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Chapter EightySix
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2024-12-16 20:34:27
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The "EX" Factor Chapter EightySeven
"Impressive as always, Sam," said the soft, familiar voice behind me. I froze as the paintbrush slipped from my fingers and onto the palette below. Even after all these time, that voice still sent shivers down my spine. I slowly turned, my heart thumping. There he was. Caleb stood in the doorway of my gallery, his fitted suit faultless, his dark eyes glinting with the same blend of charm and cunning that I'd always adored. I hadn't seen him since the day he terminated everything, the day I discovered he was a false asshole and shattered any trust I'd thought we had. "Caleb," I murmured, my voice measured, disguising the upheaval his sudden entrance had caused. "What are you doing here?" He moved deeper inside, his hands nonchalantly tucked into his pockets, taking in the half-finished pieces littered across the room. "What? No 'long time, no see'? "I thought we were better than that. I folded my arms and leaned on the edge of the worktable. "Caleb, I don't recall us bei
Last Updated : 2024-12-17The "EX" Factor Chapter EightyEight
As I stepped inside, the office door creaked open, and the subtle aroma of leather and coffee enveloped me like a familiar embrace. Tyler looked up from behind his desk, his tie slightly loosened and his hair mussed just enough to suggest the turmoil of his morning. Despite the strain on his face, his expression relaxed as he spotted me. "Sam," he exclaimed, standing as if just seeing me had removed an invisible weight off his shoulders. I smiled, feeling warmth rush through me as he approached and pulled me into his arms. "Miss me already?" I teased, but the reality was, I missed him more than I wanted to admit. "Always," he said, his voice low as his chin touched my hair. I drew back slightly and studied his face. There were lines I hadn't noticed before, and his eyes appeared tireder than usual, but he concealed it well. "How are things at the company?" I asked, stepping back and perching myself on the edge of his desk. "You mentioned it's been intriguing. "What is going
Last Updated : 2024-12-17The "EX" Factor Chapter EightyNine
Tyler's office was a storm gathering, and every breath he drew was thick with wrath. The air felt heavy and oppressive, as if it could sense the outburst of rage he strained to conceal. His fists clutched the edge of his desk, knuckles white, as Julie stood across from him, her face a mask of calm defiance. "What have you done?!" he shouted, his voice piercing the tension like a razor. Julie twisted her lips into a small, unrepentant smile. "What did *I* do? Oh, Tyler, don't act innocent here. You cannot sleep with someone and expect no consequences." "Consequences?!" His voice increased, booming off the walls, and his control slipped with each phrase. "Yes, Tyler. *Consequences.*" She crossed her arms, her tone excruciatingly chilly. "This is as much your issue as it is mine. "You can't just decide when you want to be a father." Tyler looked at her, his heart racing in his chest. "I'm not trying to…" "Save it," Julie said, her gaze tightening. "I am tired of your excuse
Last Updated : 2024-12-17The "EX" Factor Chapter Ninety
My heart pounded against my ribs as I gripped the steering wheel, my knuckles turning white. The city lights blurred into streaks of gold and silver as I sped through the streets, tears threatening to blind me. Pregnant. The word echoed in my mind, louder with every passing second. Julie. Tyler. The two of them, tangled in a history that refused to die. My chest tightened, my breath coming in shallow gasps as I tried to piece it all together. He’d been sleeping with her. While I was in New York, trying to rebuild myself, Tyler had found comfort in her. The thought sent a fresh wave of nausea rolling through me. The apartment building came into view, and I pulled into the parking lot, barely registering how I parked. My hands shook as I grabbed my bag, slamming the car door behind me. My reflection in the glass doors of Ann’s building stopped me in my tracks. My eyes were swollen, rimmed red. My face was blotchy and tear-streaked. I barely recognized myself.
