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."

intoxicated, his words came out slowly, clearly, deliberately. She heard

turned her body to face him. She stared

gaze as he looked at her-a tenderness she had

her, his lips brushing her forehead before lightly

delicate lips,

unusual gentleness made

had been drunk then too, rough and wild. She had cried

hadn't

was drunk

completely intoxicated. Otherwise, how could he act

long moment, he finally said, "I don't want Abby to grow up

at him blankly. She partially understood but dared not fully

expression amused him. With flushed cheeks, he smiled

to give her a complete family," Richard

her eyes.

gently, his voice

words fell, so did her

1,228th day

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

weeks later, they held a magnificent wedding

her with gifts and blessings,

Sophie's hand, gazing at

day, she took his

had always been beautiful, he realized he simply hadn't truly seen

toasting guests, immediately abandoned everything

already, so I'll just say one

nodded resolutely to Faris.

the bustling

drinking quite a bit, he left

he stood outside the hotel waiting for a car,

leaned down, resting his hands on

you want to go has no vacancy, and that train line is permanently closed. I suggest finding another destination," came a man's steady, commanding, yet somewhat humorous voice

I'll go wherever you take me." He

in.

seaside, where

they raised their

they talked

resentments faded like morning mist. Only the

real. But these feelings stayed buried deep in

the three said goodbye and went

Abby insisted on sleeping with her daddy and mommy. Richard had no

knowing why he had