Chapter 0046 Serenas POV Why is Bill here ? He hardly comes to the mall . Patty , Doriss mother , clears her throat and smiles at Bill . Bill ? I didnt expect to see you here . Is Doris with you ? Bill shakes his head . Im just browsing for some nice Jewelry , Bill says . How about you ? You dont look like youre here to buy anything . Patty stammers , Y you know , Serena and I were just discussing the TikTok video she posted . I really dont want to stir up any trouble here . Bills brows furrow . What video ? he asks , clearly unaware of the video I posted . Anyway , if youre not here to buy anything , I suggest you leave now . There are a lot of people waiting behind you . Around them , several people in the crowd nod in agreement, hoping for Patty to go elsewhere . Okay , okay , Patty concedes . She gives me a cold stare . Ill come back some other time . Finally ! someone in the crowd exclaims as Patty makes her exit . As Patty departs , the crowd returns to browsing through the shop . Before assisting another customer , I make my way over to Bill . Thanks for helping me handle that situation . Bill meets my gaze , his expression unreadable . Wow , so this is what youve been busy with , he remarks , scanning the shop . Its a nice spot for selling jewelry . Though , it could be bigger . Is he insulting me again ? Excuse me ? But this is all I could afford for now , I say , crossing my arms . Bill throws his arms up . Relax , Im not here to start a fight . Just go back to helping your customers . A lot of people are waiting , he says . We can talk later after youre done with work . Dont you have anything better to do ? I ask , skeptical of his sudden supportiveness . I decided to take a break from work since Ive wrapped up all my meetings for the week , he explains . Ill stick around in case Patty decides to come back . Bill has a point . Im not sure I can maintain my composure if Doriss mother returns . I sigh and concede , Fine . But if you insult me or my shop , youre out , I sigh . Bill nods , responding , Fair enough . I turn back to the customers . Hey everyone , apologies for the earlier incident . As a way to make it up to you , were offering discounts today for everyone here . The mood lightens up when they hear about the discounts . The customers start talking excitedly and look around the shop , happier and more interested in what they might find . As I assist each customer , I cant help but catch glimpses of Bill quietly examining the jewelry . Theres something different about him his muscles seem more defined , almost sculpted , clearly visible even beneath the fabric of his shirt . His jawline , now sharper and more pronounced , adds a rugged handsomeness to his face that I had never fully appreciated before . His past injuries are nowhere to be seen , his skin clear and smooth . Even the dark bags under his eyes are almost gone . I catch myself staring at him for too long , feeling a warm bubble inside me . What are you doing , Serena ? I 125 NGANA Chapter 9046 silently scold myself . You shouldnt feel this way about your ex husband No matter how hard I try to focus on the customers , my eyes keep wandering back to Bill . In the crowd , I see two girls giggling and nudging each other , telling one another to go talk to him . Shes a pretty blonde , with a youthful charm that suggests Die might be younger than both Bill and me . She approaches Bill with a napkin in hand , likely with her number written on it . Miss ? I said I want to buy this , the customer Im currently assisting says , pointing to the jewelry she wants to purchase . Of course , Ill wrap this up for you , I say , snapping back to the present . I cant afford to lose customers if my mind is distracted . As I wrap the item , I steal glances at the girl whos about to give Bill her number . She says something to Bill and hands him the napkin . Bill looks at her strangely , as if its the first time a girl has ever flirted with him . Surprisingly , Bill declines the napkin and looks apologetic The girl looks disappointed and embarrassed as she walks back to her friend . I breathe a sigh of relief … But why am I relieved ? I shouldnt care if girls hit on Bill . After all , hes good looking Are you finished , Miss ? the customer asks . Turning my attention back to her , I nod . Ah , yes . Thatll be $ 375 , I say as I hand her the paper bag . She promptly hands me the payment . Come again . As the customer leaves , I glance at Bill once again , only to find him looking back at me . For a moment , time seems to stand still . Thanks again for helping with Doris mother earlier , I say to Bill as I close the shop , What are you doing here anyway ? I instinctively shield my belly with my arms , grateful for the loose clothing Im wearing . That way , Bill wont see my tiny baby bump . I heard you started a new business here and wanted to congratulate you , Bill says . Did you make all these ? he asks , pointing at the jewelry . Yeah , I did , I reply with a smile . I see , Bill says . They look great . Wow , did Bill just compliment the jewelry I made ? This is a first . Well , thanks , I say , surprised and pleased . Did Calvin pay for all this ? Bill asks . I just cant figure out how you can afford to start this kind of business on your own . Here he goes again . Bill immediately assumes that someone else made this business possible for me . He always looks down on me , and that will never change . Just so you know , I asked my parents for a loan to start this business , I say . Calvin has nothing to do with it . I told you , were just friends . Bill looks like hes lost in thought for a moment before speaking again . But I can get you a nicer and bigger shop than this one . Was that why you were at Melrose ? Well , I could get you that place you were looking at if you just come back to me , he says . Chapter 004 , +25 BONUS I look Bill straight in the eyes . You dont get it , Bill , I say firmly . I dont need you to be successful . I hope you respect my decision . Were no longer together , and you dont need to look after me . With a nod , I turn away from Bill , leaving behind the memories of what once was of us together . 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.