Last Updated : 2024-12-18The "EX" Factor Chapter NinetyOne
As we entered the crowded club, the bass of the music hammered through my chest, and the air was thick with the aroma of sweat, perfume, and possibility. Strobe lights swirled across the floor, illuminating a sea of bodies dancing in time with the music. I blinked, temporarily overwhelmed. This was not my scene anymore. "I can't believe you talked me into doing this," I said above the music, staring at Ann, who was far too pleased with herself. She grinned, pulling me deeper into the turmoil. "You needed it, Sam! Trust me. "Just let go once!" I tried to complain, but the words froze in my throat when the tempo changed to a familiar song. The type that made you want to move despite your resistance. Ann grabbed my hand and spun me toward the dance floor, and I followed her, more out of tiredness than joy. Maybe she was correct. Maybe this was what I needed—a night to forget everything. Tyler. Julie. My chest ached constantly, no matter how hard I tried. Ann plunged into t
Last Updated : 2024-12-18The "EX" Factor Chapter NinetyTwo
Tyler slammed the conference room door behind him, sending reverberations through the office's quiet hallways. His chest heaved as he leaned against the wall, placing his hands against his temples. The meeting with Smith Corporation had been disastrous. Every word exchanged seemed like another brick crumbling from the flimsy wall that held his firm together. The Hartwell family. The Hartwells were circling like vultures, and Tyler's stomach churned at Smith Corp.'s shaky commitment to their alliance. He could feel the weight of each decision on his shoulders. If they lost the Smith deal, it would cause a domino effect, and he wasn't sure RindCorp would survive. His phone buzzed in his pocket, so he took it out, expecting a message from Ben. Instead, there was an email with a synopsis of their present financial situation. Tyler opened it, but the figures blurred together, leaving him unable to focus. He exhaled sharply, his throat tightening as frustration clawed at him. "Mr
Last Updated : 2024-12-18The "EX" Factor Chapter NinetyThree
"I'm going to kill you for this," I shouted into my phone as I paced near the door to Artistry Heights Gallery, my small haven that felt too huge to fill tonight. The clean area shone under warm golden lighting, with every nook perfectly displaying the handpicked designs I'd spent months creating. "I'm sorry!" Ann's voice crackled across the line. "There was traffic, and I had to stop for gas…" "You know I hate showing up to these things alone." I adjusted the neckline of my midnight blue gown, the fabric stroking across my skin as if it could soothe the anxiety churning inside me. "Please hurry up. "I am starting to feel like a stray dog at a purebred gala." "You'll be fine," Ann reassured me, her voice full of false confidence. "Just channel that CEO energy you always bragging about. "You got this!" Before I could respond, the call went dead. Typical Ann. I sighed, squared my shoulders, and walked into the center of the networking event. The gallery was humming with act
Last Updated : 2024-12-20The "EX" Factor Chapter NinetyFour
I extended my arms above my head, wincing as my back protested the hours I'd spent crouched over my laptop. The quiet hum of the city filtered through the window, a constant reminder of the life that still thrived beyond Ann's apartment. The room was dim save for the brightness of my screen and the digital clock in the corner, which read 12:43 AM. My workspace was chaotic, with half-empty coffee cups, sticky notes with reminders, and a stack of sketches that needed to be finalized for an upcoming gallery assignment. I needed a distraction. The option was to let my thoughts drift back to Tyler. To Julia. Hello to everyone. God, I had been willing to give him another chance. Despite his aunt's harsh remarks and the mountains of baggage between us, I was prepared to try. But he'd shattered that fragile relationship with a truth I couldn't ignore: he was still sleeping with her. The notion twisted in my chest, harsh and cruel. I shook my head and concentrated on the image, r
Last Updated : 2024-12-20
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The "EX" Factor Chapter Onehundredthirty (FINALE)
