Chapter 0008 Serenas POV Im surprised by how nice Doris is being to me all of a sudden . But then I realize , shes probably just pretending to be kind because everyone else is watching In the break room , I watch Doris rummage through her stuff . She pulls out a clean , designer shirt with a fancy design and hands it to me . I accept the shirt and say , Thanks . But you can stop pretending now . I can still see your horns from where Im sitting . As I put on the shirt , I notice Doris expression shifting from fake concern to a mean smirk . Just as Im adjusting the fabric , she throws a barbed comment my way , Even expensive clothes look cheap on you . Π Firing back at Doris , I say , Doris , you can wear all the fancy stuff in the world and play the victim as much as you like . But at the end of the day , Bill is still married to me . Then , pretending to sniff the air , I add with a sneer , Oh , your perfume smells interesting … is it called Desperation ? She hits back harder . You know , Serena , if you actually dressed up and did your makeup , maybe Bill wouldnt be so ashamed to introduce you as his wife to the investors , Doris says . Youd think a billionaires wife would show some class . 1 Her comment hits me hard . I try to hide it , but theres a lump in my throat . I look away , feeling a bit small and out of place , just like I often do in Bills fancy world . Doris sees my silence as an opportunity and presses on , Face it , Serena . Youre just not good enough to be Bills wife . 1 I take a deep breath and respond , Fine , you can have him , Doris . Im divorcing him anyway . Doriss eyes widen in surprise , and she quickly glances at the papers in my hand . Is that what those are asks , a hint of disbelief in her voice . Well , it sure took you long enough , she adds . for ? : 70 she Doris doesnt stop there . She makes another rude comment So , whats your angle in divorcing Bill ? Looking for a big payday , Serena ? 1 Money ? Thats the last thing on my mind . You know , I never planned to marry Bill in the first place . It was a spur -of the moment thing in Vegas . But unlike some , I dont measure relationships in dollars and cents. Im walking because its the right thing to do for both of us , I reply sharply . away Doris snaps back , Oh please ! Cut the innocent act . You only got close to Bill because of his money , right ? If I hadnt messed up with the drugs in Vegas … It shouldve been me marrying Bill , she confesses . Hearing Doriss confession , my jaw drops in disbelief . I can feel my face getting hot with anger . You caused all this mess ? I blurt out , my voice shaking . Im so angry , I can barely think straight . How dare you , bitch ? I remember all those times Bill thought I was the one behind that night in Vegas . I tried to explain , but he never believed me . And now , here I am , realizing it was Doris all along . You and Bill are getting too close . I cant let him fall for you completely , Doris admits . Youre cheap and horrible , Serena . Even if it wasnt Bill , youd have found some other rich guy to latch onto . I glare at Doris and snap , Go to hell , Doris ! Before she can respond , I slap her , the sound ringing sharply in the room . Still seething , I quickly turn and dash out , bumping into Bill in my haste but not stopping to look at him . I just keep moving . I can already picture it Doris playing the victim once more , twisting the story to make me look like the villain in Bills eyes . Her ability to manipulate situations to her advantage is something Im all too familiar with. 1 7/2 Chapter 0008 +25 BONUS Bills POV With Doris not returning anytime soon , I decide to move forward with the meeting . To cover for her unexpected absence , I explained to everyone that she had to step out due to an emergency . Even though Im a bit anxious , I make sure the meeting stays on track . I keep glancing at my watch , wondering if Serena is okay . After wrapping up the meeting , I head to the break room to see how Dorls and Serena are doing . Serena storms out , tears streaming down her face . Concerned , I call out to her , Serena- but shes already too far gone , her distress evident in her hurried steps . From inside the break room , I hear Doris voice . Bill , are you there ? she calls out , her tone sounding a bit strained . I pause at the door , responding , Yes , can I come in ? Theres a brief moment of silence before Doris answers , her voice sounding weaker than usual , Yeah . her eyes . Her As I step into the break room , my gaze falls on Doris . She appears quite shaken , tears welling up in left cheek looks a bit flushed as if she had been slapped recently . I quickly step closer to Doris , leaning in to get a better look at the mark on her face , Concerned , I ask , Did Serena do this ? Doris nods , her eyes still teary . I dont understand . I was just helping her clean up . I even let her wear my shirt , she says , her voice shaky . Then , out of nowhere , she slaps me . I usually keep personal matters out of work , but this situation is different . I dont know why Serena is acting like this , I admit , my voice sounds frustrated . Im sorry for her behavior . Doriss concern shows in her words as she says , Look , I dont want to pry , but Serena has been acting so irrational lately . Have you ever considered divorce ? I shoot Doris a look , taken aback by her audacity . Its clear shes crossing a line here . The problems Serena and I have are ours alone , not something for others to meddle in What are you talking about ? Serena is mine . Im not going to divorce her , I tell her firmly . You sure ? Well , what if shes the one who wants to quit you ? There is a look in Doriss eyes that I cant discern and it flashes away quickly . But her words stab me in the heart . +25 BONUS Chapter 0009 Chapter 0009 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.