---- Chapter 5 Ava drifted in and out of consciousness in the second ambulance. When she finally came to, she was in a hospital room. A different hospital from where they'd likely taken Ethan and Chloe. Her arm was in a cast. Her head ached with a dull, persistent throb. A nurse was checking her vitals. "Feeling any better, dear?" "Where... where are Ethan Reed and Chloe Vance?" Ava asked, her voice raspy. "They were taken to City General," the nurse said. "Mr. Reed insisted. Said his specialist was there." Of course. Later, Maya arrived, her face a mask of worry and fury. "Ava! Oh my god, are you okay? | came as soon as | heard." "Broken arm. Concussion. I'lllive," Ava said."What about them?" "Chloe has a fractured tibia, apparently. Ethan has some bruises and a 'worsening of his amnesia symptoms,' according to the gossip mill he's already started," Maya said, rolling her eyes. "He's playing the concerned hero." Ava closed her eyes. She wasn't surprised. She must have dozed off, because when she opened them ---- again, she heard voices outside her room. Ethan's voice. And Chloe's. They must have been discharged or moved. "..such a trooper," Ethan was saying, his voice dripping with fake sympathy. "| was so worried about you, baby." "You were so brave, Ethan," Chloe cooed. "Taking care of me like that." "It's just... this whole amnesia thing, it's a nightmare," Ethan sighed dramatically. "And now Ava's hurt too. | feel terrible. | should go see her." "No, baby," Chloe said quickly. "You need to rest. And honestly? She's probably fine. She's tough. You said so yourself. Besides, she doesn't even remember you, right? It might just upset her more to see you." 3 A pause. "You're probably right," Ethan said. "| just... | wish | could remember her. She seemed so... familiar at the gallery. Just for a second." Lies. All lies. He was laying the groundwork for his "miraculous recovery." Ava felt a fresh wave of nausea. When the nurse came back in, Ava asked, "Did Mr. Reed leave any instructions? About my care?" The nurse looked uncomfortable. "Well, he... he said he wasn't sure what your insurance situation was, given his... condition. He said he couldn't authorize anything." Ava stared at her. He was cutting her off financially, even for ---- this. "My friend Maya is here," Ava said, her voice cold. "She'll handle it." Maya, who had stepped out for coffee, returned and took charge, her expression thunderous when Ava told her what Ethan had done. The hospital eventually confirmed Ava's own insurance was active and sufficient Ethan hadn't even bothered to check. He just assumed he could leave her stranded. Her phone, which Maya had retrieved from the wreck, buzzed. Another picture from Chloe's number. Chloe in a hospital bed, Ethan holding her hand, looking lovingly at her. Caption: "My hero 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.