---- Chapter 12 The Greyhound bus smelled of stale cigarettes and desperation. Olivia Carter didn't care. She watched New York City disappear in the rearview mirror, a smear of lights and broken promises. Ava Miller was gone. Olivia was headed west. Portland, Oregon. Three days later, she arrived, stiff, exhausted, but strangely exhilarated. The air was cool, damp, smelling of pine trees and rain. It felt... clean. She found a small, furnished studio apartment online, in a slightly rundown but charming neighborhood called Hawthorne. Paid three months' rent in cash. No questions asked. Her new driver's license said Olivia Carter. Her new bank account, opened with a modest deposit, said Olivia Carter. She bought a cheap laptop and a used printer. + "Carter Creative Designs" was officially open for business. Her first client was a local bakery, "The Flour Child," run by a cheerful, zaftig woman named Brenda who wore flour-dusted aprons and turquoise jewelry. ---- Olivia designed a new logo for her - a whimsical sketch of a child peeking out from a loaf of bread. Brenda loved it. Paid her in cash and a dozen warm cinnamon rolls. It wasn't much, but it was a start. It was hers. She explored her new city on foot. Quirky shops, food trucks, endless coffee bars. People were friendly, but not intrusive. They had a laid-back, live-and-let-live vibe that Olivia found soothing. She started volunteering at a local animal shelter twice a week. Walking dogs, cleaning cages. The uncomplicated affection of the animals was a balm to her bruised soul. Her next-door neighbor was a tiny, white-haired woman named Mrs. Albright, who had a garden full of gnomes and a parrot that swore in three languages. Mrs. Albright invited Olivia over for tea and cookies, and told her scandalous stories about the neighborhood from the 1970s. Olivia found herself smiling. A real smile. It felt strange, but good. Maya called every few days. 2 "How's Portland treating you, Olivia?" It still felt odd, hearing the new name. But good odd. "It's... quiet," Olivia said. "In a good way. I'm working. | walked a three-legged dog named Pirate yesterday. He drools a lot." ---- eee tds "Sounds like paradise compared to the Ethan-drama back here," Maya said. Olivia didn't ask. She didn't want to know. But Maya told her anyway. "He's losing it, Liv. Calling everyone, trying to find you. He even hired a private investigator." A chill went down Olivia's spine. But it was distant. He was distant. "Let him try," Olivia said, her voice stronger than she expected. "He won't find me." She was Olivia Carter now. Ava Miller was a ghost. 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.