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Chapter Forty

Author: Tory June
last update Last Updated: 2024-09-15 03:08:19

I straightened my gown for the third time, my fingers quivering slightly as I heard Caleb's footsteps echoing down the corridor.

The office had been unoccupied for more than an hour and I had been waiting since then for Caleb.. I could have just gone home since he didn't come out of his office early but somehow, I stayed back, pretending I had some work to finish up.

I guess it was just polite to wait. Maybe that is all this was. Or maybe...

I brushed the notion aside, biting my lip as I arranged a few papers on my desk, hoping it would calm my anxiety.

His words sliced through the silence making me flinch.

"Sam.... I'm sorry for keeping you waiting."

I froze, sensing the tension between us as a physical force stretching across the distance between us.

He spoke casually, as if nothing had happened, but I could hear it. There was a small crack in his voice.. He was trying too hard.

I turned to face him, trying to keep my expression neutral, but my heart was racing so fast that I
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  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter FortyOne

    I sat across from Caleb in the dimly lit restaurant, rubbing my temples in an attempt to ease the dull ache that was growing there. Yes, I had come here because he had stated he wouldn't be having the "talk" at the office. My gaze swept across the opulent scene, soaking in the white tablecloths, subdued lighting, and sophisticated furnishings that oozed class. The kind of establishment where folks like me didn't usually hang out.. one that shouted "expensive" and "exclusive." The kind where you could duck into the darkness and keep your eyes out of sight. With his hands pressed together on the table, Caleb leaned forward a little and took a seat opposite me. Though his face was unreadable, it was clear from the strain in his shoulders. I squirmed in my chair uncomfortably, our awkwardness becoming worse by the moment. Since our arrival, all he had said had been the usual greetings, and now I was waiting, waiting for whatever bomb he was about to drop. “Look Sam, I know t

    Last Updated : 2024-09-19

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter FortyTwo

    Moving back and forth in my room made my heart race as I thought about my conversation with Caleb. It became clear to me that I had already made up my mind the more I thought about it. I was pulling off this crazy plan to act like I was his girlfriend. The clock on the wall ticked loudly, each second echoing my anxiety. I took a deep breath and grabbed my phone, fingers hovering over the screen and then I sent the text, asking if he would be free to meet today.. after a moment, I pressed send. After a short time, Caleb's answer flickered on my screen. "Let's meet up at the nearby café. 3-Pm?"Sounds good" was my quick answer.I felt a twist of anxiety and excitement in my stomach as I made my way to the café. When I got there, Caleb was already sitted at a table by the window, going through his phone with his brows furrowed in concentration.I felt a flutter of nerves at the sight of him.. how was I supposed to act like a couple with him when I could barely breathe around him?I m

    Last Updated : 2024-09-21

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter FortyThree

    In order to hide the fact that her hands were dripping with sweat, Samantha quickly wiped them against her dress as Caleb led her in the direction of the huge oak doors that led to his father's home.She felt the night air was thick, and her heart was beating more loudly than it should have been. In this moment, she made her debut as Caleb's girlfriend, marking the beginning of the charade that they had both chosen to join in. While they were getting closer to the door, she nervously pulled at the hem of her dress, and her breath came out in short pulls all the while."Ready?" When Caleb spoke to her, his voice was soft, and his hand lightly touched her arm, which drew her out of her swirl of thoughts. Although he did not appear to be nervous, there was a firmness in his jaw, which was a sign that he was not as calm as he appeared to be.Through a weak smile, she mumbled, "Ready as I'll ever be," showing her readiness. It was hard for Samantha to ignore the idea that once she entere

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  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter FortyFour

    "Do you really think this is a good idea?" I asked, my voice coming out more hesitant than I intended. Caleb had just strolled back into the living room, his easy smile charming as he carried two glasses of wine. This whole night.. this whole event.. felt much too normal, way too natural for what was meant to be merely an arrangement.“You’re overthinking it,” Caleb remarked, handing me the glass. His fingertips brushed mine, and even that brief touch sent a flood of warmth through me. I was overthinking it, wasn’t I? But how could I not? “Relax. It’s just us,” he added with a smirk, dropping onto the couch beside me, his presence somehow filling the entire room. Just us. If only it were that simple.I took a sip of the wine, letting the rich taste coat my mouth. But it didn’t help lessen the tightening in my chest. Nothing about this was straightforward anymore. What was meant to be a basic deal.. play the role, keep things professional.. was unraveling quicker than I could keep

