Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

When Ethan kissed me, my mind went blank. I forgot to resist and just went with it. Nearby, someone sighed, then came applause and whistles. I snapped back to reality as Ethan ended the kiss. He looked at me closely, his deep eyes showing a tenderness I didn't get. "I like your taste; it's unique."

Ethan's voice was sexy and magnetic, making me feel like we were really a couple. In my panic, I noticed Arthur's sour expression.

"Not many women catch Ethan's eye," a teasing voice said.

I turned to see a guy in a plaid shirt walking over, one hand in his pocket, a cigarette in the other, smirking through the smoke.

I remembered him; he was the one who said Ethan was lucky on the mountain road. No wonder he didn't recognize me I looked totally different today.

He grinned, glanced at me, and patted Ethan on the shoulder. "Ethan, they're waiting for you upstairs to play cards."

Ethan didn't turn around, just smirked. We were so close his breath was on my forehead. "Oliver, a beautiful woman is obviously more important than cards. You go ahead."

I blushed and turned away. Oliver Smith just shrugged and walked off, humming.

"Emily, don't forget you have a husband," Arthur finally snapped.

Bella, leaning against the wall, sneered and flicked her short hair. "As if you don't have a wife."

The crowd, who had figured out the relationships, laughed. I couldn't believe Arthur could say that so self-righteously.

Vivian jumped in to stir the pot. "Arthur, see? She's totally unfaithful, kissing another man right in front of you. She's so cheap."

I found it laughable and had nothing more to say. Honestly, seeing Arthur upset made me feel pretty good.

Under Arthur's angry glare, I took Ethan's arm. "Weren't you going to play cards? Let's go!"

Ethan stood up straight, looking at me with indulgent eyes. "Let's go."

I thought Ethan wouldn't care about Vivian calling me cheap, but as we passed by, he stopped and looked at her. "Do you know what being cheap means? If not, you should take a good look at yourself."

Bella laughed, glancing at Arthur. "Arthur, weren't you here to have fun? Got the guts to join in on some gambling?"

I doubted Arthur would take the bait since he hated gambling and didn't have the money for it.

As the elevator doors closed, the loud music outside faded. Ethan pressed the button for the 9th floor with his long fingers.

I figured the act was almost over and thought it was time to let go of his arm. Just as I was about to, he clasped my hand, stopping me.

His warm palm against mine made me feel shy, especially with Bella watching. She'd probably tease me if she got the chance.

The card room on the 9th floor was big, and lots of people knew Ethan. As soon as we arrived, many greeted him, eyeing me with curiosity but no malice.

While Ethan chatted with someone, I let go of his hand, and luckily, he didn't stop me.

Oliver, playing cards, waved us over. Ethan casually took my hand again, his actions natural and sincere.

When we reached Oliver's table, their game had just ended. Many stood up to give Ethan a seat, except Oliver, who kept shuffling cards with a cigarette in his mouth.

Bella, who loved playing cards, sat down, ready to join the next game. "I haven't played in a while. I'll join too."

Oliver took a puff, whistled at Bella, and smiled. "Of course, you're welcome, beautiful."

"Do you know how to play?" Ethan suddenly asked me.

I shook my head honestly.

"I'll teach you," Ethan said, pressing me into a chair.

I immediately wanted to stand up, not just because I didn't know how to play, but also because I didn't have much money. I was worried about how much they were betting and if I could afford to lose. Ethan pressed my shoulder and smiled. "Don't worry, if you lose, I'll cover you."

"Arthur, you really came. Did you bring enough money? Or are you planning to use the woman next to you as collateral?" Bella said. I turned around in shock to see Arthur and Vivian walking towards us.