Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

We ate our pasta in silence, tossing a couple of sarcastic remarks back and forth, but that was it. It felt like we were strangers.

Watching him leave, I thought we'd never cross paths again. But some things were just meant to be.

The next day, August 14th, I was on vacation.

When I woke up, I saw a $5,300 dress on the bedside table, probably left by Ethan.

I knew what Ethan was getting at, so I put it on without much thought. Wearing it to the wedding might make Vivian uncomfortable, but she had hurt me way worse. Ethan was right; being soft-hearted didn't pay off.

After a miscarriage, a divorce, and losing my mom, I'd lost a lot of weight. The dress fit perfectly, showing off my collarbone and a bit of thigh, making my legs look longer. I heard footsteps, and soon Ethan appeared in the mirror. Just as I was about to turn, he held my shoulder down.

A warm arm brushed past my ear, and I saw a pearl necklace appear around my neck in the mirror.

Ethan, with his sleeves half-rolled, was carefully putting on the necklace. After fastening it, he gently hugged my waist, one hand playing with the pearls on my chest.

He looked at me in the mirror, smiling. "Beautiful!"

Blushing, I admired the necklace, feeling both happy and a bit guilty about the cost. "When did you buy this? I had no idea. You're wasting money again."

"Spending money on you isn't a waste. Don't you think this necklace makes your skin look even more stunning?" Ethan's voice was slow, and his cool hand slid down my neckline, kissing my earlobe. "Today, you'll definitely outshine Vivian. Just looking at you makes me want you!"

His controlled strength and husky voice made my breathing erratic. He kissed me, and just when I thought he'd lose control, he stopped. "We can't wrinkle the dress. I'll let you go for now." Half an hour later, we got in the car.

Ethan looked sharp in a suit and crisp white shirt today, more handsome than ever. Every time I saw him, he managed to captivate me. Honestly, I thought he'd outshine Arthur today. "Noticing my charm?" he teased, catching me staring.novelbin

I quickly looked away, fiddling with my dress.

He reached over, held my hand, and said with a smile, "You're becoming more charming too."

He really knew how to flatter a woman. I couldn't resist. Sometimes, I felt like I'd jump into any trap he set without hesitation.

After a while, he said, "Today's wedding is going to be quite the show."

There was a hint of sarcasm in his words. I turned to read his expression, but he was focused on the road, showing nothing.

The New Victory Hotel was lavishly decorated, bustling with guests.

Arthur would never spend on such an expensive venue; it was probably Vivian and her dad Xavier's idea. Xavier had status, and the wedding had to match.

Following the valet's guidance, Ethan parked the car. As we got out, I saw many former colleagues from Benevolence Hospital. Out of vanity, I took Ethan's arm.

At first, not many recognized me, but soon they were nudging each other, giving knowing looks, drawing more attention our way.

They were surprised I was at Arthur's wedding, that I wore an expensive dress and necklace, and that I was with a man far superior to Arthur.

Society always praised the high and trampled the low. Those who used to ignore me at the hospital now came over to greet me, acting like we were close friends. They chatted while trying to figure out my relationship with Ethan. "Honey, who are they?" Ethan asked, calling me so affectionately that these women with girlish fantasies were stunned.

I pretended not to notice their heartbreak, smiling as I introduced, "They are my former colleagues from Benevolence Hospital."

Pointing to Ethan, I said, "This is my husband."

Their smiles were now pretty forced. I didn't care to guess their thoughts. They were probably wondering how a divorced woman like me could end up with such an amazing guy.

Suddenly, there was a commotion, and everyone turned to the entrance. The stars of the day had arrived.

Arthur wore a white suit, looking like the perfect groom. Vivian's wedding dress cleverly hid her belly. As they entered, applause erupted.

I stood not far away, and Vivian quickly spotted me. Her happy smile vanished, especially when she saw my dress. She looked shocked, almost tripping, and Arthur had to steady her. He saw us too, frowning, looking worried I might cause trouble.

I thought, 'Ridiculous! Does he really think I'd make a scene?'

After they went on stage, the guests took their seats. The wedding host led them through the usual rituals: vows, rings, and a kiss.

I felt like a spectator, watching a play that had nothing to do with me, without a single ripple in my heart.

During the banquet, Arthur and Vivian came around to greet the guests.

As they got closer, I could see Arthur was nervous, while I stayed calm. When they reached our table, they greeted us briefly and were about to leave, but I called them back.

Amidst surprised looks, I picked up a glass of wine, smiled, and said, "Given our history, I should at least toast you both, right?"

They probably thought I was looking for trouble. Arthur's face darkened, and Vivian glared at me, but with so many guests around, they couldn't lose their temper.

In the end, they filled their glasses and accepted my toast.

As our glasses clinked, I smiled and said, "Arthur, thank you for agreeing to the divorce."

Arthur looked extremely embarrassed, and I felt incredibly satisfied. I had rehearsed this line many times, and today was the perfect moment to say it.

The others at the table seemed to catch the meaning behind my words, and they all smiled awkwardly.

Under everyone's gaze, Arthur had to maintain his image, so he drank the wine and quickly left.

Halfway through the banquet, I went to the restroom.

I was washing my hands when the door suddenly opened, and Vivian appeared, her eyes blazing with anger. "Emily, what are you here for today? To cause trouble?"

I kept washing my hands. "Weren't you the one who invited me?"

Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my scalp. Vivian had grabbed my hair and was pushing my head towards the sink, cursing, "You bitch, I didn't expect you to be so cheap. Even with a husband, you still want to seduce Arthur. You're delusional." My scalp felt like it was being torn off. I grabbed her hand, and in the struggle, I scratched her. "Seducing Arthur? Vivian, you wrecked my marriage, and now you're paranoid about your own?"

Vivian went crazy, grabbing my dress and pulling hard. "Bitch, you wore this dress to provoke me, didn't you? I'll tear it apart!"

She was truly a madwoman, tearing at my dress and trying to rip off my necklace. She never fought fair, and she was ruthless. I couldn't fend her off.

She pulled so hard that my bra was exposed, and my neck hurt from the necklace cutting into it. Just then, the door was kicked open, and Vivian let go because the necklace broke.

Pearls scattered everywhere, some even rolling into the drain. Heartbroken, I quickly tried to pick up the pearls.

"Get out!" Ethan roared, and Vivian ran out in her high heels.

I was picking up the pearls, tears streaming down my face.

"Emily, stop picking them up!" Ethan helped me up, straightened my dress, and smoothed my hair. "Did she hurt you?"

I shook my head, feeling wronged as I held a handful of pearls, unable to stop my tears. "Such a beautiful necklace, and now it's ruined. Some pearls fell down the drain and can't be retrieved." Ethan wiped my tears, comforting me, "Don't cry. If we can't get them back, we'll buy new ones. The last thing I lack is money."

The more he said that, the more I wanted to cry. Choking on my tears, I said, "Why is she so arrogant?"

Ethan hugged me, gently patting my back. "Don't worry, the wicked won't stay arrogant for long. Retribution will come soon." Indeed, the wicked didn't stay arrogant for long. Their retribution came at this very wedding. Just as Ethan said, it was quite the show.