---- Chapter 16 The initial shock of Ethan's death faded, leaving behind a profound sense of finality. Olivia found herself thinking not of Ethan, the manipulator, but of the potential he'd squandered. The intelligence he'd twisted, the charm he'd weaponized A waste. That was the word that kept coming to mind. Maya kept her updated on Chloe. Chloe survived. Barely. She was paralyzed from the waist down. The news sent a complicated shiver through Olivia. It was a terrible fate. Chloe, the vibrant, attention-seeking influencer, now confined, dependent. "She's suing Ethan's estate," Maya reported. "Or what's left of it. Which isn't much, after all the creditors and lawsuits from the startup." "Does she blame him?" Olivia asked. "Completely," Maya said. "Apparently, she's telling anyone who will listen that he was driving like a maniac, that they were arguing, that he was drunk and high." It sounded plausible. It sounded like Ethan. Olivia felt a strange detachment from it all. These were dramas playing out on a stage far, far away. They didn't touch ---- her life, not anymore. Her work was her focus. Carter Creative Designs was up for a regional award for a campaign they'd done for a local environmental non-profit. She was busy, fulfilled. The shadows of Ava Miller's past were receding, almost invisible now in the bright light of Olivia Carter's present. One afternoon, sorting through old files, Olivia found a small, forgotten USB drive. Curious, she plugged it into her laptop. It was full of old photos. From her life with Ethan. Holidays, birthdays, quiet evenings at home. Ava Miller smiled back at her from the screen, younger, more innocent, her eyes full of love for the man beside her. Olivia looked at the photos for a long time. She didn't feel sadness, or anger. She felt... a kind of compassion. For that younger version of herself. For the dreams that younger Ava had cherished. She copied one photo - a picture of just her, laughing, taken by Maya on a beach trip years before Ethan. Ava, before the darkness. Then, she reformatted the USB drive, wiping it clean. Some memories were best left as ghosts. 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.