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Chapter FiftyNine
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The "EX" Factor Chapter Sixty
I slipped into the booth across from Annie, who was already looking over the wine list with a playful twinkle in her eye, and felt the warm, inviting atmosphere of the wine bar.Without raising her gaze, she remarked, "Sam, it's about time you left that gallery and had a proper drink with me." "You need more than one, in my opinion, given everything that's going on."I laughed as I put my elbows on the table and found solace in the low murmur of conversation and the clink of glasses. "You're most likely correct. Lately, life has become a bit more extravagant.When Annie finally looked up, she closed the menu and arched a brow. "More? Attempt to overwhelm. You're right in the center of a soap opera, in my opinion, with Tyler portraying a jealous ex, Caleb's spectacular reappearance, and this mystery surrounding the love letter.I looked at her with a grudging smile and sighed, a weight weighing on me. "You're not incorrect."She gestured for the waiter to take our order, which was a bo
The "EX" Factor Chapter SixtyOne
I was late. As I rushed across the busy pavement, the city in which I was standing buzzed with activity and vibrated with vitality. SoHo was in full swing, with galleries staging shows, art collectors weaving in and out of coffee shops, and the unmistakable buzz of creative minds. SoHo was a bustling neighborhood. Even though the big opening of my gallery was only a few days away, the weight of the final touches seemed to increase with each step that I took. In spite of the fact that today was meant to be about promotion and networking, my thoughts was too preoccupied with recent happenings.I felt as though I was caught between old flames after Caleb's abrupt reappearance, his approaches, and Tyler's clumsy attempts to reinsert himself in my life. The mystery love letters just made things more confusing than they already were. These letters had been arriving on a daily basis, and each one seemed to be that much more personal than the one that came before it. It was as though som
The "EX" Factor Chapter SixtyTwo
The following day came with an almost unreal silence. Torn between incredulity and the unnerving realization that the pieces finally fit, I had spent the whole of the night flipping Owen's business card over in my hand. The letters, the too-familiar feelings... they belonged to him. His objectives, which I was unaware of at the time, had tainted the amicable catch-up. I struggled to catch my breath now as I pushed open the entrance to the modern, minimalist foyer of M&T Galleries. I accepted Owen's invitation to come here prior to the discovery. Now that I knew what I had done, facing him was like taking a stage without a script. "Samantha," Owen gave me a friendly greeting in a relaxed, well-known voice. His effortless smile remained intact as he waited close to the receptionist's desk, looking dapper in a charcoal-gray jacket. I forced myself to grin and said, "Owen." "Come on," he replied, pointing to the corridor. "After I show you the area, we can have a conversation.
The "EX" Factor Chapter One
The doctor was finally approaching. The quick brief glance I took at my wristwatch made me realize I'd been waiting for about an hour. My head was a mess, racing faster than a cheetah chasing its prey. Oh God, calm down, I told myself.“Please let it be negative, please, please let it be negative” Literally frea-ing out, I mummured under my breaths, my words barely audible.“Ms. Wills, I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long,” Dr. Dawson said, his smile making me uncomfortable. Why the smile?? I breathed out a shaky breath, hoping to calm myself. Deep breathes Sam. You got this."Not at all, Doc," I said, attempting a smile. "It wasn't that long...""Well, congratulations, Mrs. Wills." His smile grew as he gave me a tiny envelope.My breath hung in my throat. No, God, no. I quickly conposed myself, swallowing hard."What do you mean, Dr. Dawson?" I asked, my heart pumping hard."You're six weeks pregnant, Mrs. Wills," he stated.It seemed like time stopped, and the world began
The "EX" Factor Chapter Two
Tyler's brows furrowed as he re-read the title of the email that just popped on his PC once again. Your Wife's InfidelityWtf is this? He thought to himself as he clicked the email, his hands trembling slightly. The sender was unknown, and he quickly glanced around his study, ensuring no one else was present. With a deep breath, he opened the message.The email was brief but pointed: "Do you know what your wife has been up to? Check the attached photos."Tyler hesitated, his finger hovering over the attachment icon. When he finally clicked it open, he saw Samantha, his wife, in the arms of Owen, the man who had been his sworn enemy since childhood.A wave of anger flooded his veins, threatening to cloud his judgment. Owen?! So, Julie was right all along?.. wow.Tyler and Owen had once been close, their friendship shattered by a business fallout between their families. Since then, they'd been bitter rivals. The sight of Owen embracing Samantha was a punch to the gut, a moment of i
The "EX" Factor Chapter Three
The door swung open and my gaze fell upon the familiar figure of Lilian, our househelp."Good evening, Mrs. Wills," she greeted me, a polite smile on her lips.A thin wavw of relief coursed through me as it turned out to be Lilian, our househelp, and not Tyler. To be honest, I didn't think I had gathered the courage to break the news yet. "Mrs. Wills," Lilian broke the short silence, her voice warm and gentle. "Mr. Wills said he wants to see you in his study when you get back," she said.I started to panic. My heart was beating very fast, like an animal that was trapped.See me in his study? Why? Was he finally willing to talk, to reconcile? He never calls to talk to me privately. Well, he hasn't done that in two years. I nodded to Lilian, my throat tight, my heart beating so hard I felt like it was visible through my chest. "Thanks for the message," I managed to let out. My mind was spinning, and I tried to steady myself, to remember that this moment had to come."I should head
