Chapter 0039 Bills POV Flashback +25 BONUS I remember that day like it was yesterday . A little girl and I were having a blast building our sandcastle , totally lost in our own little world . The sun was shining , the waves were calm it was perfect . Then , out of nowhere , these jerks showed up , laughing and stomping around like they owned the place . I was mad , but I knew I had to say something You think its cool to wreck our stuff ? I said , trying to sound tough . One of them a tall boy with a mean grin- looked at me and said , Look whos talking , tubby . The little girl gave me this worried look , but I just told her to stay back . I tried to stand my ground . Just leave us alone , I said , trying to sound brave . But they just laughed . What , you gonna cry now ? another one said , and they all started laughing like it was the funniest thing ever . I felt so embarrassed , but I didnt want to show it . I clenched my fists , telling myself I wouldnt let them get to me.I felt tears pricking my eyes out of anger . But before they fell , the little girl stood up . She marched right over and pushed the tall bully whod called me names . Pick on someone your own size ! she snapped . Then , in a move that shocked us all , she delivered a swift kick to the bullys groin . He doubled over in pain , his cries echoing across the beach . His cronies , suddenly afraid of the little girl , scattered like leaves in the wind . After that incident , I didnt know how to face her . Part of me felt embarrassed here was this girl , standing up #ghting my battle . It didnt sit right with me . I mean , Im supposed to be the one protecting her , right ? for me , But I also felt really thankful deep down . She had my back when I really needed it . As we were about to head home , I figured Id never see her again after I left . Then , just as I was lost in thought , a voice I recognized called out to me . Hey , kid ! Come here . I turned towards the voice and saw the little girl who stood op for me . She was wearing a flowery dress and oversized glasses that didnt quite fit her face . Huh ? Who are you calling a kid ? I asked , feeling a bit defensive . Im bigger and stronger than you , I added , crossing my arms in front of me . Oh , youre big and strong alright , the little girl said , her tone laced with sarcasm . She didnt want to hurt my feelings by bringing up what happened the day before . What do you want ? I asked . Dont let other people stomp all over you . I wont be there to protect you all the time , she said simply . I was stunned . It was hard to believe those words came from a little girl . Thank you , I owe your one , I said , feeling a bit humbled , and I looked down . Its nothing , really , she said with a smile . In that moment , I knew I had made a friend . I took off my seashell bracelet and handed it to her . Here , take this , Chapter 0039 I said , feeling a bit awkward . The little girl grabbed the bracelet , examining it closely . Wow , its so cool . +25 BONUS Yeah , I spent days collecting seashells and stringing them together . Anyway , you can keep it , I said , feeling a bit bashful . Her face lit up with gratitude . Really ? Thanks , thats so nice of you . I glanced away , feeling my cheeks flush with embarrassment . Then , I realized we had never exchanged names . Im Bill , by the way , I said , extending my hand . But when looked up , the little girl had already left , disappearing into the crowd . A few weeks before Serena and I got divorced , I shuffled through the endless tasks on my desk . My mind drifted back to that distant memory of the little girl who stood up for me at the beach so many years ago . Her face was blurry in my mind , lost to the passage of time , yet her kindness and bravery remained vivid . Lost in thought , I was jolted back to reality by the sound of a familiar voice . Hey , Bill , got a minute ? It was Doris , standing at the edge of my desk with a file in her hand . Sure , whats up ? I replied . Doris smiled . I thought you might be interested in this , she said , handing me the file . Its about the charity event were organizing next month . I took the file , flipping through the pages absentmindedly . But then , something caught my eye- a glimmer of silver catching the fluorescent light . It was a seashell bracelet , dangling from Doriss wrist . My heart skipped a beat as I recognized it instantly . The same bracelet I gave to the little girl all those years ago . Could it be possible ? Doris , I began , my voice trembling with emotion . That bracelet … Is it …. ? She looked down at her wrist , her smile widening as she realized what Im referring to . Oh , this old thing ? she chuckled . Yeah , I found it while cleaning out some old stuff at home . Can you believe Ive kept it all these years ? I was speechless . The little girl from the beach the one who stood up for me is Doris . Doris , I said , barely able to contain my excitement . Youre … Youre the little girl from the beach . She nodded . Yeah , that was me . Funny how life works out , huh ? Flashback End Sitting on the couch , I snap out of my daze and take a drag from my cigarette . My mind races with confusion and disbelief . How could the little girl who once saved me turn out to be Doris , the same person now that could be plotting to kill my ex wife ? I exhale a cloud of smoke , trying to make sense of it all . Am missing something ? +25 BONUS Chapter 0040 Chapter 0040 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.