Unveiled: The Survivor's Triumph

The question hung in the air, but Richard's playful expression suggested something more beneath his words.

For years, their relationship had followed a familiar pattern: Sophie's heart chasing after Richard while he kept her at a distance, avoiding her, even resenting her presence. Initially, Sophie had attributed his small changes to his reluctant acceptance of his biological connection to Abby-an inescapable paternal role. His unwillingness, even resistance, had been painfully clear to her.

But lately, something had been shifting quietly between them.

That kiss in the hot spring-the electrifying sensation that had left her dizzy-still made Sophie's heart race whenever she recalled it.

"What are you daydreaming about? You're clearly distracted," Richard's teasing voice suddenly broke through her thoughts, making Sophie touch her face self-consciously, utterly flustered.

"Daddy, why are you paying so much attention to Mommy?" Abby's innocent voice chimed in, and Sophie couldn't help but smile secretly.

Now it was Richard's turn to feel awkward. He laughed nervously. "I'm just concerned about her."

"Daddy, I want you to be concerned about me too."

"How about this-next time I'll pay more attention to your feelings, okay?"

"Great!" Abby clapped her hands excitedly, her rosy cheeks dimpling adorably. Richard couldn't resist picking her up and kissing her cheek.

Abby returned the kiss and said in her sweet voice, "Daddy, I love you!" Then she turned and kissed Sophie's cheek too. "Mommy, I love you too."

Sophie's heart melted. She looked at Richard, who was already gazing at her. As their eyes met, for the first time, she saw genuine tenderness in his look-as if scattered light had somehow found its way into his eyes, making them sparkle.

Something indescribable flowed between them. This, she thought, must be what happiness feels like.

A week later, Emily and Ethan returned from their trip and invited them all to dinner at the mountain resort.

They brought Abby along. Oliver, Frank, Jason, and Lacey were there too.

Everyone was delighted by the rare gathering, and they all drank more than usual that night.

After dinner, Abby fell asleep on the sofa. When Richard became too drunk, Sophie couldn't manage both him and Abby, so Emily took Abby while Sophie helped Richard to bed. She removed his shoes, covered him with blankets, and brought warm water to wash his face.

When she finished, she sat on the bed, quietly watching him.

Perhaps only when drunk could Richard be this peaceful.

Years had passed, yet he remained the handsome Richard she'd always known, though no longer the irresponsible, idle young man he once was. He had experienced much and matured considerably. He had developed a sense of justice and responsibility.

Sophie gently stroked his face. "Richard, get some good rest," she whispered.

As she rose to leave, he suddenly grabbed her hand. In the next moment, he pulled her forcefully onto the bed. She lost her balance and fell beside him. His arms wrapped tightly around her waist from behind, holding her immobile.

"I know I was once like a hedgehog," he said. "But now, I've removed all my spines. I won't hurt you anymore."

Sophie was stunned. Though Richard must be thoroughly intoxicated, his words came out slowly, clearly, deliberately. She heard every syllable, every breath with perfect clarity.

Richard gently turned her body to face him. She stared at him, paralyzed.

Perhaps it was the alcohol that softened his gaze as he looked at her-a tenderness she had never before seen in his eyes.

With a quick movement, he rolled on top of her, his lips brushing her forehead before lightly touching the tip of her nose.

Richard's gaze lingered on her delicate lips, yet he didn't kiss her.

His unusual gentleness made Sophie tense up completely.

She remembered their first sexual encounter Richard had been drunk then too, rough and wild. She had cried from the pain.

Yet she hadn't regretted it.

Today, he was drunk again.

'Richard must be completely intoxicated. Otherwise, how could he act so differently?' she thought.

He seemed to be gathering his thoughts. After a long moment, he finally said, "I don't want Abby to grow up in a single-parent home."

Sophie stared at him blankly. She partially understood but dared not fully comprehend, afraid she was merely engaging in wishful thinking.

Her bewildered expression amused him. With flushed cheeks, he smiled beautifully.

"I want to give her a complete family," Richard stated more confidently.

A warm, bittersweet feeling rushed to her eyes. Sophie vaguely felt as if she were dreaming.

He kissed her gently, his voice husky. "Sophie, marry me."

As his words fell, so did her tears.