The "EX" Factor Chapter Four
He growled, his words full of anger. "I should have seen it at the beginning. But I didn't. I was blind. Blinded by your...charms."His words hurt me, but something inside me snapped. "How dare you?" I said. "If you didn't want me, why did you ask for my parents blessings to marry me?”Tyler let out a dry laughter. “Blessings?" he spat, his lip twisting in disgust. "You think I was happy with this arranged marriage either? I did it for the sake of our families, for the sake of tradition. And what did I get in return? A wife who can't even keep her legs closed."My eyes narrowed, rage scorching through my veins. "Don't attempt to twist this around, Tyler. You were the one who agreed to marry me, who made all those promises. And now you're blaming me for your own mistakes?""Mistakes?” Tyler asked, his brows furrowed. "Yes, mistakes," I yelled, my voice rising with wrath. "You married me because you thought it was the right thing to do," I said. "But now it is clear. You never really
The "EX" Factor Chapter Five
Upstairs, I made my way to the bedroom I had been banished to.The room that had once been my comfort zone now felt cold and empty, a mirror of the future Tyler had left me with.I spotted my charger on the bed and remembered I needed to power my phone. I rushed to plug it in, knowing I needed to call Ann, my friend. She was the person I could always count on and right now, I really needed her.When the phone lit up, I felt a tiny bit of relief. I knew that I was not alone in this, even if only for a moment. With that small comfort, I turned to face the rest of the room. The sight of my belongings scattered around the room felt almost unreal, like remnants of a life that had become a stranger to me. I walked to the closet and pulled out a suitcase, the reality of leaving sinking in with every item I packed.My phone buzzed, breaking the calm of the room.. I pulled it up to saw a new message from Anna."Hey girl! What's wrong with your phone?! Call me, it's important."I couldn't ign
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The "EX" Factor Chapter SixtyTwo
The following day came with an almost unreal silence. Torn between incredulity and the unnerving realization that the pieces finally fit, I had spent the whole of the night flipping Owen's business card over in my hand. The letters, the too-familiar feelings... they belonged to him. His objectives, which I was unaware of at the time, had tainted the amicable catch-up. I struggled to catch my breath now as I pushed open the entrance to the modern, minimalist foyer of M&T Galleries. I accepted Owen's invitation to come here prior to the discovery. Now that I knew what I had done, facing him was like taking a stage without a script. "Samantha," Owen gave me a friendly greeting in a relaxed, well-known voice. His effortless smile remained intact as he waited close to the receptionist's desk, looking dapper in a charcoal-gray jacket. I forced myself to grin and said, "Owen." "Come on," he replied, pointing to the corridor. "After I show you the area, we can have a conversation.
The "EX" Factor Chapter SixtyOne
I was late. As I rushed across the busy pavement, the city in which I was standing buzzed with activity and vibrated with vitality. SoHo was in full swing, with galleries staging shows, art collectors weaving in and out of coffee shops, and the unmistakable buzz of creative minds. SoHo was a bustling neighborhood. Even though the big opening of my gallery was only a few days away, the weight of the final touches seemed to increase with each step that I took. In spite of the fact that today was meant to be about promotion and networking, my thoughts was too preoccupied with recent happenings.I felt as though I was caught between old flames after Caleb's abrupt reappearance, his approaches, and Tyler's clumsy attempts to reinsert himself in my life. The mystery love letters just made things more confusing than they already were. These letters had been arriving on a daily basis, and each one seemed to be that much more personal than the one that came before it. It was as though som
The "EX" Factor Chapter Sixty
I slipped into the booth across from Annie, who was already looking over the wine list with a playful twinkle in her eye, and felt the warm, inviting atmosphere of the wine bar.Without raising her gaze, she remarked, "Sam, it's about time you left that gallery and had a proper drink with me." "You need more than one, in my opinion, given everything that's going on."I laughed as I put my elbows on the table and found solace in the low murmur of conversation and the clink of glasses. "You're most likely correct. Lately, life has become a bit more extravagant.When Annie finally looked up, she closed the menu and arched a brow. "More? Attempt to overwhelm. You're right in the center of a soap opera, in my opinion, with Tyler portraying a jealous ex, Caleb's spectacular reappearance, and this mystery surrounding the love letter.I looked at her with a grudging smile and sighed, a weight weighing on me. "You're not incorrect."She gestured for the waiter to take our order, which was a bo
The "EX" Factor Chapter FiftyNine
