---- Chapter 9 The official documents arrived by courier the next morning. A new driver's license. A new Social Security card. Olivia Carter. Ava stared at the name. It felt... right. Like shedding a skin that had grown too tight, too painful. She was almost ready. Ethan called her later that day. "Ava? Hey. | was thinking... maybe we could have dinner tonight? Just you and me. I... | feel like things are coming back to me. Flashes. About you." His voice was laced with that fake, hopeful sincerity. The performance was beginning. "| can't tonight, Ethan," Ava said, her voice calm. "| have plans." "Oh." He sounded surprised, then a little annoyed. "But... it's important, Ava. For us." "My plans are important too," she said. "Maybe another time." She hung up before he could argue. He was trying to control the narrative, to set the stage for his grand "recovery." He had no idea she was already off-script. She spent the rest of the day packing her few remaining ---- belongings into two suitcases. Her old life, condensed. She took nothing that reminded her of Ethan. No gifts, no mementos Just her clothes, her books, her laptop. Olivia Carter's essentials. She walked through the apartment one last time. It felt like a stranger's house. She left the keys on the kitchen counter. Beside them, she placed the engagement ring. It glittered coldly under the harsh fluorescent light. And a small, white card. *"Dear Ethan, | remember everything. So do |. Goodbye. - A."* 2 Let him wonder which 'A' it was. Ava, or the beginning of anew name he'd never know. 2 As she waited for the cab to take her to the Greyhound station, she saw a car pull up across the street. Ethan's frat brothers, Mark and Dave. They were looking up at her apartment building, then at their phones. No doubt sent by Ethan to "escort" her to his surprise dinner. The cab arrived. Ava slipped into the back seat, her heart pounding. A narrow escape. As the cab pulled away, it passed Ethan's car, parked a little way down the street. ---- He was in the driver's seat. Chloe was beside him. They were kissing, oblivious. A final, ugly tableau of his betrayal. Ava felt a single tear trace a path down her cheek. For the girl who had loved him. For the years wasted. Then, she reached into her purse, pulled out her old "Ava Miller" driver's license. She took a deep breath. And snapped it in half. Olivia Carter was on her way. 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.