Chapter 0031 +25 BONUS The lady looks up from her packing and greets me with a warm smile , her eyes crinkling at the corners . Hello there , she says , her voice friendly . Oh , the rent for this place is $ 7,000 per month . I see , thanks , I say , keeping my voice even . I need to tall it over with my business partner first , Ilic , not ready to commit . The rent is $ 7,000 a month , which is a lot . How am I supposed to come up with that kind of money just starting out ? Thats definitely impossible . I walk out of the shop , my mind swirling with thoughts about the rent . I start to wonder if theres a more suitable spot out there , one where the rent is within my reach . As soon as I step outside , the first thing I notice is Bill staring down at Calvin , his fists clenched as if hes seconds away from throwing a punch . What is he even doing here ? My heart races as I quickly move to intervene , running as fast as I can to break it up before things escalate . Bill ! Get away from him , I find myself shouting. I quickly position myself between Calvin and Bill , forcing a gap between them with my presence . Bills frustration is palpable . Why are you with my uncle, Serena ? he demands . Youre crossing a line . We just got divorced . And why do you even care ? 1 retort , my words sharp as knives . Its my life . I can be with whoever I want . You dont have any right to tell me what to do . A heavy silence falls between me and Bill . I fix him with a fierce look , my eyes hopefully conveying a message louder than words could ever manage : I dont ever want to see him again . Bill , this is all just a misunderstanding , Calvin finally speaks up , his voice cutting through the tense silence . I dont like Serena in that way . Im just looking out for her , the same way I would for you , like an uncle . Bills posture relaxes slightly with Calvins explanation . Then , why are you two out here like youre on a date ? Like I said , Im just helping her out with something . Calvin clarifies . Right , Serena ? The question makes me pause . Did I mistakenly think Calvin had feelings for me beyond friendship ? Yes , hes just helping me with something . With what ? Bill asks , looking frustrated as he presses on . Thats not your business , I reply . Bill shakes his head and clenches his fist . I wont ever let THIS happen , he says , pointing at Calvin and me . Calvin , you better stop this before I forget youre family . I watch Bill get a call and walk away . I cant help but feel helpless . I cant understand why he keeps appearing in my life now , after our divorce . Its confusing and frustrating , especially considering how absent he was when we were actually together . After making sure Bill was completely out of sight , I let out a deep sigh of relief . Glad thats over , I say . So , how did it go ? Have you decided to rent out the space ? Calvin asks , turning the conversation back to the reason we were here in the first place . I shake my head . Its completely out of my budget . Looks like I need to find another place , somewhere other than Melrose . 122 Chapter 0031 Dont worry about it too much , he reassures me . Im sure youll find a more affordable place than that . earlier I sure hope so , I reply , trying to sound optimistic . But my mind is elsewhere , still tangled up in what Calvin said how hes only looking out for me like an uncle . The thought nags at me. Am I just a charity case to him ? How about 1 drive you home so you can get some rest now ? You look a bit stressed out , Calvin suggests . There he goes again , I think , his kindness sending me mixed signals . Well , I think its best if I go home on my own , I respond , rying to put some space between us . I dont want to get caught up with Calvin if his feelings for the arent there . Keeping things just friendly and civil seems like the best way forward . But still , thinking about it leaves my heart feeling empty . Chapter 0032 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.