Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

I bent down to grab the towel, but Ethan beat me to it.

My face went red as I tried to pull it from him. "Let go!"

He ignored me and wrapped the towel around me instead.

I expected him to say something, but he stayed quiet, not acting like the playboy he was earlier.

My heart was racing, and I couldn't look at him. Suddenly, Ethan pulled me into his arms and snapped a photo with his phone. "What are you doing?" I panicked. The photo showed him in a robe and me in a towel against his chest. It looked suggestive. Ethan grinned. "Just some insurance, in case you keep sleeping with me without making it official."

"You..." I started, but the door opened, and Bella walked in.

"Emmy, you're awake?" Bella's smile seemed off.

"Bella, what are you doing here?" I asked, surprised.

Bella looked confused. "I've been here. I went to get a drink and watched some card games."

She held up two cans. "Want one?"

I felt like Ethan was messing with me. I glared at him. "Then why did you say..."

"What did I say?" Ethan leaned against the glass door, looking at me.

I looked down, frustrated but too embarrassed to confront him in front of Bella.

Ethan leaned in close, his voice low. "You flirting with me after drinking is a fact. Bella can confirm. If I hadn't refused, you would've had your way with me." His words threw me off, but I felt relieved knowing the truth.

Ethan smiled at my reaction, then walked away.

It wasn't until he was gone that I noticed another room nearby.

Back in the room, I asked, "Bella, did you help me change last night?"

Bella leaned back, opened a can, and took a sip before smirking. "Did you think Ethan undressed you? Did you accuse him? You've gotten bold." Knowing the truth, I just wanted to sleep and hope it was all a dream.

"I let you drink because I was there to take care of you. You threw up on me, so I cleaned you up and put you to bed. No man touched you."

Bella's words touched me. I crawled into bed and hugged her arm. "You're the best."

"Actually, when I went to shower, Ethan was there," Bella said, tossing her empty can into the trash.

I held my breath, and Bella laughed, nudging me. "I was so conflicted. I wanted him to make a move on you, but I was also worried he'd take advantage. When I came out, he was gone." I playfully pounced on her. "Get your priorities straight! You're my friend!"

Bella laughed and dodged. We messed around for a bit before calming down.

She said, "Ethan is so much better than Arthur. After your divorce, dating Ethan would be a great choice."

I burrowed deeper into the blanket, thinking about Arthur on the balcony earlier, feeling all tangled up inside.

A guy like Ethan could have any woman he wanted. No way he'd be interested in me. But I had to admit, he was incredibly attractive, and his occasional flirtations flustered me. Still feeling the effects of the alcohol, I fell asleep again.

When I woke up, it was broad daylight.

Bella brought in a set of clothes, saying Ethan had sent them. It was a new dress, tags still on.

'Why would he have a new dress for a woman at his place? Does he have a girlfriend or a wife?' I laughed at myself. 'What am I even thinking? I don't know him at all.'

I didn't want him to be married. I'd suffered enough and didn't want to hurt another woman.

The dress fit perfectly. When I went downstairs, the living room was a mess, but no one was around.

Bella had gone to the taekwondo gym and took a cab. I felt too embarrassed to leave directly, so I decided to clean up the living room.

After tidying up, I didn't see any women or Ethan. Feeling hungry, I headed to the kitchen.

I made breakfast. When I turned to throw away the eggshells, I saw Ethan leaning against the kitchen door, watching me.

His hair was wet, and he was wearing a clean white shirt and dress pants, looking fresh and handsome.

I felt embarrassed under his gaze. "I haven't seen you around. Sorry for using your kitchen without permission. I didn't know what you like, but I saw eggs in the fridge, so I made fried eggs and toast. Want some?" Ethan's pose was attractive, and his smile was gentle. "This is the first time a woman has made me breakfast. This house finally feels like home."