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  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter FortyFive

    "Okay, spill. What’s going on with you and Mr. Tall, Dark, and Complicated?"Annie’s voice reverberated from the speaker, crisp and humorous, just as I remembered it. I reclined in my chair and gazed out of my apartment's large window, a small smile tugging at my lips. Even though the London skyline was in front of me, I felt as though I was sitting across from Annie in New York, holding coffee cups. "Annie," I muttered, shaking my head as if she couldn't see me. "It's not that simple.""It's always that straightforward. "You are either into him or not." I could hear dishes clinking in the background. She was presumably in the kitchen, multitasking as usual. "And I don't need to be in the same country to know that you're definitely into him."I grumbled, twisting the phone chord between my fingers as if it could somehow bind my jumbled sentiments. "It isn't about being into him. It's more nuanced than that.""Please enlighten me, sweetheart. Because, from where I'm standing, it soun

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  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter FortySix

    As we drove down the dark roads, the steady buzz of the car engine filled the room. As we reached the more remote regions where Caleb's father's house loomed, I gazed out the window, the London cityscape fading into the distance. With each mile we came closer, the knot in my stomach became tighter as my fingers drummed uncomfortably on my thigh.I mumbled, more to myself than to Caleb, "This is crazy." "This type of pressure is not what I signed up for. I never would have agreed to this nonsense in the first place if I had understood that things would get so complex."This shit?" With a crooked smile pulling at the corner of his lips, Caleb repeated, looking at me from the driver's seat. Although his hand was resting lightly on the gear shift, he was unable to hide the stress in his stance.The car slowed before I could reply, and I knew we had reached our goal. The iron gates of the magnificent estate swung wide as Caleb's car drew near.As we both took in the view of his father's

    Last Updated : 2024-10-23

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter FortySeven

    We drove away from Caleb's father's house to a deafning silence in the car. The tension that hung heavy between us was not much eased by the engine's gentle purr. The dinner was all I could think about as I gazed out the window, seeing the dim streets of London pass by.The engagement announcement. The pressure.Caleb’s father had thrown us into the fire, and I wasn’t sure how much longer we could keep up this act.I stole a glance at Caleb, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly, his jaw clenched. Since we left, he hadn't spoken, and I could feel he was carrying a burden that he wasn't talking about. I couldn't let it go, though. Not tonight."Caleb," I said, upsetting the quiet. "What do you really want?"At first, he stayed silent. His face was unreadable in the low light, and his eyes were still on the road. My heart was racing, and I could feel a mixture of anger and dread building inside of me. I must know. He was pulling me into this mess, and I needed to know why we

    Last Updated : 2024-10-23

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter FortyEight

    I tried to focus on the presentation that was due tomorrow by tapping my fingers against the keyboard. The numbers were hazy in front of my eyes, and the worry was gradually giving me a headache. I tried everything to get rid of the uneasiness that had been growing during the day, but it remained. There was something wrong, but I couldn't name it. It felt like a storm was going to hit, and the air was too heavy. I tried to ignore the faint murmur of office talk around me by forcing my gaze back to the spreadsheet. I told myself to just get through the day. The rest could wait.Everyone looked up as the office door flung open so suddenly that it banged against the wall. Monica's heels clicked loudly against the floor, and I paused, my fingers hovering above the keyboard. She strode in, commanding attention as if she owned the room, rather than simply walking in. Whispers started to spread and heads turned, but Monica's eyes were fixed on me.Monica's voice was loud enough for ever

    Last Updated : 2024-10-25

Latest chapter

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter Hundred

    The grand ballroom shimmered under the glow of crystal chandeliers, the sound of champagne flutes clinking and murmured conversation filling the air. Samantha stood near the gallery's exhibit, her sleek black gown hugging her frame as she nodded politely to the guests admiring her work. Tonight was supposed to be about her achievements, a celebration of how far she’d come. But the unease brewing in her chest said otherwise. “Breathe, Sam,” Ann whispered beside her, leaning in with a teasing grin. “You’ve already got half the room in awe. Just enjoy it.” Samantha managed a small smile, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. “Easier said than done.” “Relax. I’m here for moral support. Plus, there’s an open bar,” Ann added with a wink before sauntering off. Samantha turned her attention back to a potential buyer in front of her, plastering on a professional smile. She was mid-conversation when she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure at the entrance. Daniel. Her heart gav

