Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

"Did he cheat on you?" Ethan asked, adjusting the steering wheel while I shared my story.

"I'm not sure." After that incident, I bugged his study. I heard him with a woman, but the surveillance footage showed no one entering or leaving. "And then? What did you do?"

I smirked, maybe amused or mocking myself. "I'm 26. I did everything to protect my rights. I saved the recordings as evidence of his cheating. But..." "You still have some attachment," Ethan finished for me.

I had to admitted I still had some attachment. Not so much emotional; my bedridden mom was seriously ill. Arthur and I have been sharing her medical expenses. My salary alone wouldn't cover it. I had a dignified excuse for staying in this failed marriage. No need to share my struggles with someone I just met.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

"Drop me off at the neighborhood entrance on the right. I'll repay you for the car wash and dry cleaning. Thanks for today."

Ethan just nodded, lips pressed into a line, eyes curious and confused. "After you clean up, go to the hospital. Even I know that not taking care after a miscarriage can cause issues."

Following his gaze, I saw dried bloodstains on my thigh. Embarrassed, I just smiled to show I understood.

After saying goodbye to Ethan, I went back to the home I shared with Arthur. The photos by the entrance felt especially glaring and ironic.

I grabbed cleaning supplies, tidied up, packed my documents and usual clothes into a small suitcase, and took one last look at this so-called home before leaving.

At the neighborhood entrance, I remembered something.

It was Scruffy, a stray cat I found on my way home from work. It had followed me, limping on its injured leg, all the way back to my place.