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Chapter ThirtyNine
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2024-09-13 00:50:55
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The "EX" Factor Chapter Forty
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
Last Updated : 2024-09-15The "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 : 2024-09-19The "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 : 2024-09-21The "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
Last Updated : 2024-09-23The "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
Last Updated : 2024-10-05The "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
Last Updated : 2024-10-09The "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 : 2024-10-23The "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
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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
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwentyOne
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 d
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwenty
Fear and rage swirled in my stomach as I stood at the door of the private hospital room, my heart thumping in my chest. Everything felt oppressive, including the room's sterile air and the background beeps of the equipment. It was cold, aloof, and clinical, exactly as I remembered. However, things were different this time. I wasn't a kid waiting for answers this time. I was an adult who needed to let go of years' worth of hurt, questions, and anger.As I pushed it open, the springs hardly made a sound as the door creaked open. In the bed, my father appeared smaller than I had remembered. The once-dominant, powerful, and forceful presence had become weak, with pale complexion and sunken eyes. Even though he didn't look up right away, I could see his attention going to me. In an attempt to steady my breathing, I swallowed hard. I said, "Dad," in an emotionally charged voice that was almost audible above a whisper. "I'm present."His face stiffened as his eyes met mine as he slow
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredNineteen
I watched the glass of water on the table, feeling the moisture forming on the bottom with my fingers. The quiet chatter in the restaurant around me faded away. I kept looking over at the entrance, and my stomach felt more and more knotted with each moment. This wasn't real. That’s not possible. The message stuck in my mind like a guest I didn't want: we needed to have a conversation. This is about your dad. I thought about avoiding it, deleting it, or acting like it wasn't there. Something brought me here—maybe it was curiosity, anger, or hope. The scene was neutral, public, and terribly ordinary. Just another downtown eatery, bustling with laughter and conversation, with no proof of the emotional storm rising within me. My glance moved to the clock. Five minutes past our agreed-upon time. 'Good. Perhaps he isn't coming. I was about to stand up and walk out when the door opened. At first, I didn't think much of it. Just another customer walking in, shrugging off the c
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredEighteen
Forty-eight hours had passed.I found myself meandering back and forth across my office, the pristine envelope quivering ever so slightly within my grasp.A cocktail of disbelief and pride constricted my chest as I gazed upon the distinguished emblem of a globally acclaimed firm emblazoned on the letterhead.It was set in stone... I had clinched the kind of deal that was the stuff of dreams for anyone in my profession.This was the milestone that would cement my reputation as a leader in the industry... a defining juncture in my career.Yet, instead of revelling in triumph, I was engulfed by a sense of emptiness.My mind incessantly wandered to the hospital, to Tyler, who lay there with his gallant smile and serene resolve, feigning normalcy even when it was far from the truth.His words echoed in my head, "We'll pull through this, Sam. Together."A gentle tap at the door snapped me out of my reverie, and there was Rachael, her expression alight with joy."Way to go, Sam! You've done
