Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph
Chapter 195 For You, I Am Willing

Faris said, "Dakato's not just some weak woman. She's been through life-and-death stuff, so a knife wound is no big deal for her."

It was clear he knew Dakato pretty well.

I suddenly remembered that one day, at my office door, Dakato gave Faris a deep look.

Looking back, that look wasn't for a stranger. But I didn't think much of it at the time. Faris was charming and handsome, so it was normal for women to give him extra attention. Since Dakota became my driver, she met Faris several times.

Was I too oblivious?

How did I miss that they knew each other?

Ethan arranged for Dakota to be with me, yet she knew Faris. This whole thing was so complicated, and I couldn't figure it out.

Plus, weren't Ethan and Faris always on opposite sides? How can they joke and chat so easily?

"No matter how strong she is, she's still a woman," Ethan said.

I thought I could hear more, but just then, the kid in the other bed started crying. So they stopped talking and came into the room.

I pretended to wake up from the noise.

Ethan saw the baby's diaper was wet, so he went to get some warm water to clean up. Those days, he was taking care of me and the two babies. He hadn't done this before, but he learned quickly and was getting the hang of it. Faris stood by, wanting to help but unsure how. Finally, he told me to rest and left.

The secretary came to update me on the beauty salon, assuring me everything was running smoothly.

I used to do everything myself, but then, I finally got what Faris meant about being a boss-it was about giving orders, not doing all the work.

After listening to her report, I said, "You've worked hard during this time. Find me two people who understand postpartum care; I want to do a live stream."

The secretary was stunned, and I smiled and explained, "I've been thinking: most women worry about bouncing back after childbirth. Postpartum care has huge market potential. I'm planning to expand Emberlyn Beauty Retreat's services. I'll use myself as a case study and live stream for three months to show real-time results and promote our services directly."

The secretary smiled and nodded. "That's a great idea. I'll get on it right away."

After the secretary left, Ethan, who had been silent, smiled and said, "Emily, you really have a talent for business. You have a keen sense of the market, and you've chosen the right path."

Facing his praise, I remained calm on the surface, but I was quite unsettled inside.

Ethan was a business genius, and I used to be a woman who revolved around him. I always felt inferior, thinking about the gap between us. But now, hearing Ethan praise my business talent, I felt a sense of accomplishment swelling inside me. I didn't need many people's approval; one appreciative look or a word of praise from Ethan meant everything to me.

Ethan added. "But don't push yourself too hard. Don't forget your body is still weak. I've always thought women don't need to push themselves so hard. You can take it easy."

I raised my eyebrows in disagreement. "Of course, we need to. Women don't necessarily have to rely on men. I can live well on my own."

Ethan lowered his head slightly and sighed.

"That's also why I don't want you to push yourself too hard. I'm afraid you won't need me anymore, in which way you won't rely on me."

He was right. The reason I worked so hard was to stop relying on him, putting love above all else, and revolving around him.

I said seriously, "I must learn not to rely on anyone."

I was suppressing the sudden sadness in my heart.

Ethan looked at me helplessly and held my hand. "Alright, then, if one day I fall on hard times, I'll rely on you, okay?"

Would that day ever come?

He was always so sharp, always in control. That day would never come.

The doctor told me to move around to avoid adhesions. I tried, but it was tough. Ethan helped me up, supporting my arm and waist. Standing hurt, I moved slowly.

Even though everyone advised me to stay still, I knew fresh air was better for healing.

So, I went to the balcony. The August weather was cool, and I watched families on the lawn.

I noticed Faris walking with Dakato. She looked delicate but strong. They sat on a bench, looking calm and picturesque.

Faris got up to leave, but Dakato held him back. He paused and sat down again. She seemed unusually gentle with him.

I didn't know how long I had been standing there when a nurse came over, saying they needed to issue the Birth Certificate and that we should decide on the children's names. "What do you think?" Ethan asked me.

In fact, when I found out it was twins, I had already thought of the names.

Looking at the lush greenery below, I said softly, "Let's name the son Hunter Windsor and the daughter Harper Windsor."

Ethan repeated the names, "Is there any special meaning?"

There was a meaning, but I didn't say.

On the day of discharge, Faris came with a brand-new stroller, the kind specifically for twins.

"Why the extravagance?" I asked.

Faris snorted, "What's wrong with a father buying a stroller for his kids? Now, everyone in Seabreeze Harbor knows you gave birth to my children. I have to fulfill my fatherly duties. Do you want me to be scorned?" Ethan glanced at Faris and said calmly, "You reap what you sow."

Faris was stunned, and so was I.

Because I had said almost the same thing before.

I pondered and said, "You claim to be the father, which means you admit that you were the one who set up that night at the party? How will you explain this to your business friends?"

Faris seemed not to have thought of this, and now he was dumbfounded by my words.

I walked past him, maintaining a smile. "You dug your own grave."

A few steps away, I heard Faris's exasperated voice behind me.

"Hey, I do for you. Instead of sympathizing with me, you're boasting? How heartless!"

I stopped and turned back, saying seriously, "I do sympathize with you, but."

"But what?" Faris glared at me unhappily.

I smiled and continued to tease him, "But you still have to pay the price yourself."

Faris stood with his hands on his hips, biting his lip, looking at me helplessly.

He walked up to me and suddenly whispered in my ear, "For you, I'm willing. Who else would I be a fool for?"

By the time I came to my senses, he was already ahead with his hands in his pockets.

Ethan, who turned back to wait for me, probably saw everything.

Back at my apartment, Ethan helped me lie down, and then started cleaning, washing the kids' clothes, and cooking. I couldn't do anything, so he took care of everything. He relaxed a bit when the Postpartum Doula arrived.

To keep the kids healthy, I chose to breastfeed but had to supplement with formula. The Postpartum Doula slept in our room to take care of us, while Ethan slept in another room.

With the doula around, he behaved. Apart from occasionally kissing the kids and my forehead, he didn't make any moves.

As my wound healed, I could get out of bed and walk around. Sometimes, I watched TV or got some sun on the balcony.

One afternoon, while the doula put the kids to sleep, I sat on the balcony, looking at the high-rises of Seabreeze Harbor. Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder. Ethan handed me a bag with my stolen phone and lost necklace inside. These items stirred up my emotions. Thinking about the ordeal at Riverdale Falls and losing the necklace felt like a piece of my heart was missing. The sadness resurfaced.