---- Chapter 21 Years continued to unspool, each one richer and more fulfilling than the last. Carter Creative Designs became a leading agency in the Pacific Northwest, known for its innovative work and ethical practices. Olivia was a respected figure in the business community, occasionally giving talks at design conferences or mentoring young entrepreneurs. She and Ben traveled. They saw the Northern Lights in Iceland, explored ancient ruins in Italy, hiked through Patagonia. Their love deepened, a quiet, steady river flowing through their lives. Maya remained her closest confidante, their bond unbreakable despite the distance. Maya eventually found her own happiness with a kind-hearted doctor and moved to Seattle, making their visits even easier. Mrs. Albright passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 97, leaving Olivia her collection of garden gnomes and Captain Flint, who now had an expanded vocabulary of surprisingly apt swear words for telemarketers. Olivia missed her quirky neighbor dearly. One sunny afternoon, while weeding her tomato plants, Olivia's phone rang. An unknown New York number. Normally, she'd ignore it. But something made her answer. ---- "Hello?" A hesitant female voice. "Is this... Ava Miller?" Olivia froze. No one had called her Ava in over a decade. "Who is this?" Olivia asked, her voice carefully neutral. "My name is Sarah. Sarah Reed. I'm... | was Ethan Reed's younger sister." Olivia's mind raced. Ethan's sister? Why was she calling, after all this time? "I'm sorry," Olivia said. "You have the wrong number." She was about to hang up. "Please," Sarah Reed's voice was urgent. "Don't hang up. | know you're Olivia Carter now. It took me years to find you. |... | just needed to talk to someone who knew him. Before." Olivia hesitated. A part of her wanted to slam the phone down, to sever this last, unexpected tie to the past. But another part, the compassionate part that Ben loved, felt a flicker of curiosity, of pity. "What do you want, Sarah?" Olivia asked, her voice softening slightly. 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.