When I entered my gallery the following morning, I took a deep breath and inhaled the slight aroma of newly painted rooms and varnish. We were two weeks away from opening, and the room was really coming together. It was a mixture of excitement and fear all mixed into one. My attention was suddenly drawn away from my thoughts as I heard a knock at the door. I had just started organizing some display pieces. I turned around, half-expecting to see my helper, but as I did so, I saw Tyler standing there. I was briefly taken aback by his sudden presence, and I blinked in response. It had been years since he had previously visited in this manner, and the manner in which he stood, with his hands stuffed into his pockets and a tightness around his mouth, made it quite evident that he was not simply there to say hello."Tyler," I answered, noticing that my heart rate was quickening. "Have I forgotten about a meeting that we might have?"He gave a small shake of his head while his eyes wander
The "EX" Factor Chapter FiftyEight
The pleasant hum of voices filled the gallery, mingling with the smooth jazz seeping through the air. I held my glass loosely, pretending to sip as I listened to the gallery owner reel off facts about the next installation. My mind wandered, but.. I could only envision what my own place would look like in a few short months, its walls bursting with chosen things that I’d handpicked. Just the thought of it made me tingle with enthusiasm. But then a chill, a change, and a low, familiar voice pierced through the evening’s warmth. “I knew New York was missing something without you.”My breath stilled, and I spun around, feeling my fingers tighten over the glass. Caleb. He looked every bit as sharp as I recalled.. polished, confident, his eyes searching my face like he hadn’t seen it in weeks. Which he hadn’t. A quick up-and-down demonstrated how time had just made him look even more put-together. I attempted a pleasant grin, hoping my amazement didn’t show. “Caleb. I didn’t know y
The "EX" Factor Chapter FiftySeven
Trying to bring my breathing under control, I stabilised myself against the icy glass of the window ledge. Tyler was standing there, his presence apparent, a face that I had attempted to bury deep inside my consciousness. I had thought I had forgotten about him. However, when I saw him once more, my heart rate increased, and I felt a conflicting mixture of contempt and something that felt perilously near to love.Greetings, Sam! The tone of Tyler's speech was gentle, and his stare was unwavering, filled with something that was too close and too familiar.After taking a deep breath, I compelled myself to provide a response. I said, "Tyler," maintaining a steady tone of voice, despite the fact that each syllable seemed like it was balancing on thin glass. What are you doing in this location?I was extended an invitation. That you would also be here was a surprise to me. He placed his hands into his pockets, his shoulders stiff yet serene, his gaze never leaving mine. “But I’m glad you
The "EX" Factor Chapter FiftySix
The rhythmic pounding of hammers and the buzz of drills filled the gallery space, a cacophony of new beginnings. I stood in the middle of it all, hands on my hips, surveying the progress with a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration.The walls, once bare and lifeless, now sported a fresh coat of white, a blank canvas ready to house the dreams I’d nurtured for so long.Annie walked in carrying two steaming cups of coffee, her face glowing with excitement. She handed me one and took a seat on the dusty counter we’d been using as a makeshift desk.“This place is starting to look like the real deal,” she said, taking a sip of her drink. “You’ve got an eye for this, Sam.”I smiled, the compliment warming me more than the coffee. “It’s finally happening,” I murmured, more to myself than to her. “I’m really doing it.”“And I couldn’t be prouder,” Annie said, her eyes soft with genuine affection. “You’ve come a long way.”We shared a moment of silence, the noise of construction work around us so
The "EX" Factor Chapter FiftyFive
I strolled into Annie’s kitchen, my head still hurting from the blur of last night.She was already at the counter, flipping pancakes with a big grin that only increased when she got sight of me. Her eyes narrowed with mischief, obviously realizing I had a story to tell.“So…” she began, tilting her head in a way that made it apparent she wasn’t allowing me out of this. “Ready to spill, or are you going to keep me guessing?”I let out a deep sigh, collapsing onto one of the stools and grasping the mug of coffee she offered me. The recollection of waking up next to Tyler made my cheeks flush, the mixture of emotions boiling just beneath the surface... anger, nostalgia, a weird comfort I’d forgotten he could provide.“It was him,” I murmured finally, the words sliding off my lips, feeling both bitter and somehow liberated. “The guy from last night was Tyler.”Annie’s spatula landed with a crash. She gazed at me, blinking like she wasn’t sure if she’d heard me right.“Tyler?” she muttere
The "EX" Factor Chapter FiftyFour
That night, after a quick stop at her apartment for me to freshen up and change, we hit the club.It was a buzzing place, the music loud and infectious, the energy electric. I felt a strange sort of freedom as we stepped into the thrumming crowd.Maybe it was the relief of having left London behind, or maybe it was the thrill of being back in New York with my best friend. Either way, I decided to give in to the moment.Annie grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the bar, ordering us both drinks. The bartender slid two brightly colored cocktails our way, and Annie raised hers in a toast.“To new beginnings,” she said, clinking her glass against mine. “And to letting go of complicated billionaire boyfriends.”I laughed, the sound surprised but genuine. “To letting go.”We downed our drinks, and Annie dragged me onto the dance floor. The music pulsed, wrapping around us, and I let it carry me. For the first time in a long time, I felt light.. unburdened, even if just for a while. Annie w