"I now pronounce you husband and wife."The words reverberated through the air as Samantha felt Tyler's warm hands cup her face. His blue eyes were so intense that her breath caught, and before she could blink, his lips were on hers. The kiss was slow and deep, sending goosebumps down her spine, and it sealed a commitment far bigger than any previous pledge. As guests stood clapping and whistling, cheers broke up all around them. White rose petals flew across the air, captured by the gentle evening breeze. Samantha let out a frantic giggle against Tyler's lips as he pulled her in closer. "We did it," she muttered. "We did," he said softly, leaning his forehead against hers. "And I'm never letting go." Samantha's heart felt fuller than ever as they went down the aisle together. Caleb was gone, the past was behind them, and a bright future awaited them. *** Six months later. Samantha sat in bed, fatigued but happy, her fingers tracing the newborn's small features cuddled again
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwentyNine
Four days later. Samantha stood in front of the mirror, her heart racing against her ribs. The smooth ivory fabric of her bridal gown clung to her body like a second skin, with beautiful lace accents cascading down her arms. It should have been the best day of her life. But something seemed odd. She inhaled softly, attempting to push the anxiety away. Perhaps it was simply nerves. After everything they'd been through... Tyler's health issues, her father's death, the inheritance drama, Caleb's reappearance... it was understandable to be on edge. A gentle knock on the door made her jump. Bella looked inside, her eyes lit up. "Sam, you look…" She placed a hand on her chest. "Breathtaking." Samantha smiled, but Bella's countenance immediately changed, indicating that something was awry. "You okay?" Bella inquired, coming closer. Samantha hesitated before shaking her head. "I do not know. "I just have this feeling." Bella frowned. "The bad kind?" Samantha nodded. Befo
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwentyEight
Samantha sat on the examination table and gripped the edge as the small, clean exam room was filled with the continuous beep of a monitor. With his leg hopping restlessly and his gaze darting between her and the closed door, Tyler sat next to her. "Blake, Samantha?" The physician came in, leafing through the file. She smiled politely and professionally and took the stool across from them. Samantha took a deep breath. "I am that." After looking over the chart, the doctor looked directly at Samantha. "Your bloodwork results have been returned." She hesitated. "You are expecting a child." There was a slight tilt to the room. Samantha blinked. "What?" The physician's grin grew softer. "You are roughly six weeks pregnant." From next to her came a sudden intake of breath. When Samantha looked back, she saw Tyler transfixed, his eyes wide, his lips slightly apart. He remained silent for a minute. Then his face changed, as though the realization had to come gradually. "You're..." He g
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwentySeven
Despite the frantic energy pulsing through him, Tyler's hands remained calm as he adjusted the final candle on the table, filling the air with the aroma of fresh roses. As he had intended, the restaurant was deserted; he had rented out the whole place for the evening. The tastefully arranged table was bathed in a golden glow while soft instrumental music played in the background. He rolled his shoulders back and let out a breath. It has to be flawless tonight. He turned when he heard a familiar voice at the door. "Tyler?" Samantha stood in the doorway, looking both surprised and intrigued. With her hair falling over her shoulders, she looked stunning in a form-fitting emerald dress. Tyler took a deep breath. God, she's stunning. She glanced at the intimate scene and then back at him. "What's all this?" He moved forward and extended his hand. "Supper. Only us. After a moment of hesitation, she inserted her fingers inside his. Her tender touch stabilized and anchored hi
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwentySix
Tyler exhaled sharply as he pushed himself up from the therapy bench, sweat dampening his shirt. His muscles trembled from exertion, but he gritted his teeth and steadied himself. Samantha stood nearby, watching him with careful eyes, ready to step in if he faltered. “Easy,” she murmured. He shot her a look. “I’m fine.” She crossed her arms, one brow lifting. “You nearly collapsed last week. Forgive me if I don’t take your word for it.” Tyler sighed but didn’t argue. Truth be told, he still felt the weakness lingering in his limbs, the occasional dizziness that reminded him he wasn’t at full strength yet. But he was improving. And that mattered. The physical therapist, a middle-aged man named Greg, clapped him on the shoulder. “That’s enough for today. You don’t want to push too hard.” Tyler wiped a hand over his face and nodded. “Got it.” Samantha handed him a water bottle, and as he took a sip, her fingers brushed against his. It was a small, fleeting touch, but it g
