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Chapter SixtyNine

Author: Tory June
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-05 20:23:14
The Wills event was every bit as lavish as I expected. The massive hall of the Park Royal Hotel had been transformed into an very beautiful space with crystal chandeliers fitting the elegantly attired guests in a warm, golden light.

A breathtaking view of the city skyline, with lights glistening like a sea of diamonds, was provided by floor-to-ceiling windows.

Towering flower centerpieces adorned tables covered in white silk linens, their exquisite aroma mingling with the subtle hint of champagne in the air.

The evening was a charity gala, a usual Wills family event, and the guests came dressed to impress.

The women shimmered in beautiful dresses, their laughing bouncing off the marble floors, while the men looked brilliant in cut tuxedos.

A live orchestra performed softly in the background, adding a touch of timeless sophistication to an already magnificent setting.

I stood at the door, my arm linked with Tyler's, feeling out of place despite the stunning gown Bella had enc
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    Caleb's remarks cut through the clamor of the gala, low and methodical. "I said, what's going on here, Samantha?" I gripped my champagne flute tightly, as if the frail glass could somehow anchor me. My glance flickered to the crowd, but no one seemed to notice the tension building at the room's edge. "I don't understand," I murmured, throwing a confused tone into my voice. My words came out more steadily than I expected, but my chest tightened. Caleb tilted his head, his gaze sharpening. "You don't understand?" He made a short step forward, his glare scorching. "Do not play games with me. What's this? Wife? Tyler Will's wife? "How, Samantha?" I drew a breath, my pulse pounding against my temples. The falsehood developed before I could stop it, the words coming forth like if rehearsed. "It's not a game," I said, each syllable measured and deliberate. "I'm Tyler's wife. We've been married for years. His brow furrowed, and disbelief flashed across his gaze. "Married? Since wh

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  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter SeventyOne

    Tyler strode briskly beside Samantha, his hand resting on the small of her back as they navigated the sparkling crowd. Samantha was well aware of the strain in his jaw, despite his placid expression. Tyler appeared to morph as soon as they left Caleb behind, his body language emitting a quiet assurance that made her feel as if he was protecting her from something... or someone. Samantha, on the other hand, appeared uneasy. Her thoughts raced, entwined with remorse and frustration. Caleb's voice replayed in her head, his agony and astonishment like needles pricking her skin. She had just harmed someone who did not deserve it. And for what? To continue this ludicrous charade? She stared at Tyler, who appeared curiously satisfied. There was no doubt he had spotted Caleb's presence and seize the opportunity to assert his position. The arrogant gleam in his eye said it all. "So, what was that back there?" Samantha inquired gently, trying to mask her annoyance. Tyler's smile de

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  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter SeventyTwo

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  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter SeventyThree

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    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

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    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

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    "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

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