears

wrong things in the past. Ethan was always mad at me. I kept thinking I'd apologize and seek his forgiveness once he calmed down. But he left so suddenly, and I never got the

Nothing is more important than Ethan being

and putting him in difficult situations. If I had another chance, I

sometimes scolded you and blamed you, he always wanted you to be well. He always treated

sore spot and suddenly covered her mouth, crying

I let him

for a while, she finally took off her sunglasses, revealing the bruises

husband

we first got married, he was pretty good to me. But within a month, his interest in me faded. He started partying and staying out all night. When he came home drunk, he would beat me. He didn't

Faye came to the Empire Artistry Group, she was still acting like a wealthy and arrogant lady. I didn't

to wipe them. She said with a bitter smile, "I used to always go against you. Now seeing me in this pathetic state,

"No, I feel sad for Ethan. He worked so hard to fulfill your dreams, paving the way for you, but you didn't work hard enough and ruined your own path. Did you marry for love? I

days ago, he openly brought a woman home. I was so angry that I argued with him.

in despair, saying, "I haven't acted in a long time. Now, no one even

top stars started with minor roles. It's not scary to start over; it's scary not to have

streaked with tears, looking lost. I placed the money for the bill on