Chapter 9 Over the last five years , I slowly began to heal from the heartbreak of my past relationship and the loss of my father . Together with Atlas , Ive poured my heart and soul into building our studio . With his connections and resources , Atlas brought in countless opportunities . As for me , I embraced this new chapter of my life with everything I had . I thought Id finally found peace and happiness until one evening , when a chance overheard conversation shattered everything I believed in . You really outplayed me on this one . Got Celeste to walk away willingly , like the clingy fool she is . But tell me what do you think shed do if she found out it was you who destoryed her father ? Will shed want to kill you ? My fingers hesitated on the polished brass handle of the private lounge door . Inside , laughter rang out , low and mocking . You really had her fooled , my ex husband , Nathaniel , drawled , amusement dripping from his voice . Celeste trusted you like a brother , loved you unconditionally . I bet it never even crossed her mind that the man who destroyed her father was you . My breath caught in my throat . A second voice , hoarse with alcohol and anger , responded . It was Atlas . I took the blame for you because of ivy , he bit out , his words laced with something bitter . I never cared for Celeste even though , but Im not a monster . Id never go as far as pushing her father to his death . A sharp clink echoed as glass met wood , the sound edged with suppressed fury . Then came Atlass voice again , low and seething . I owe her . Ill spend the rest of my life making it up to her . The only reason I helped you back then was for Ivys sake . But if you ever hurt her , if you ever so much as make her cry , I swear to God , Ill end you . Nathaniel laughed , a slow , taunting sound . Such devotion , he mused . But its too bad she met me first . You should focus on protecting your dear Celeste … after all , you killed her father . Be careful , Atlas . The dead have a way of coming back to haunt you . * The unmistakable sound of glass shattering against the door jolted me back to my senses . 19:41 Divorced From The Pretender 5.3 % Chapter 9 I turned on my heel and walked away , my heart pounding like a war drum . Downstairs , the bar was dimly lit , the air thick with the scent of liquor and smoke . My hands trembled as I reached for a glass , lifting it to my lips . The moment the alcohol burned down my throat , tears welled in my eyes . I never drank . But tonight , I needed something anything to drown out the words replaying in my mind . It wasnt Nathaniel who ruined my father . It was Atlas the man I had spent five years sharing a bed with , waking up next to , trusting with the fragile remains of my heart . And one week after my fathers first attack , he must have said something , done something , to trigger the second No wonder my fathers eyes had been locked onto him in those final moments . The look I had thought was gratitude relief that I would be taken care of wasnt that at all . It was rage . And I had been too blind , too trusting , to see it . The love , the warmth , the marriage I thought was my salvation … It had never been love at all . It was guilt . A hollow , meaningless compensation . A sharp laugh tore from my throat , but it sounded foreign to my own ears . The taste of alcohol turned to ashes on my tongue , my stomach churning with something ugly and consuming . I was still staring blankly at my empty glass when warm arms wrapped around me from behind . His embrace was firm but uncharacteristically hesitant , as if sensing the shift in me . His breath , tinged with whiskey , fanned against my neck as he murmured , voice thick with intoxication . Celeste … youve been gone too long . I missed you . His lips ghosted over my hair , his arms tightening around my waist . Lets go home , love . I need you . I love you . So much … always … For five years , I had believed these words . Atlas was never an expressive man , but every time he was drunk , he would whisper these confessions into my skin . His friends always said a drunk mans words were his truest thoughts . And I had believed him . But now ? 19:41 Divorced From The Pretender , 5.5 % Chapter 9 Now , all I could feel was how utterly ridiculous it all was . My face betrayed nothing as I gently pried his arms away and helped him into the car . He slumped against me , his head resting on my lap , his breathing slow and even . His brows , always slightly furrowed , finally eased in sleep , as if he had found some fleeting peace . Then , just as I reached to adjust his coat , his lips parted , and a name fell from them . Ivy … Ivy … why didnt you choose me ? Ivy Monroe . The woman who had stolen my ex husband . The woman who had been Atlass first love . 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.