---- Chapter 6 Isiah didn' t hesitate. He lunged forward, grabbed a decorative marble bust from a pedestal, and smashed it over his own head. He crumpled to the ground, blood pouring from a gash on his forehead. Gloria watched, unimpressed. "How dramatic," she said dryly. "But that's not what | meant." She crouched down beside him. "Kneel," she commanded. He stared at her, his eyes wild with pain and confusion. On the screen, the water was up to Kiley' s chest. Her screams were getting more frantic. "Isiah, please!" she cried He pushed himself onto his knees. The gravel of the garden path dug into his expensive trousers. Blood dripped from his forehead onto his white shirt. "This is the third time you' ve knelt before me, Isiah," Gloria said, her voice soft and reminiscent. ---- "The first was in that alley. You knelt in filth and begged me to save you." "The second was in the empty nursery we built for Hope. You knelt and put a ring on my finger, swearing you would love me for eternity." Her voice hardened. "And now you kneel for her." She looked at him, kneeling in the dirt for another woman, and felt a profound weariness. The game was no longer amusing. "You know," she said, straightening up, "I always knew you were a coward. But I' m disappointed to find you' re also a fool." She turned to Marcus. "Stop the waterworks. She' s not even wet." Isiah looked up, confused. "Kiley isn' t in a box, Isiah. She' s right here." Gloria pointed toward the large, man-made mountain that formed the centerpiece of the estate' s back garden. It was a ridiculous piece of landscaping, a monument to new money. "She' s inside." Gloria held up a small remote control and pressed a button. ---- A low rumbling sound started, and the ground began to shake. The guests cried out in alarm. A huge section of the artificial mountain slid away, revealing a gaping black entrance, like the mouth of a cave. Deep within the darkness, a single light flickered on. It illuminated Kiley. She was suspended from the ceiling by ropes, just as she had been in the penthouse. Below her was a deep, circular pit. Gloria' s face, which had seemed almost bored a moment ago, transformed. The mask of civility dropped away, revealing the cold, predatory queen beneath. "Welcome, everyone," she said, her voice resonating with power. "To the main event." She gestured toward the dark opening. "After you." No one moved. The ground rumbled again, and a section of the lawn behind the guests retracted, revealing a sheer drop into the ocean below. They were trapped between the cave and the sea. ---- Slowly, hesitantly, the guests began to file into the mountain. Isiah was the first one in, scrambling past everyone, his eyes fixed on Kiley. "Get her down!" he screamed at his men. "Now!" 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.