Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

Bella's message freaked me out so bad I almost dropped my phone.

Bella: [I'm being forced! Blue Ocean Bar.]

No time to reply. I bolted out of Broadway Alley, flagged down a cab, and told the driver to step on it to Blue Ocean Bar.

On the way, I kept calling Bella, but she wasn't picking up. My anxiety was through the roof, hands shaking like crazy.

I thought, 'Who the hell is messing with her? Oliver? Or maybe Zachary, that guy's got a thing for her too.'

Jumping out of the cab, I dashed inside without a second thought about any danger, just Bella. After a frantic search, I found her in an open private room. "Bella, didn't you say you were being..."

Bella, chilling on the sofa, got up and pulled me in. "Yeah, they forced me to come here and gamble. Isn't that coercion?"

I couldn't believe Bella played me like that. I didn't wanna go in 'cause Ethan was there, playing poker with Oliver and Frank.

Frank and Ethan each had a chick next to them. Oliver was solo, and Bella wasn't sitting with him either.

When Bella dragged me in, Ethan just glanced up and went back to his cards, looking all cold and distant, like he didn't even know me.

The chick next to Ethan kept flirting with him. He didn't push her away but didn't seem into it either.

"Mrs. Windsor," Frank greeted me.

Ethan, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, didn't even look up. "Don't call her that. She won't be my wife for long."

My heart sank, and Bella's eyes darted between us, confused.

Bella knew about the drama between Ethan and me. After a bit, she laughed. "Oh, I get it. Well then, let's play all night, and you two can finalize the paperwork tomorrow. Then you can both be free to find new partners." She said it like it was no big deal, but I couldn't be that chill.

Bella pulled me to sit down and join the game. I shook my head. "I don't know how."

"Don't worry, it's super easy, all about luck. We're not gambling money, just drinks. Worst case, you get drunk." Bella made it sound simple, but I didn't wanna get wasted in front of Ethan.

"Yeah, just drinks. Don't be scared," Ethan said with a faint smile that didn't reach his eyes.

His tone was nice, but I felt the distance.

Oliver and Frank kept glancing at Ethan, who stayed indifferent, his face a bit flushed like he'd already had a lot to drink.

The chick next to Ethan looked at me all smug, making me uncomfortable, but I reluctantly joined their game.

They said beginners had the best luck at the card table. After I started playing, I mostly won, only downing two beers. Ethan lost the most.

Ethan was straightforward, drinking whenever he lost. The busty chick next to him kept pouring his drinks and even fed him, which he didn't mind.

"Ethy, you can really hold your liquor," she gushed.

Ethan seemed genuinely drunk, wrapping an arm around the chick's waist and pulling her closer. She took advantage and snuggled into his arms.

I tried to focus on my cards, but her annoying voice kept piercing my ears.

After one round, I suddenly stood up. "I'm going to the restroom."

I splashed my face with cold water in the restroom. Bella followed me in, trying to talk sense into me. "Emmy, don't act impulsively. Can't you see Ethan's trying to get a rise out of you?" I stared at myself in the mirror, feeling uneasy. "Even if he's provoking me, it doesn't mean he loves me. He just doesn't wanna look like the one getting dumped."

Bella said, "Think carefully. How can you find another guy like Ethan if you break up? You wanna end up with someone like Arthur again?"

I stared at my reflection, water droplets on my face, and smiled. "Yeah, I'm about to get back with Arthur."

Bella's eyes went wide, and she shoved me hard. "What the hell are you talking about? Don't be stupid."

I shook my head with a bitter smile. "I'm not being stupid. I'm just seeing things clearly."

I wasn't really gonna get back with Arthur, but it was a good excuse to cut ties with Ethan.

When I left the restroom, I immediately saw Ethan leaning against the wall.

Bella wisely took off first, giving me a wink. I got her hint. I was about to leave too, but Ethan extended his arm, pulling me close and pinning me against the wall. "Having fun?" Ethan smirked, his breath reeking of booze, making me dizzy.

I looked down, not saying a word. He lifted my chin, and I was surprised by his calm expression. But this calmness felt like the calm before a storm.

"I don't think it's enough. Come on, I'll take you somewhere more exciting." He grabbed my hand and led me out of the bar.

His idea of excitement didn't sound good. I felt uneasy but couldn't break free.

Outside the bar, Ethan shoved me into his car and quickly got in, starting the engine.

"Are you nuts? You can't drive after drinking!" I stared at him in disbelief.

He glanced at me, his smile cold. "Scared? Don't worry, I'm not drunk."

His tone was calm, but his driving was anything but. He floored the gas pedal, and the car sped down the road, streetlights blurring into streaks of light. "Ethan, stop the car," I shouted in panic.

But he ignored me, lips tightly pressed, eyes focused ahead, not slowing down at all.

Out of the city, the car entered a winding mountain road. The sharp turns came one after another, but he didn't slow down. Each turn made the car drift, and by the time we reached the top, I felt like I was gonna hurl. Ethan rested his hands on the steering wheel, looking at me with a smile. "How was that? Exciting?"

"Are you crazy?" I was still shaken.

He laughed, suddenly leaning close to me. "Did I scare you?"

"What do you want?" I glared at him.

Ethan suddenly swung a leg over, sitting on my lap, making my legs go numb. He clasped the back of my head, pulling me closer, his smile mischievous. "What do you think I want?"

The next second, he kissed me hard, taking my breath away. I tried to struggle, but his hand held my head firmly, his kiss aggressive and punishing.

He reclined the seat, and I fell back helplessly. "Baby, I missed you these past few days." His husky voice whispered seductively in my ear.

"Ethan, you can't do this." I had a moment of clarity, pushing against his chest to stop him.

He laughed wickedly. "Why can't I? We're still married; you're still my wife."

I looked at him with a pained expression. "But your intentions with me aren't pure."

"And yours are?" Ethan's eyes held a cold glint, making me shiver.

Suddenly, my phone rang. I reached for it, but Ethan grabbed it first.

I only caught a glimpse of "Arthur" on the screen before he tossed it aside.

Ethan's hand caressed my cheek, his lips kissing me, his other hand moving down. "You missed me too, didn't you?"

His words made me feel ashamed. I hated myself for how my body invariably responded honestly to him. Soon, I lost all clarity, wanting only to enjoy the moment with him.

His shirt was already unbuttoned, revealing his perfect muscles, every inch exuding raw power.

In the confined space of the car, only our voices could be heard. This was probably our wildest sex.

Afterward, he lay on top of me, breathing heavily, and I had no strength left to move.

When he reached for my phone, I realized the screen was still on.

Ethan mocked, "Who knew Mr. Miller had such a fetish, enjoying listening to others having sex and staying on the line until the end."