+25 DONUS Chapter 0043 Chapter 0043 Serenas POV Calvin ? I call out , noticing his sudden change in demeant . He seems to have spaced out , lost in thought . Are you alright ? I ask . Calvin breaks his trance , blinking a few times as if returning from a distant place . Im alright , dont worry , he says , his voice a touch distant. Im your friend . Id do anything to support you . Our orders arrive , and my stomach grumbles with anticipation . A plate of spaghetti carbonara is placed in front of me , the savory aroma making my mouth water . Calvins lasagna sits beside it , tempting him with its layers of cheese and sauce . To start , the waiter brings a basket of endless salad and warm breadsticks . I eagerly dig into my spaghetti , savoring each bite as if its the best thing Ive ever tasted . Wow , this tastes amazing , I say between mouthfuls , unable to hide my enthusiasm Calvin chuckles at my enthusiasm . Youre really into your food , he remarks with a playful smile . You look like you havent eaten in a day . I drop my gaze down . Actually , the shop got so busy and I didnt have the chance to eat , I say . Calvin sighs , concern etching his features . Serena , running a busy shop is one thing , but you need to take care of yourself , especially with the baby on the way , he says gently . I meet his gaze , feeling a pang of guilt. I know , Calvin , 1 reply . But I enjoy being busy . After three years of being Bills housewife , I cant help but feel that being busy and productive is the life I want . Okay , I respect that , Calvin says with a nod . Just promise me you wont let yourself get too tired and that youll eat your meals on time . Promise , I say earnestly . Ill take better care of myself and my baby . Talking to Calvin feels so effortless like weve known each ether for years . He listens with such genuine concern , and his advice always comes from a place of caring . But lately , theres been this strange feeling nagging at the back of my mind . Its as if hes not just acting like a friend , but more like a boyfriend . I quickly shake off the thought , not wanting to assume anything unless Calvin confesses he sees me as more than just a friend . Did anything else interesting happen today ? Calvin asks as he takes a bite of his lasagna . Well , our first customer was a nice lady , I say , a smile playing on my lips . She bought a lapis lazuli necklace after I told her the story behind it . Later on , she came back with some friends to have a look at the shop . Sounds like you found your first loyal customer , Calvin remarks with a grin . Did you get her name ? I nod . Her name is Marjorie Munger , I confirm . Calvins eyes widen in surprise as he hears the name . His fork pauses midway to his mouth , a look of astonishment crossing his face . Serena , are you familiar with De Luca Couture ? he asks . As Calvin mentions De Luca Couture , I remember theyre known for their haute couture . I see their exquisite dresses , adorned with intricate lace and shimmering beadwork , each piece a masterpiece of craftsmanship . I couldnt help but stop at their window displays when I passed by one of their shops . Chapter 0043 +25 BONUS why did Yes , I am . I like their dresses , I say , Why did you ask ? I think the lady you met was Marjorie De Luca Munger , Calvin says , dropping the bombshell . She started De Luca Couture . My jaw drops slightly as my eyes widen in disbelief as Calvins words sink in . I had no idea that the woman I casually chatted with earlier was the founder of such a prestigious fashion brand . Wait , seriously ? I exclaim . Now , I feel bad that I didnt know her . I couldnt say for sure . But I just know Marjorie De Luca Munger and her billionaire husband , Timothy , live in Van Nuys , Calvin says . Oh , wow , I say . If Marjorie liked the jewelry I made , it could be an opportunity for us to work together . But I dont want to set my expectations too high . After all , I only own a small shop . Who am I to dream this big ? I hope she comes back to my shop , I simply say , I bet she will , Calvin says confidently . Youre a talented designer , and your work speaks for itself . Calvin really knows the right words to say . Maybe its the ambiance , but I find the courage to finally ask him , Calvin , why are you so good to me ? He seems to be caught off guard by the question . Like I said , Im your friend . Of course , Ill always look after you . Is that really all there is ? I say , my voice trailing off slightly . Calvin falls silent for a moment . He looks hesitant . Okay , Serena . I have something to tell you , he says . Im listening , I say , my heart racing with anticipation . This feels like the perfect moment to find out the real score between us . But just Calvin opens his mouth , his phone rings . He furrows his brows and says , Sorry , Ive got to take this . Calvin answers his phone . What ? I told Glenn to handle everything , he says with frustration evident in his voice . I stare at Calvin , hoping the call would end soon . He shakes his head . This is just unacceptable , I gave you all two months to fix this , he says , sounding exasperated . Oh no , the call seems serious . Why do I have to handle everything on this deal ? I thought I hired the best people to do their jobs well , he continues , his tone growing more agitated . Calvin seems really upset now . But he tries to compose himself as he takes a deep breath . Fine , Ill handle it immediately . Calvin drops his phone and looks at me apologetically . Serena , I have to take care of something really urgent . Ill book an Uber for you if you like , he offers , his expression filled with regret . Oh , I see , I say , trying to hide my disappointment . No worries . I can take care of myself . You sure ? Calvin asks . Yeah , its okay , I say , forcing a smile to reassure him . Calvin stands up abruptly , his lasagna barely touched . Wait , Calvin ! I call out , the urgency clear in my voice . What were you trying to say a while ago ? Chapter 0043 He smiles warmly . I promise Ill tell you the next time we see each other , Calvin says . But I begin , but Calvin interrupts . Sorry , I really have to go now , he apologizes . With that , Calvin leaves the restaurant , leaving me with many questions unanswered in my mind . 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.