Chapter 0028 Bills POV Honestly , Im at a loss about what to do with my mom . She keeps pushing me to date Doris , saying shed be good for me , unlike my ex wife , Ive tried explaining to my mom that Doris is just a friend and a trusted business associate . But she insists on me dating someone she approves of this time . Doris is gorgeous , smart , and kind . My family adores her , and she comes from a wealthy , respected family in finance . But despite all this , I still love Serena , even after our divorce . Right now , no one can fill the void she left . All I can do now is throw myself into my work to distract myself from thinking about Serena . Focusing on my businesses is whats keeping me same while Im left in the dark about her life . One day , I received a text from my mom inviting me to a family dinner at her house , mentioning that Doris was also invited . Reluctantly , I agreed to attend , but I set one condition : I didnt want her and Aunt Claire pushing Doris and me to be a couple during the dinner , to avoid any awkwardness . Doris , hows the risotto ? I made it especially for you since you mentioned its your favorite , my mom says , turning her attention to Doris with a warm smile . E delizioso , grazie ! Doris responds in fluent Italian . Youve really outdone yourself , Elena . Its just as I remember from my favorite place in Italy . Bill is lucky to have such a wonderful cook in the family . Since when did you learn how to cook ? lask , genuinely surprised . I cant recall a single time from my childhood , or really ever , when mom cooked my favorite meal . When you moved out and I found myself alone in the house , I found myself picking up new hobbies , my mom replies . Wow , thats great , Elena ! Doris exclaims . So , are you talling cooking classes ? No , not really , Mom admits with a smile . I mean , who needs cooking classes when I have YouTube ? Everyone at the table laughs at this , including Aunt Claires husband , Uncle Dan . You must be pretty special if Elena cooked for you , Uncle Dan says , his comment directed at Doris . He probably wasnt informed about my condition for coming to dinner . Aw , I hope so , Dan , Doris responds , her tone light . My mom and Aunt Claire glance at each other , heads bowed slightly , clearly holding back words to avoid adding anything more to the conversation . Excuse me , I need to get some fresh air , I say , standing up from the table . I cant sit through another round of them gushing about me and Doris . I find a quiet spot in the garden and sit down to gather my thoughts . Reaching into my jacket , I pull out a pack of cigarettes . I take one out , place it between my lips , and strike a match with a practiced flick . The tip glows orange as I inhale deeply , the smoke curling up into the night . All the while , my gaze is fixed on the gently splashing fountain . Im not typically one to smoke . However , with the stress piling up after the divorce , reaching for a cigarette has turned into my go to for a bit of peace . I didnt think fresh air meant smoking , Doris remarks with a hint of sarcasm , coming up beside me . Mind if I join you ? Sure , I say , nodding as Doris takes a seat next to me . I pass her a cigarette and then hand over the lighter . 12 Chapter 0020 +25 BONUS I hadnt realized Doris smoked . It seems theres another side to her , beyond the class and glamour lin used to seeing . Had no idea you were into smoking , I joke . She chuckles , taking the cigarette . I barely smoke these days . College , though , that was a different story . So , you partied like a normal college student . Big deal , 1y , watching as she lights her cigarette and takes a drag . Doris turns to me , her green eyes sparkling with warmth . Look , Bill . I need to tell you something , she says . I lean back slightly , intrigued . Alright , Im listening . Doris looks at me , a bit nervous now . Bill , I like you , more than just a friend , she confesses . Do you think … maybe we could see where this goes ? Doris confession really caught me off guard . Suddenly , I started doubting our whole friendship and wondering what working together would be like now . I let out a sigh , unsure of how to respond at first . Doris , youre incredible , I finally say . Youre smart , kind , and honestly , anyone would be lucky to have you … Doriss expression shifts to a frown . But ? she prompts , sensing theres more Im holding back . But Im not ready to jump into another committed relationship or start dating someone , I admit . Deep down , I dont have the heart to tell her directly that I cant see us together in that way . Im confused , Bill , Doris says , her voice showing her disappointment . You seemed over Serena , but now its like youre still clinging to her . Wasnt the divorce meant to free you ? My jaw tightens . And when did my personal life become your concern ? We should be focusing on the business , not my relationships . Wow , sorry I asked , Doris says , taking another drag of her cigarette . After that , we sit in silence for the rest of the night . Doris and I keep working together , and she never brings up the night she confessed her feelings . I thought we could move past it , but then I saw how she talked to one of the janitors when she assumed I wasnt looking . One evening, on my way home from work , it hit me that Ive forgotten an important document at the office that I need to review . As I approach the office , a harsh , biting voice reaches my ears , stopping me in my tracks . Ugh , look what youve done ! Doris shouts . S sorry , Ms. I didnt mean to spill coffee on your dress , the janitor stammers . Please , I can have my salary deducted to replace it . Doris laughs out loud . You think you can do that ? she mocks . Even if you work all your life , it wont be enough to pay for this dress . I cant believe what Im hearing . Ive never heard Doris talk like this before . Shes always been nice to the other staff here . Those words , that tone , it doesnt fit with the elegant , kind woman I thought I knew . Youre fired . I dont ever want to see you here again , Doris snaps . Please , Ms. Tipton , my family relies on me . Dont do this , the janitor begs , his voice trembling , close to tears . I witness the scene unfold before me . The janitor is on his knees , desperately pleading to keep his job . Chapter 0020- +25 BONUS Tell it to someone who cares , Doris retorts . Now , get out of here before I call the police to drag you out . The janitor leaves , shoulders slumped , wiping tears from his eyes . Once hes out of sight , I manage to keep my composure , entering the office without letting on that I overheard the exchange . Oh , Bill ! You scared me , Doris exclaims upon noticing nie . D did you just get here ? Yeah , just walked in , I reply , my voice steady and neutral I notice Doris trying to read my face , likely worried I caught her earlier ontburst . Its obvious she didnt intend for me , or anyone else , to witness that side of her . I just forgot something . Were all of Doriss previous acts of kindness just a façade ? find myself questioning if she might have deliberately painted Serena in a bad light to me . Serena had warned me about Doris , but I didnt heed her words . Did I push Serena away because of Doriss influence ? 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.