Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Since our last brief meeting, I only remembered Victor as stern. I knew he didn't like me.

Ethan didn't need to question his lineage; he got his good looks and serious demeanor from Victor.

Just like now, Victor didn't say a word, but one look from him made me feel small.

"Dad," I greeted out of respect.

Victor glanced away and walked in. I quickly stepped aside.

"Don't call me that. I won't acknowledge a daughter-in-law who hasn't earned my approval," he said calmly, leaving me frozen.

By the time I snapped out of it, Victor was already seated on the sofa, looking around like it was his first time here.

Even if Victor didn't accept me, I was still Ethan's wife and needed to take care of him.

I poured a glass of water and placed it in front of Victor. Not daring to call him Dad again, I just said, "Here's some water." Victor looked up at me again.

I lowered my head, feeling the weight of his gaze.

Victor asked, "How much money do you want?"

I was stunned. "What do you mean by that?"

Victor lit a cigarette, his lips curling in contempt. "Emily, 26, graduated from Starlight Medical College with a nursing degree, working at Benevolence Hospital since. Your ex-husband was an obstetrician there but got fired recently." I stared at him, shocked. "You investigated me?"

Victor took a drag, smiling slightly. "Your dad was a truck driver who died in an accident over a decade ago. Your mom became a vegetable in the same accident and passed away this June at Benevolence Hospital. You grew up poor and likely learned early that money is crucial. For the poor, survival often comes down to money."

He was right; the rich lived for life, the poor for survival. But that didn't mean the poor would sell everything for money. We had dignity too.

"You think I'm with Ethan for his money?" I asked, holding back the pain.

Victor laughed like he'd heard the funniest joke. "Not for money, then for love? Ms. Russell, you have no strong family background and are divorced, but I don't underestimate you. Ethan hasn't been close to any girl for years, yet suddenly he's married to you. You're not simple."

I laughed bitterly. "You think I tricked Ethan?"

Victor leaned back, smoking slowly. "Maybe it's not just money; maybe you have other motives. He may not like me meddling, but he's still my son. I won't let someone with ulterior motives stay by his side."

I laughed coldly. "You've already judged me guilty. No matter what I say, it'll just seem like I'm covering up."

Victor flicked his cigarette ash and reached for the water glass, then put it down, remembering I poured it.

He continued, "You have your motives, and Ethan has his. Do you really think he likes you? Women are lining up to marry him. Why you? He chose a divorced woman to spite me. He's still mad I didn't approve of his relationship with that singer years ago."

That made sense. Ethan chose me to get back at both Arthur and Victor.

"Enough. I never intended to cling to him or take his money. I'll leave now." I ran upstairs, packed a suitcase, and came back down.

Victor was still there, smoking like he hadn't moved.

I was about to leave without a word, but then I stopped. "You still feel unwilling, don't you? Name your price," Victor said, like he expected this.

I turned back, smiling bitterly but proudly. "My feelings are priceless. There's no shame in any job. What's wrong with being a nurse? Fiona singing in a bar isn't disgraceful either. Some are born rich, some poor. So what if we're poor? We don't steal or rob. We earn every penny through hard work. What's wrong with that? Ethan..." my voice choked up. "If you don't want others to love him, then you should love him well. Ethan may have money, but that doesn't mean he has everything. There are many things money can't buy."

I knew Ethan longed for his father's love.

Victor's expression turned serious, and he stared at me silently, lost in thought.

I gripped my suitcase and walked out of the villa. It felt like I was always running away, leaving places that once felt warm to keep my dignity intact.

I hailed a taxi. I couldn't go back to Broadway Alley; Ethan would find me there. So, I called Bella for her new address.

Leaning against the car window, tears flowed silently. I had hoped to talk things out with Ethan, but Victor's words crushed that hope.

In the distance, I saw headlights. It was Ethan's car, speeding. Was he rushing back to see me?

We passed each other, and when I looked back, his car was already far away. My chest hurt so much.

I took out my phone, scrolled to Ethan's number, and after hesitating, blacklisted him.

The taxi dropped me off, and Bella was waiting at the entrance. She took my luggage and asked, "What's going on?"

I didn't say anything. She could tell I'd been crying and didn't press further.

Bella took me to her place and asked if I had eaten. Not wanting to trouble her, I lied and said I had.

I took a shower and got into bed, but I couldn't sleep. Bella kept asking, so I finally told her everything, including what Jason and Victor had said.

"How could he have a father like that?" Bella was angry for me.

I sighed, "It doesn't matter. It was a mistake from the start. I should have realized it sooner."

"You said Ethan is with you to get back at Arthur and his dad. I don't think that's the case. The way he treats you doesn't seem fake."

I held back tears, watching the red curtains sway gracefully in the night breeze. "I can't tell what's real and what's fake anymore. We're from two different worlds."

Just then, Bella's phone rang. It was Ethan.

I nervously said, "Don't tell him I'm here."

Bella answered and put it on speaker. "Bella, is Emily with you?" Ethan's voice came through, and I held my breath.novelbin

"No, what's going on with you two?" Bella replied.

Ethan was silent for a moment, then his voice deepened. "Emily is with you, isn't she? Otherwise, you wouldn't be so calm knowing she's missing."

Bella glanced at me but stuck to her story. "No, maybe she's at the old house?"

Ethan said, "I'm at her old house now. Emily, no one can interfere with my marriage. I said I want to spend my life with you, and I'm not joking. If you're not angry anymore, come home soon. I'll be waiting."

He was smart, confirming I was at Bella's and deducing she had put him on speaker.

Bella handed me the phone, signaling for me to speak. I bit my lip, tears welling up as I looked at his name on the screen.

Bella took the phone back and said, "Okay, I got it. If she contacts me, I'll let her know."

After hanging up, Bella tried to persuade me. "I think Ethan is earnest. He wouldn't take feelings lightly. Even if he still thinks about Fiona, it shows he's loyal. He can't dwell on her forever; he has to move on. I think he's serious about you." I shook my head in despair. "It's not about whether he's using me for revenge or if he's serious. We have no chance. Family or love, it's not a hard choice. Besides, he may not love me."

Bella snorted and turned over. "If it were me, I'd choose love without hesitation. I don't have much family affection with my dad. From what I see, Ethan is probably the same. And he said no one can interfere with him. He said that to reassure you."

If Ethan had to choose, I hoped he'd choose family. I understood the pain of losing parents.

That night, I tossed and turned, unable to sleep. I didn't know Ethan had already left Starlight City overnight.