Chapter 0019 Serenas POV I never realized just how much Id drifted from my old life after marrying Bill , until bumping into Stevie between the cereal and coffee at the grocery store . Im halfway down the coffee aisle when I spot her . Stevie , looking just like she did back in our college days , is checking her phone and laughing 1 hesitate for a second , then decide to approach her . Stevie I call out . Its been a while . Stevie turns , surprised to see me . Were both quiet for a second but then she says , Serena ! I cant believe its you . Stevie hugs me , sounding really happy to see me . It makes me wonder , though . Arent you mad ? I blurt out , unable to hide my confusion . We havent talked since I married Bill . Stevie shakes her head , smiling slightly . Nah , I get it . Guys like that can be tough , she says , her tone light but sincere . You know , with my stepdad and all . But man , I really missed you . A text or a call wouldve meant a lot . I feel a mix of happy and guilty when Stevie says that . Ive missed you too , I say quietly . Im sorry I didnt reach out . Life just … got in the way . Stevie glances around the store before turning back to me . So , what are you up to after this ? 1 shrug , placing a box of cereal in my cart . Nothing much , really . Why ? She brightens up a bit . Theres this cozy cafe just around the corner . How about we catch up over coffee ? As we step into the cafe , the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans and the soft hum of a jazz playlist greets us . We find a small table near the window , the afternoon light casting patterns through the hanging plants . So , what are you doing in this part of town ? she asks . I take a moment , feeling the weight of my words before they even leave my lips . Actually , Ive moved back to my old apartment , I finally say . Bill and I … we just got divorced . Stevies face lights up , her words quick and sharp . Well , its about damn time . I know shes never been a fan of Bill , mainly because of his short fuse , something she never shied away from pointing out . Trying to lighten the mood , I quickly shift gears . Enough about me , I say , offering a small , hopeful smile . Whats been going on with you ? Stevie leans back , her face lighting up . Oh , its been crazy busy , but in a good way , she says . Ive had a couple of shows and some magazine work . Its pretty awesome to see things finally coming together , you know ? Im really happy for you , Stevie ! I cant help but smile , truly thrilled for her . I heard about your exhibits . Everyones saying they were amazing . As Stevie talks about her photography , trying to sound like its no big deal , I cant help but feel proud of . Shes doing amazing work , even if she wont admit it . 1 I havent felt this happy in a long time . Its like being with Bill and living his way of life drained all the joy from me . Well , at least one of us is following her dreams , I say with a smile . 1/3 Chapter 0019 Stevie furrows her brow , puzzled . What do you mean ? su probes gently . I thought you had a plan in place , especially after divorcing your ex . Im still figuring it out , I admit . Going back to my old jobsnt an option not after everything thats happened with Bill . The barista calls our name , snapping me out of my daze . Walt a moment , Stevie says and gets up to get our order . Stevie places our order on the table . It consists of two steaming cups of coffee , a chocolate muffin , and a freshly baked croissant . Im just thinking … What if I help you figure this out ? she asks . I smile at her . That would be awesome . I really appreciate it , Stevie . She responds , No problem at all . Thats what friends are for , right ? Have you considered getting a job similar to your old one ? Im worried about going back to work in a corporate setting especially with a baby on the way . Well , Ive been feeling the need for change and a fresh start , actually , I reply . I get that , Stevie says . Hmm … Lets see . How about starting your own business ? You could be your that way , you know . own boss My eyes light up with interest as I consider the idea . I like the idea , I say . But there are lot of things to consider like capital . Right now , I dont have any . Youre divorced , right ? Stevie asks . How about using part of the settlement for your business ? I look down and admit , I didnt ask Bill for any compensation . I didnt want him and his family to think I was after their money . We both fall into silence for a moment . Stevie gives me a sympathetic look and decides not to push the matter any further . She then suggests , Okay , never mind . How about asking your folks for financial help ? Well , my parents and I arent exactly on speaking terms , Im not sure they want to see me , I say , sighing . I slump in my chair , and I just feel really lost . I dont know what to do with my life anymore , I confess . Hey , calm down . Theyre your parents . How can they dont want to see you ? Besides , youre a smart woman , Stevie reassures . Remember this ? she says , pointing to the bracelet shes wearing . The bracelet catches my eye , and I fondly remember crafting it back in college . Its adorned with delicate silver links , and its centerpiece glimmers with a sparkling sapphire , which happens to be Stevies birthstone . I recall how Stevie was anxious about our final exams , and I suggested she wear this bracelet for good luck . Surprisingly , it seemed to work like a charm as she aced nearly all of her exams . Oh , you still have this ? Wow , Im touched , I say , feeling genuinely moved . Yeah , Stevie replies with a smile . I guess my careers been taking off because of it . I shake my head and say , Nonsense . Youre a great photographer . Well , one thing Ive always admired about you is your keen eye for beauty and design , Stevie says with a warm smile . Oh ! What do you think about the idea of starting your own handcrafted jewelry business ? My eyes widen with excitement , and anticipation tingles down my spine . Ive never felt this eager to get started on something in my life . Stevie , youre a genius ! Thank you so much . Chapter 0010 I know , Stevie says with a cheeky grin . So , are you going to ask your Chapter 0019 Serenas POV I never realized just how much Id drifted from my old life after marrying Bill , until bumping into Stevie between the cereal and coffee at the grocery store . Im halfway down the coffee aisle when I spot her . Stevie , looking just like she did back in our college days , is checking her phone and laughing 1 hesitate for a second , then decide to approach her . Stevie I call out . Its been a while . Stevie turns , surprised to see me . Were both quiet for a second but then she says , Serena ! I cant believe its you . Stevie hugs me , sounding really happy to see me . It makes me wonder , though . Arent you mad ? I blurt out , unable to hide my confusion . We havent talked since I married Bill . Stevie shakes her head , smiling slightly . Nah , I get it . Guys like that can be tough , she says , her tone light but sincere . You know , with my stepdad and all . But man , I really missed you . A text or a call wouldve meant a lot . I feel a mix of happy and guilty when Stevie says that . Ive missed you too , I say quietly . Im sorry I didnt reach out . Life just … got in the way . Stevie glances around the store before turning back to me . So , what are you up to after this ? 