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwentyFive
Samantha paced the clean hallway, the only sound in the otherwise quiet room being the steady tapping of her heels on the shiny hospital floor. She detested medical facilities. I detested having to wait. She glanced at the clock, her arms folded tightly across her chest. Four hours. Tyler had spent four long, excruciating hours in surgery. She turned as she felt a hand on her shoulder and saw Owen standing next to her, holding a coffee cup in one hand and wearing a worried expression. He offered her the cup and added softly, "You must sit." Samantha gave a headshake. "I am unable to. Not until I'm certain he's alright. Owen leaned against the wall and moaned. "You have stood here the whole time. You're going to lose your mind. The lump in her throat was swallowed. "What happens if something goes right?" Her voice broke. "What if..." "Cease." Owen spoke in a friendly but stern tone. "Tyler is powerful. Additionally, he is being treated by one of the nation's top surgeons
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwentyFour
Samantha's heels hitting the marble floor echoed down the long hallway. Her phone buzzed in her fingers, and another notice appeared on the screen. SCANDAL UNVEILS: CALEB WINTERS ENGAGED IN FRAUD, EMBEZZLEMENT, AND CORPORATE SABOTAGE. She barely had time to breathe before another one struck. JAMES BLAKE'S LEGACY RESTORED: NEW EVIDENCE CLEARS HIS NAME.Her father's name. She grabbed the phone tighter, exhaling gently as she pushed through the spinning doors of the company's offices. The lobby was a bustle of activity, with reporters stationed outside, employees chatting in tight clusters, and security on high alert. It had only been twelve hours since Owen revealed the incriminating proof, yet the corporate world had already imploded. "You did it," Owen said beside her, his voice low but forceful. Samantha caught his gaze. He appeared weary, his tie unbuttoned and his sleeves rolled up after the all-nighter they had pulled. But there was a quiet contentment in his eyes, the sa
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwentyThree
The sound of my phone buzzing woke me up. I sat up abruptly, my heart thumping as the faint light of Tyler's hospital room formed frightening shadows on the walls. The sterile aroma of antiseptic entered my nose, grounding me in the moment, but my mind was already racing. I reached for my phone, shivering my fingers as I unlocked it. A slew of notifications illuminated the screen. News notifications. Social media tags. Emails. Bella's name appeared on the screen, and I immediately picked up. "Sam, have you seen it?" Her voice was sharp and urgent. I swallowed hard, already dreading the response. "Seen what?" "Caleb has just gone public. He revealed critical information regarding your father's business. He describes it as a 'legacy of corruption.' "The media is all over it." My face was emptied of blood. My hold on the phone intensified. "Sam, are you there?" I forced myself to breathe. "I'm here." But I was not. I was in a downward spiral. My father had only been gon
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwentyTwo
I didn't think twice. Tyler's sickness worsened, so I temporarily closed the Art display. There are no explanations, no room for negotiation. My career had been my anchor for years, but just now, nothing was more important than being there for him. Now, as I sat in the dim hospital room, the only sound being the beeping of machines, I watched Tyler fall asleep. His face looked paler than usual, and he breathed slower and more measured. My fingers wrapped around his, and my thumb brushed lightly against his skin. I wanted to relieve his misery. I wished I could go back in time and make other choices to avoid this occurring again. But all I could do was stay here. The door creaked open, and Bella slid inside, holding two cups of coffee. She handed me one without saying anything and sat down beside me. “How’s he doing?” she inquired quietly. I exhaled and stroked my temple. "For the time being, things are stable. The physicians are still watching him. They'll decide soon wh
