Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Chapter 302 With All My Heart

Jason looked up at Lacey, his eyes wet and hollow.

"I know this hurts," she said softly. "But healing takes time. As a doctor, you understand that better than anyone. Even if the worst happens and David never remembers, at least you have each other now."

Jason abandoned the beer and lay back on the grass, gazing at the distant night sky.

"My dad's first house was in Broadway Alley-a cheap second-hand place. It wasn't much, but it was in the city. My mom later told me they didn't care about living in the city or countryside, but they wanted better schools for me."

He continued, his voice growing distant. "A few years later, my dad said the house was too old and too small. He wanted something bigger, so he worked himself to the bone, leaving early and coming home late. But I never cared about the size of our home I just wanted us to be happy together."

"When my dad finally had his opportunity and made some money, he bought a bigger house. But he changed. He used to always defer to my mom, but after making money, he became this domineering man. He used to ask about my studies regularly, but those questions came less and less, even as the wall filled with my achievement certificates. Once, his pride came from my accomplishments. Later, it was all about how he'd built everything from nothing."

"If I could go back, I wouldn't want any big house. I'd just want my father back-the one who cared about my mom and me, who valued our family before ambition consumed him."

This was perhaps the most Jason had ever shared with her at once. If not for the alcohol, he might have kept these feelings bottled up.

Lacey hugged her knees to her chest, smiling ruefully. "I'm not much better off. My mom took Richard and left when he was very young. It was just my dad and me, but I was determined to prove something if fate was going to deal me this hand, I wouldn't surrender."

Jason lay motionless with his arm draped over his eyes, his breathing imperceptible.

Lacey glanced at him, then at the beer can in her hand. Compelled by something she couldn't name, she lifted it to her lips and drank.

Beer wasn't pleasant, but the sensation of intoxication was wonderful-Lacey unrcretsitveriths wen!!

After finishing half the can, her head began to feel light. A cool breeze made her shiver, but Jason remained frozen in the same position.

She nudged him gently. "Get up. You'll catch cold lying like that."

When he didn't move, Lacey leaned closer and moved his arm away from his face. She was shocked to find his sleeve completely soaked with tears.

Something crashed against her heart, making it difficult to breathe.

She wiped his tears with her sleeve, her voice breaking. "Don't be like this. We may seem pitiful, but we're also fortunate. You had your mom who loved you; I had my dad. Perhaps no one gets everything. Besides, your dad doesn't remember, but that doesn't mean he doesn't love you. He does love you."

"I never felt sorry for myself all these years my dad was gone," Jason whispered, trying

to control the tremor in his voice. "If he hadn't suddenly appeared-standing before

me without recognizing me I wouldn't have felt this pitiful."

His words were soft, but his tears betrayed him. Since he couldn't hide them, he stopped trying and let them fall silently.

vulnerable made Lacey's heart ache. With trembling hands, she cradled

said softly, "Jason, don't do this. Everything will be okay. I'll

gathered her courage and slowly pressed her quivering lips

least one person in this world loved him. Though a powerhouse in her career, she had almost no experience in matters of the heart. All she had was

intoxicated, Jason wasn't completely unaware. He gripped her shoulders, attempting to create distance. Sensing his resistance, Lacey held him tighter and deepened

her persistence,

this moment, Jason

expression shifting from

of response, Jason suddenly flipped her onto her back, transforming from passive to

startled-unsure whether from surprise or delight. She even wondered if he

Lacey's face, so bright she

an intense kiss,

he whispered breathlessly

who I am?" she

what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke, "Lacey, you don't have to

say her name

to," she replied, her smile more radiant than a rose

slowly lay down beside her, his arm

worth it?"

she answered

quietly for a while, both watching the full moon

be missing out on the complete story. Head over there

Lacey cherished this moment.

always remain this peaceful, without complications, how wonderful that

their intoxication, they walked back together

through the

stepped into a hollow and stumbled. A

seconds, the ripples in Lacey's heart

strong woman whom no man

to be strong in

their nature, desire to be cherished in a

at the house, they retreated to their

gazed at the moon through her

recalling what had happened, amazed at her own boldness and

David. The weather had turned cooler, and

the house and accidentally discovered a small photo album on the