1 shrug , placing a box of cereal in my cart . Nothing much , really . Why ? She brightens up a bit . Theres this cozy cafe just around the corner . How about we catch up over coffee ? As we step into the cafe , the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans and the soft hum of a jazz playlist greets us . We find a small table near the window , the afternoon light casting patterns through the hanging plants . So , what are you doing in this part of town ? she asks . I take a moment , feeling the weight of my words before they even leave my lips . Actually , Ive moved back to my old apartment , I finally say . Bill and I … we just got divorced . Stevies face lights up , her words quick and sharp . Well , its about damn time . I know shes never been a fan of Bill , mainly because of his short fuse , something she never shied away from pointing out . Trying to lighten the mood , I quickly shift gears . Enough about me , I say , offering a small , hopeful smile . Whats been going on with you ? Stevie leans back , her face lighting up . Oh , its been crazy busy , but in a good way , she says . Ive had a couple of shows and some magazine work . Its pretty awesome to see things finally coming together , you know ? Im really happy for you , Stevie ! I cant help but smile , truly thrilled for her . I heard about your exhibits . Everyones saying they were amazing . As Stevie talks about her photography , trying to sound like its no big deal , I cant help but feel proud of . Shes doing amazing work , even if she wont admit it . 1 I havent felt this happy in a long time . Its like being with Bill and living his way of life drained all the joy from me . Well , at least one of us is following her dreams , I say with a smile . 1/3 Chapter 0019 Stevie furrows her brow , puzzled . What do you mean ? su probes gently . I thought you had a plan in place , especially after divorcing your ex . Im still figuring it out , I admit . Going back to my old jobsnt an option not after everything thats happened with Bill . The barista calls our name , snapping me out of my daze . Walt a moment , Stevie says and gets up to get our order . Stevie places our order on the table . It consists of two steaming cups of coffee , a chocolate muffin , and a freshly baked croissant . Im just thinking … What if I help you figure this out ? she asks . I smile at her . That would be awesome . I really appreciate it , Stevie . She responds , No problem at all . Thats what friends are for , right ? Have you considered getting a job similar to your old one ? Im worried about going back to work in a corporate setting especially with a baby on the way . Well , Ive been feeling the need for change and a fresh start , actually , I reply . I get that , Stevie says . Hmm … Lets see . How about starting your own business ? You could be your that way , you know . own boss My eyes light up with interest as I consider the idea . I like the idea , I say . But there are lot of things to consider like capital . Right now , I dont have any . Youre divorced , right ? Stevie asks . How about using part of the settlement for your business ? I look down and admit , I didnt ask Bill for any compensation . I didnt want him and his family to think I was after their money . We both fall into silence for a moment . Stevie gives me a sympathetic look and decides not to push the matter any further . She then suggests , Okay , never mind . How about asking your folks for financial help ? Well , my parents and I arent exactly on speaking terms , Im not sure they want to see me , I say , sighing . I slump in my chair , and I just feel really lost . I dont know what to do with my life anymore , I confess . Hey , calm down . Theyre your parents . How can they dont want to see you ? Besides , youre a smart woman , Stevie reassures . Remember this ? she says , pointing to the bracelet shes wearing . The bracelet catches my eye , and I fondly remember crafting it back in college . Its adorned with delicate silver links , and its centerpiece glimmers with a sparkling sapphire , which happens to be Stevies birthstone . I recall how Stevie was anxious about our final exams , and I suggested she wear this bracelet for good luck . Surprisingly , it seemed to work like a charm as she aced nearly all of her exams . Oh , you still have this ? Wow , Im touched , I say , feeling genuinely moved . Yeah , Stevie replies with a smile . I guess my careers been taking off because of it . I shake my head and say , Nonsense . Youre a great photographer . Well , one thing Ive always admired about you is your keen eye for beauty and design , Stevie says with a warm smile . Oh ! What do you think about the idea of starting your own handcrafted jewelry business ? My eyes widen with excitement , and anticipation tingles down my spine . Ive never felt this eager to get started on something in my life . Stevie , youre a genius ! Thank you so much . Chapter 0010 I know , Stevie says with a cheeky grin . So , are you going to ask your parents for help now ? I have to . I really want to make this happen , I reply , but suddenly , I feel queasy and nauseous . I really want to puke right now . You alright , Serena ? Stevie asks , furrowing her brows . Whats happening ? Its alright . This is normal , I say , trying to reassure her . just need to go to the bathroom . How is this normal ? Stevie says , but then she drops the croissant shes eating , and her eyes widen in shock . Oh my God , Serena ! When were you planning to tell me that youre pregnant ? Stevie exclaims in surprise , a for help now ? I have to . I really want to make this happen , I reply , but suddenly , I feel queasy and nauseous . I really want to puke right now . You alright , Serena ? Stevie asks , furrowing her brows . Whats happening ? Its alright . This is normal , I say , trying to reassure her . just need to go to the bathroom . How is this normal ? Stevie says , but then she drops the croissant shes eating , and her eyes widen in shock . Oh my God , Serena ! When were you planning to tell me that youre pregnant ? Stevie exclaims in surprise , a In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.