---- Chapter 13 Olivia joined a local designers' meetup group. They met once a week in the back room of a craft brewery. She was nervous at first, but the other designers were welcoming, sharing tips and job leads. She got a few more small projects. A website for a dog walker. A brochure for a community garden. Her portfolio was growing. So was her confidence. She found a rhythm in Portland. Work, walk, volunteer, meetup. The constant rain didn't bother her. It felt cleansing. She bought a bike and explored the city's many parks, the lush greenery a stark contrast to the concrete canyons of New York. 4 She was starting to feel... not happy, not yet. But peaceful. Content in her anonymity. One evening, Maya called, her voice tight. "He's escalating, Liv. Ethan. He's started posting online. Old pictures of you two. Saying you've 'disappeared,' that he's 'worried sick.' He's trying to make himself look like the victim." Olivia felt a surge of anger, then a wave of weariness. "Let him," she said. "No one who knows him will believe it. And no one here knows Ava Miller." ---- "I'm running interference," Maya said. "Blocking him, reporting the posts. But he's persistent. And he's got his rich family's lawyers involved, trying to get access to your old records." "There's nothing in those records that will lead him to Olivia Carter," Olivia said. She'd been careful. So careful. But a small seed of unease sprouted. He was a shark. And he smelled blood in the water, even if it was the ghost of blood Then, something unexpected happened. Chloe Vance started talking. Not to the police. But to a notorious gossip blogger. Screenshots of Ethan's manipulative texts. Details of his faked amnesia. His plan to "get a hall pass." Chloe painted herself as a victim, of course. Duped by the charming, deceitful Ethan Reed. But the details she provided were damning. And then, she dropped a bombshell. "He wasn't just cheating on Ava," Chloe was quoted. "He was cheating on his startup partners too. Cooking the books. Funneling company money into his personal accounts." The story exploded online. #EthanReedlsOverParty started trending. His carefully crafted image of success and ambition shattered overnight. Maya called, practically crowing. "You will not believe this! Chloe Vance just nuked Ethan from orbit!" ---- Olivia listened, a strange mix of emotions swirling inside her. Vindication. Relief. And a tiny, shameful flicker of satisfaction. He was getting what he deserved. And it had nothing to do with her. She was free. 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.