That day was the 1,228th day since Abby's birth.

Sophie had finally heard the words she thought she would never hear in her lifetime.

Two weeks later, they held a magnificent wedding that became the talk of Starlight City.

On their wedding day, Emily personally helped Sophie with her makeup and presented her with gifts and blessings, though she and Ethan didn't attend the ceremony itself.

Richard took Sophie's hand, gazing at her admiringly.

That day, she took his breath away.

She had always been beautiful, he realized he simply hadn't truly seen it before. Faris came that day.

Richard, who had been toasting guests, immediately abandoned everything and excitedly approached him with a glass.

Faris smiled as he presented his gift. "You've heard enough well-wishes already, so I'll just say one thing: cherish what you have," he said.

Richard squeezed Sophie's hand firmly and nodded resolutely to Faris. "I will, Faris."

Faris drank the toast heartily, then looked around the bustling banquet, searching for someone he didn't find.

After drinking quite a bit, he left before the reception ended.

As he stood outside the hotel waiting for a car, a vehicle suddenly stopped in front of him.

"Where are you headed? Need a ride?" The woman behind the wheel smiled radiantly. Faris leaned down, resting his hands on the car window, and smiled faintly. "I'm headed to your heart."

"The place you want to go has no vacancy, and that train line is permanently closed. I suggest finding another destination," came a man's steady, commanding, yet somewhat humorous voice from inside the car.

Faris smiled ruefully. "Then I'll go wherever you take me." He opened the door and got

in.

Emily drove them to the seaside, where they boarded a yacht.

Under the moonlight, they raised their glasses and drank freely.

Old friends reunited, they talked about everything except the past.

Past conflicts and resentments faded like morning mist. Only the genuine feelings that

had touched our hearts remained vivid and real. But these feelings stayed buried deep in their hearts.

After their brief reunion, the three said goodbye and went their separate ways, each finding their own peace.

On their wedding night, Abby insisted on sleeping with her daddy and mommy. Richard had no choice but to coax her to sleep.

Once Abby was finally asleep, Richard gently carried her back to her own room. Sophie, knowing why he had moved Abby, felt incredibly nervous. She got out of bed to get some water to calm herself.

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Just as she reached the door, Richard suddenly returned. Thinking she was leaving, he swept her into his arms.

"Honey, we're married now. If you're not sleeping with me, where are you going?"

That single "Honey" made Sophie's heart pound.

Richard took something from his pocket and placed it in her hand.

Sophie's eyes reddened when she saw what it was the gloves she had knitted for him.

He had seemed so disdainful of them at the time; she thought he'd thrown them away

long ago.

"Looking at them now, I can see they're not very attractive," Sophie admitted sheepishly. "I actually knitted many more gloves for you afterward, all better-looking than these."

Richard affectionately tapped her nose. "Tell me, when did you first start having feelings for me?"

Sophie hadn't expected this question. She turned away, unwilling to answer.

But Richard held her close, persisting. "Tell me, I want to know!"

Cornered by his insistence, Sophie thought for a moment before saying quietly, "I don't really know. I think it might have been love at first sight."

Hearing his soft laughter, Sophie felt embarrassed and playfully punched him. "Don't

laugh!"

Richard caught her fist and asked with a smile, "Don't girls that age always fall for the bad boys?"

Sophie gave him a look and countered, "What about you?"

Richard's expression grew serious. "I can't pinpoint it exactly. Maybe it was when I realized I was about to lose you."

They looked at each other and smiled.noveldrama

They said when someone had love in their heart, their eyes could not hide it.

At that moment, they both saw that love reflected in each other's eyes.

Richard caressed her face apologetically. "I'm sorry for all the pain I caused you before."

Sophie's eyes glistened with tears, but she smiled brightly.

"They say everyone has the same amount of happiness in life, stored in a box. The more you take out now, the less remains. If you keep taking, eventually the box empties. I've been saving mine, so I believe I have plenty left-enough for the rest of my life," she said softly.

Moved, Richard cradled her face and kissed her deeply.

Richard replied, "The perfect relationship happens when we both meet at the right time you in your wisdom, me having just learned tenderness. But what I found even more precious was meeting you when I was still growing - your patience and kindness gave me space to mature while being loved exactly as I was."