---- Chapter 10 Chloe Vance stretched languidly in the passenger seat of Ethan's car. "Showtime soon, baby?" she purred, running a hand up his thigh. Ethan grinned, checking his reflection in the rearview mirror. "Almost. Just waiting for my entourage to bring the guest of honor." He'd orchestrated this perfectly. The romantic dinner at their old favorite spot, the carefully rehearsed "recovery" of his memory, Ava's tearful gratitude. He could already taste the victory. And Ava. His phone buzzed. Mark. "Yo, E. Problem. Ava's not in her apartment. Lights are off. No answer." Ethan frowned. "What? Did you try calling her?" "Straight to voicemail," Dave's voice came through. "We've been here for twenty minutes." A knot of unease tightened in Ethan's stomach. This wasn't part of the plan. Ava was supposed to be waiting, anxious, hopeful. + "Stay there," Ethan snapped. "I'm on my way." He started the car, Chloe looking at him with a confused pout. "What's wrong?" ---- "Nothing," Ethan said, too sharply. "Just a little... delay." When they reached Ava's building, Mark and Dave were still outside, looking frustrated. "Anything?" Ethan demanded. "Nah, man. It's like she vanished," Mark said. Ethan's anger flared. Vanished? Ava didn't just vanish. She was predictable. Loyal. He stormed into the building, using his old key to her apartment. The apartment was... empty. Not just empty of Ava. Empty of her things. Her side of the closet was bare. Her books were gone from the shelves. Her toiletries were missing from the bathroom. It was like she'd been erased. Then he saw it. On the kitchen counter. The keys. The engagement ring, winking mockingly at him. And the note. *"Dear Ethan, | remember everything. So do |. Goodbye. - A."* He read it once. Twice. Í "| remember everything." What did that mean? "So do |." His blood ran cold. "No," he whispered. "No, she couldn't know." ---- Chloe came up behind him. "What is it? What does it say?" She read the note over his shoulder. "Oh my god," Chloe breathed. "She knew? About the amnesia? About... us?" Ethan felt a surge of blind panic, then white-hot rage. She had played him. Ava, sweet, forgiving Ava, had played him. She had known all along. And she had left. He saw her old phone, a cheap burner she'd been using, lying discarded on the counter. He'd assumed it was because she was too distraught to use her main one. He snatched it up, scrolling through the messages. Pictures. Dozens of them. The ones Chloe had sent. The ones *he* had told Chloe to send. The ones showing him and Chloe, intimate, taunting. Each one marked "Read." He'd thought he was torturing Ava. Driving her to the edge. Instead, he'd been giving her evidence. Fuel. Chloe was staring at him, her eyes wide. "Ethan? What did | do?" Ethan turned on her, his face a mask of fury. "You! This is your fault! Those stupid pictures! You pushed her away!" 2 He was losing control. His perfect plan was in ruins. Ava was gone. And she knew everything. 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.