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 him as

for a

hope giving way

a night in this cell, she

would have to face

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

a physical

feet, clutching at

any punishment, but please, spare

you did

disgust, cigarette ash falling

lay on the floor, tears dropping

that. I admit it. Richard, I'm not asking for your forgiveness, just don't punish Hank. He's been

up!" Richard cut

your anger out on Abby? Did you

remorse, pressing her

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

heart is pure. You exposed her to the darkness in human nature, yet she still saw goodness in you." Richard dropped his cigarette butt and stood,

final words

closing, plunging the room

an hour or two later, the

you're free

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knees, staring blankly at the officer in the doorway.

posted bail for you," the officer

be hearing things, but the officer

so long, her legs had gone numb, each

in custody had stripped away all

briefly reached life's pinnacle, only to plummet to its depths in an

where she'd spent nearly two days, she quietly

at her. "The man

for a full

the police

are you

him without answering and turned

apologizing, "Ellin, I'm sorry. I took it upon myself to

Please don't

forward,

was too hasty, and

patting

angry. I was only trying to help, to keep you

pleaded between coughs,

with you. I'm angry at myself. I was

don't be

aching, still feeling as though

it were only a