Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Vivian was still making a scene at the door, and Arthur looked completely embarrassed in front of everyone.

Ethan set me down on the sofa, and Arthur glanced our way. Feeling a surge of revenge, I instinctively wrapped my arms around Ethan's neck and kissed him passionately.

Ethan was surprised for a moment, then I saw him smirk. He took control, holding my head and kissing me back even more intensely.

Caught up in Ethan's kiss, I didn't notice Arthur's reaction. I only heard Frank yell, "What are you looking at? Get out!"

The room went silent. I felt like Ethan and I had a good understanding, just like at the bar. We were in sync without any rehearsal.

But even after the door closed, Ethan's kiss stayed intense. I couldn't handle it; I felt his heat through my clothes.

"Ethan, stop!" I pushed him away.

He stopped, breathing heavily, but looked at me calmly. "What's wrong, Emily? You started this, and now you're scared? A normal guy can't resist when a woman seduces him. Once it starts, you can't just hit pause." "I wasn't seducing you, I was just..." I struggled to explain that I was drunk and using him for revenge.

"You were just putting on a show for him?" Ethan finished my sentence.

He saw right through me. But why did he seem a bit angry? Was he mad I used him?

"Ethan, I won't do it again," I said softly.

Ethan chuckled, sat up, and lit a cigarette. "Now you're scared? Tell me, how did you end up here?"

I sat up, wrapping my dress around me. I was rational again, no longer fearless. "Arthur and I are divorcing tomorrow, but I was so angry at him. I thought making him feel cheated on would make me feel better." Ethan almost choked, coughing and looking at me with a mix of surprise and curiosity. I knew my actions were extreme.

"Emily, you're something else. Only you could come up with such a revenge plan," Ethan said.

I couldn't tell if he was praising or mocking me, but I felt a bit hurt. Ethan wasn't supposed to be part of my plan; I didn't expect him to find out.

Ethan blew a smoke ring, his gaze piercing through it. "So, you shouldn't have gone soft during that poker game."

"That was different," I argued.

"How was it different?" he asked, holding his cigarette.

"I didn't go soft on him. I just felt sorry for his parents."

Ethan let the smoke drift up, his voice low and serious. "Emily, this world is tough. There's no room for pity. If you don't fight back, you might end up getting hurt."Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

I looked through the smoke and met his gaze. "If I can't show any compassion compassion, then what are you to me? Why are you so good to me?"