Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

I regretted it the moment I said it, but taking it back would seem fake. "I just mean the rain's too heavy, and you've been tired all day. I'd feel bad making you drive." My excuse sounded weak. I did trust him; he was a gentleman even when I was drunk. Ethan gave me a teasing look, but his phone rang.

He was about to ignore it, but the caller ID made him frown. After a pause, he answered.

A woman's voice came through. I couldn't hear the conversation, but his expression stayed neutral. He turned down the volume so I couldn't eavesdrop.

Ethan stayed quiet, smoking as he listened. After about fifteen minutes, he took a deep drag and said, "I'll be there right away."

He hung up and looked at me, standing a few steps away. "I have to go; something came up."

His tone was gentle, probably because he knew I was upset. I nodded and went to get an umbrella for him.

"I'm already soaked; I don't mind getting wetter." He grabbed my wrist and hurried downstairs.

His touch lingered on my wrist. I could've pulled away, but I didn't.

I watched him drive off from behind the curtains.

The tape recorder played a scratchy song, The Thorn Birds Band's cover of "You're My Best Friend."

"Whatever this world can give to me, It's you, you're all I see. Oh, you make me live now, honey."

Arthur called, which I didn't expect. I knew why, but I wasn't in the mood. I let the phone ring, figuring he'd give up. Surprisingly, it kept ringing through two songs. Annoyed, I answered, curious about what he wanted.

"Emily!" Arthur spoke quickly, afraid I'd hang up.

I stayed silent. I had nothing to say to him.

"Emily, dragging this out isn't helping either of us. Listen to me..."

"The day after tomorrow, Family Court, we're getting divorced." I cut him off, not interested in his excuses.

"Okay." He sighed in relief. Vivian must've been giving him a hard time. She was difficult, unlike me.

I hung up and made a bold decision. Arthur wanted a divorce; fine. But I needed to get back at him for cheating.

The next night, I put on my shortest dress, did my makeup, grabbed my purse, and headed to a bar in the suburbs, looking for a one-night stand.

I had never done anything like this before. I had feelings for Ethan, but they'd stay secret.

Ethan had said if we slept together, I'd have to commit, but I couldn't. Plus, the woman who called him last night made me wary.

I had been hurt by a third party before; I wouldn't become one, even for Ethan.

I ordered a strong drink and watched the neon-lit crowd, searching for my target.