Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 291 Marry Me

The question hung in the air, but Richard's playful expression suggested something more beneath his words.

For years, their relationship had followed a familiar pattern: Sophie's heart chasing after Richard while he kept her at a distance, avoiding her, even resenting her presence. Initially, Sophie had attributed his small changes to his reluctant acceptance of his biological connection to Abby-an inescapable paternal role. His unwillingness, even resistance, had been painfully clear to her.

But lately, something had been shifting quietly between them.

That kiss in the hot spring-the electrifying sensation that had left her dizzy-still made Sophie's heart race whenever she recalled it.

"What are you daydreaming about? You're clearly distracted," Richard's teasing voice suddenly broke through her thoughts, making Sophie touch her face self-consciously, utterly flustered.

"Daddy, why are you paying so much attention to Mommy?" Abby's innocent voice chimed in, and Sophie couldn't help but smile secretly.

Now it was Richard's turn to feel awkward. He laughed nervously. "I'm just concerned about her."

"Daddy, I want you to be concerned about me too."

"How about this-next time I'll pay more attention to your feelings, okay?"

"Great!" Abby clapped her hands excitedly, her rosy cheeks dimpling adorably. Richard couldn't resist picking her up and kissing her cheek.

Abby returned the kiss and said in her sweet voice, "Daddy, I love you!" Then she turned and kissed Sophie's cheek too. "Mommy, I love you too."

Sophie's heart melted. She looked at Richard, who was already gazing at her. As their eyes met, for the first time, she saw genuine tenderness in his look-as if scattered light had somehow found its way into his eyes, making them sparkle.

Something indescribable flowed between them. This, she thought, must be what happiness feels like.

A week later, Emily and Ethan returned from their trip and invited them all to dinner at the mountain resort.

They brought Abby along. Oliver, Frank, Jason, and Lacey were there too.

Everyone was delighted by the rare gathering, and they all drank more than usual that night.

After dinner, Abby fell asleep on the sofa. When Richard became too drunk, Sophie couldn't manage both him and Abby, so Emily took Abby while Sophie helped Richard to bed. She removed his shoes, covered him with blankets, and brought warm water to wash his face.

When she finished, she sat on the bed, quietly watching him.

Perhaps only when drunk could Richard be this peaceful.

Years had passed, yet he remained the handsome Richard she'd always known, though no longer the irresponsible, idle young man he once was. He had experienced much and matured considerably. He had developed a sense of justice and responsibility.

Sophie gently stroked his face. "Richard, get some good rest," she whispered.

As she rose to leave, he suddenly grabbed her hand. In the next moment, he pulled her forcefully onto the bed. She lost her balance and fell beside him. His arms wrapped tightly around her waist from behind, holding her immobile.

"I know I was once like a hedgehog," he said. "But now, I've removed all my spines. I won't hurt you anymore."

came out slowly, clearly, deliberately. She heard every syllable, every breath

her body to face him. She stared at him,

gaze as he looked

his lips brushing her forehead before

gaze lingered on her delicate lips,

gentleness made

encounter Richard had been drunk then too, rough and wild. She

she hadn't regretted

he was

completely intoxicated. Otherwise, how could he act so differently?' she

be gathering his thoughts. After a long moment, he finally said, "I don't want

him blankly. She partially understood but dared not fully comprehend, afraid she was

him. With flushed

a complete family," Richard

warm, bittersweet feeling rushed to her eyes. Sophie vaguely felt as if she were

his voice husky.

his words fell,

the 1,228th

had finally heard the words she thought she would never hear in her

a magnificent wedding that became the talk

her makeup and presented her with gifts and blessings, though she and Ethan didn't attend

hand, gazing at

she took his breath

had always been beautiful, he realized he simply hadn't truly seen it before. Faris came

who had been toasting guests, immediately abandoned everything

his gift. "You've heard enough well-wishes already, so I'll just say one thing: cherish what

hand firmly and nodded

around the bustling

drinking quite a bit, he left before the

for a car, a vehicle suddenly stopped in

headed? Need a ride?" The woman behind the wheel smiled radiantly. Faris leaned down, resting

vacancy, and that train line is permanently closed. I suggest finding another destination," came a man's steady, commanding, yet somewhat humorous voice from

ruefully. "Then I'll go wherever you take me." He opened

in.

seaside, where

moonlight, they raised

talked about everything except

morning

vivid and real. But these

goodbye and

and

her back to her own room. Sophie, knowing why he had moved Abby,