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetyNine

    I stared at my laptop's glowing screen, pretending to concentrate on the email drafts in front of me. The gallery's most recent collection had been a hit; the evaluations were coming in, and new opportunities were opening up. But no matter how hard I tried to focus on my work, my mind kept wandering back to the disaster my life had become. I groaned, leaned back in my chair, and ran my hand through my hair. What'm I doing? The notion rang louder than usual, filling the silence around me. It was more than simply one thing. It was everything. Tyler. Caleb. Daniel. Each name yanked on a different part of my heart, leaving it raw and throbbing. My fingers tapped restlessly on the desk as I thought of Caleb. The way he approached Daniel and me at the restaurant, all smiles and nice words, like if he wasn't purposefully sowing mayhem in my life. I'd repeated that moment too many times, analyzing every gaze and measured pause. Caleb was not just a thorn in Tyler's side; he wa

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetyEight

    "Caleb, could you please stop randomly visiting my gallery," I hissed, barely able to keep the anger out of my voice as I turned to face him. His presence loomed in the doorway, hands carelessly tucked into his coat pockets as if he deserved to be there."I've already told you we were done. I no longer want anything to do with you. "Do you not understand that?" My remarks came out faster than I wanted, but I was done with his games.Caleb inclined his head slightly, a sarcastic smirk creeping over his lips. "You don't mean that, Samantha.""Yes, I do." I took a step back, crossed my arms to stabilize myself. "What we had is over. Stop showing up uninvited. Stop phoning me. "Just... stop."He laughed quietly, sending shivers up my spine. "Unfortunately, I don't take orders, especially not from you."His sudden shift in tone was subtle but noticeable. The charm he had always relied on had vanished, replaced by something darker.I swallowed, attempting to hold my ground. "This is not h

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetySeven

    The room was tight, with that smothering hush that comes only after bad news. Tyler sat at the head of the long, polished table in the conference room, his mouth clenched, his gaze fixed on the financial predictions on the screen. The numbers did not deceive. They formed a dismal picture that he couldn't ignore. "Can someone explain to me how the Hartwells managed to undercut us again?" His voice was sharp, but beyond the rage was tiredness... a man breaking at the seams. Across the table, his executive team exchanged anxious looks, with no one eager to respond. "Sir," one of the younger analysts finally said, "it appears they've secured a significant investment from overseas." It provided them with the liquidity to offer better conditions to Smith Corporation. Tyler threw his fist on the table, rattling the glasses of water in front of them. "And we hadn't seen this coming? "How did we miss this?" The head of market research admitted they did not have timely access to the

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetySix

    When I answered Daniel's call, his warm voice immediately relieved some of the tension in my chest. "Samantha," he said smoothly. "I was hoping you'd be free for dinner tonight." Dinner? I paused, looking at my desk, which was stacked with paperwork. However, burying myself in work hasn't done much to quiet the noise in my head lately. "Dinner sounds great," I remarked, my tone lighter than I felt. "Perfect," he responded. "I'm in the Juniper Room. It's calm and private... one of my favorites. Do you want me to come pick you up? The offer caught me off surprise; it was a simple but considerate gesture. "Oh, no, it's fine," I responded immediately. "I am still at the gallery, but I will drive myself. "I need the drive anyway." There was a beat of silence before he spoke again, his tone curious. “You sure everything’s okay?” “Absolutely,” I lied, forcing a smile even though he couldn’t see me. “Just been a long day, that’s all.” He didn’t push, thankfully, and aft

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetyFive

    The soothing hum of my gallery filled the air as I sipped my coffee, my limbs working on autopilot as I placed the day's new items. I hadn't had time to catch my breath since yesterday's press frenzy.Everyone was still talking about their collaboration with Daniel's company. I should have been overjoyed, but instead I felt a peculiar heaviness. Maybe it was Ann's teasing call last night, or the countless queries about Daniel that flooded my inbox this morning. Or perhaps it was the familiar tug on my chest. The one who said Tyler's name when I didn't want to hear it. I shook the notion away and concentrated on the painting in front of me, changing the angle on the easel. My gallery, Artistry Heights, was my haven. Nothing could affect me here, or so I thought. The bell from the front door shocked me. I turned to greet the customer, but my heart dropped as I saw him. Tyler. He stood just inside the door, his tall figure rigid and his jaw set in an unsettling way that ma

  • The "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

  • The "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

  • The "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

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