---- Chapter 15 The news of Ethan's death, and Chloe's critical condition, settled over Olivia like a fine dust. It didn't disrupt her peace, but it was there, a faint reminder of a past she had fought so hard to escape. Maya called, her voice subdued. "Are you... okay?" Maya asked. It was a question they hadn't needed to ask for years, not about Ethan "l am," Olivia said, and it was the truth. "It's strange. Like closing the final page of a very long, very bad book." "He really did a number on you," Maya said softly. "He did," Olivia agreed. "But he didn't break me. Not in the end." She thought of Chloe, fighting for her life. A part of Olivia, the part that remembered the sting of betrayal, felt a cold satisfaction. But another, newer part, the Olivia who volunteered at animal shelters and designed logos for community gardens, felt a sliver of pity. Chloe had been a pawn, a willing one, but a pawn nonetheless in Ethan's games. And now she was paying a terrible price. "What will happen to Chloe?" Olivia asked. "It doesn't look good," Maya said. "Even if she pulls through... her life is ruined. The media is having a field day with the 'tragic lovers' angle, but the subtext is all about their destructive lifestyle." ---- Olivia nodded slowly, absorbing the information. It was like watching a distant storm, knowing she was safe on shore. A few days later, Olivia was at Ben's bookstore. He was shelving new arrivals, the scent of paper and ink a familiar comfort. "You've been quiet lately," Ben observed, not looking up from a stack of hardcovers. "Just... processing some old news," Olivia said. She hadn't told him about Ethan. Her past was hers, a locked room she rarely visited. Ben was part of her present, her future. He didn't need to know the ghosts. "Anything | can help with?" he asked, his voice gentle. Olivia smiled. "You already are. Just by being here. By being... normal." Ben finally looked up, his eyes warm. "Normal is my specialty." He reached out, took her hand. His touch was steady, reassuring. This was real. This quiet affection, this simple companionship. It was everything Ethan's dramatic, destructive passion hadn't been. And it was so much more valuable. 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.