Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 290 Live With That

After several rounds of interrogation, Ellin found herself locked in a dark room for the

entire night.

In that darkness, huddled in the corner, her mind wandered through memories and regrets.

When the police had found her, she'd been preparing lunch, waiting for Hank and the others to return. Shortly after Hank left, an unsettling feeling had crept into her heart. As the meal sat ready and time passed with no sign of them, that uneasiness grew stronger.

When police officers finally burst through the door, Ellin felt an unexpected calm. What was meant to happen would happen better a swift end than daily torment.

Looking back now, she could hardly recall what madness and impulse had driven her to act as she did. Even to herself, her actions seemed incomprehensible, yet she had done it nonetheless.

He must hate her now. The memory of his hands around her throat, his eyes burning with rage that image remained vivid in her mind.

She had only feared losing him, yet her actions had pushed him further away. Now, any possibility between them was gone destroyed by her own hands.

The door creaked open, letting in a shaft of light that fell across her body. Having spent the night in darkness, Ellin squinted against the sudden brightness, taking a moment to adjust.

Dawn had broken outside.

The figure stood backlit in the doorway, his face obscured. The moment she recognized him, her vision blurred with tears.

Footsteps approached as he entered the room.

She hastily smoothed her disheveled hair, unable to meet his gaze, yet feeling the hostility radiating from him.

Richard sat down in a chair a short distance away.

Ellin heard the click of a lighter, smelled the familiar scent of cigarette smoke drifting toward her.

"Ellin Spencer. Twenty-seven. Raised in a single-parent household. Dropped out of high school. Moved to the city alone to find work. Waited tables, worked as a hostess, did background acting. Eventually spotted by a talent scout and cast as a manipulative antagonist. The character was despicable, but memorable and it made you famous." Ellin listened as Richard calmly recited her life story, her initial shock giving way to resignation.

With the police having found her, they'd clearly investigated her background thoroughly.

She gave a bitter smile. "My mother named me Ellin Spencer. She said she wanted my world to be colorful and rich. I changed it when I became an actress."

Richard scoffed. "Were you really discovered by a talent scout, or did you sleep your way to that role?"

Ellin's head snapped up, his contemptuous gaze piercing her.

"No, Richard, please believe me. I really was discovered by a scout. I never slept with any director, I swear..."

Her voice trailed off as she realized that explanations were meaningless now. He wouldn't care.

"Is Hank your brother?" Richard suddenly asked.

Ellin stared at him in horror, shaking her head. "This is all my fault. None of it has anything to do with Hank."

Her expression darkened, her voice taking on a pleading tone.

"I know you hate me, and I don't expect forgiveness. But please, leave Hank out of this.

sickly. I failed

silent for

heart sank, hope giving way to

a night in this cell, she had already

would have to face the consequences

measured voice broke the silence. "You don't have children, so you can't understand the

her like a physical blow, condemning

feet, clutching at his pant

but please, spare Hank. He's innocent.

did

her away in disgust, cigarette ash falling

lay on the floor, tears dropping onto the

know that. I admit it. Richard, I'm not asking

up!" Richard cut

you ever consider how

in remorse,

though the lady seemed scary, you were actually kind to her. You bought her new clothes, shoes, and gloves. You

tears falling once more. "I never meant to hurt her, truly. I realized my mistake

exposed her to the darkness in human nature, yet she still saw goodness in you."

were his final words

left, the door closing, plunging

or two later, the

you're free to

adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter

knees, staring blankly at the officer

Someone posted bail for

she must be hearing things, but

long, her legs had gone numb,

had stripped away all her

life's pinnacle, only to plummet to its depths

the small dark room where she'd spent nearly two

"The man who visited

a full ten seconds, her

out of the police station, where Hank was

you

without answering and turned to

her, apologizing, "Ellin, I'm sorry. I took

don't be

forward, ignoring

too hasty, and he began

immediately, patting

only trying to help, to keep

pleaded between coughs, his face

from Ellin's eyes. "I'm not angry with you. I'm angry at myself. I was

"Ellin, don't be sad. You still have

feeling as though

it were