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Chapter ThirtyOne
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The "EX" Factor Chapter ThirtyTwo
The rest of the evening passed in a blur. The auction went much better than I had expected, nearly too well. My designs were on full show, and the audience buzzed with excitement. Each bid appeared to raise the stakes, increasing the cost of the design I'd spent weeks coming up with. Then the final bid came in. Tyler. It had to be him, out of everyone in the room. He'd lifted his paddle and immediately outbid everyone. The room had fallen silent, a weird tension creeping over the audience as the auctioneer's hammer fell. Sold. To Tyler Wills. I didn't know what to feel at the time. Shock? Anger? Perhaps both. He said nothing, just he sat there grinning broadly as though he had just won some twisted game. The event ended soon after, and as people left the room's energy changed. I had done my part and met my commitments. Now it was time to leave. And so I found myself in Caleb's car, driving away from the scene, the tension between us thick enough to cut with a
The "EX" Factor Chapter ThirtyThree
"Wow... such a cute, girly interior." Caleb's voice was gentle, carrying a touch of surprise as he walked inside. I grinned a little, watching him take in the space. My apartment wasn’t very big, but it was nice.. pastel pink pillows carefully arranged on my cream-colored couch, a few candles on the coffee table, and fairy lights hung over the windows. The framed images of sunflowers I’d picked up at a flea market added a pleasant touch. "Thanks," I said, slamming the door behind us. "All credit goes to the Rinders.” Caleb raised an eyebrow as he smiled. I nodded toward the couch. "Please, sit." He proceeded toward the sofa, and I took a quick glance around, quietly thanking myself that I hadn’t left a mess this morning. The home was clean, and for once, I felt like I had my life together.. even if it was just for a while.Caleb sat down, nestling into the cushions. "So," he began, his gaze roaming the room before resting back on me. "How's it been? Settling in here, I mean."
The "EX" Factor Chapter ThirtyFour
I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection, trying to keep my thoughts stable as the minutes passed. Tonight was meant to be a celebration. Caleb had prepared a team dinner to honor me for obtaining the multimillion-dollar contract. I should be excited, grateful even.. yeah, I was. But something else drew at me, an invisible weight drawing me back, tying me to the memories I thought I'd put behind.Tyler.I breathed sharply, allowing the name to resonate in my mind for a second before shoving it back down and locking it away. He was in my past, not my future. Not anymore.. I've got to stop dwelling on these thoughts.. I smoothened my dress, the silky fabric cool against my skin, but it did not help me calm the storm within of me.My phone hummed as I got ready to leave and picked my bags. It was Caleb. I hesitated, stared at the screen, then after a few secs, swiped to answer."Hey," his voice sounded cool as usual. Trying to keep my voice firm so it doesn't rev
The "EX" Factor Chapter ThiryFive
After a few hours, I arrived at the venue. A private hall in a five-star hotel located in the heart of London, close to the office. As I stepped into the beautiful room, the lights seemed to shine straight on me, as if I had entered another world. Music filled the air, and laughing rang against the walls. I hesitated for a moment to gather myself before heading in. The team dinner was in full swing, with people dancing, joking, and toasting to the night. I was slightly late, but only by a few minutes. It didn't really matter.I was here now, and tonight was entirely about me. Tables were laid with appetizing-looking delicacies. I could see little desserts, roasted vegetables, and grilled chicken meals set up like pieces of art. Glasses of expensive wines sparkled under the gentle lighting, and the air smelled like freshly made bread. My stomach growled, reminding me I hadn’t eaten since noon. I pushed through, offering small smiles and nods as I greeted my colleagues.“Hey, Sama
The "EX" Factor Chapter ThirtySix
"Take it easy, Sam. "You are drinking too much." Caleb's voice was quiet yet edged with worry, which struck me as weird.I just smiled and nodded, loving the sensation of hot liquid running down my throat. It was exactly what I wanted, and I was loving it.This five-star hotel and expensive bar were not the place to get wasted, but here I was.I knew I was drinking heavily, but I didn't care. Not tonight.Tonight, I planned to leave everything behind. I would focus solely on myself. That is the main reason of the celebration in the first place.Whirling the liquid in front of me, I looked at the half-empty glass and then drank once again.I reached for the tequila bottle right away to top my glass.I was going to take another gulp when Caleb stopped me, firmly grabbing my hands."Hey, Sam, are you okay?" he inquired, taking the glass from me. "Don't drink like this. You are a woman. What is wrong? Is anything bothering you? You don't look like your usual bright self."I pulled my hand
The "EX" Factor Chapter ThirtySeven
The first thing that hit me was the pounding in my skull. A slow, dull pound in my head that grew louder as I blinked my eyes open. Everything was blurry at first, the room spinning slowly. I groaned, pressing my palms into the mattress to steady myself.Where was I?I blinked again, hoping to force my vision to clear. The dim light crept through the blinds, throwing deep shadows throughout the room. I know this place.. This was my room. My bed. My sheets.And then I felt it.. my skin against the blankets. Bare skin. The hell?My heart crashed against my chest as I slowly looked down at myself, realizing that I was virtually naked, with only my under wears protecting me.Oh, my God.I bolted upright, pulling the blanket over my body. That’s when I saw him.. Caleb. His bare chest rising and falling as he lay beside me, eyes closed, his face peaceful in sleep.Panic rushed through me like a storm.What the fuck happened?Just then, memories from the previous night flooded back, hit
The "EX" Factor Chapter ThirtyEight
Back at the office, the fluorescent lights were harsher than normal, stinging my already aching eyes and even head. I gazed at the computer screen, pushing myself to focus on the mound of duties ahead of me. Reports, emails, and follow-ups... They should have been simple distractions, but my thoughts kept wandering. To him. To Caleb.God, get a grip, I muttered within myself, shaking my head slightly. There was no time for anything other than work. I had to shove the events of last night aside. It was the only option yeah?But every time I wrote a sentence or clicked through a file, I felt the tightness between my shoulders. Every time I heard footsteps from the hallway, my heart raced, half expecting Caleb to walk in. I had no idea how I was going to approach him, not after what had transpired or how we had left things."Focus," I whispered under my breath, fiercely typing on my keyboard. You have too much work to get caught up in... A sudden buzz from my desk's office phone in
The "EX" Factor Chapter ThirtyNine
The thought of what had just transpired in Caleb's office kept on rolling around in my thoughts as I made my way back to my desk. My steps were robotic, almost like I wasn’t in control of my body. The way she wrapped herself over him, her eyes nearly shouting, "He’s mine." And the worst part? He didn’t push her away.I shouldn’t care. I shouldn’t be thinking like way. But I was. Damn it, I was. What the heck was that? An announcement? Were they... engaged? The way Monica hinted at it, her smug little smirk when she addressed their "future"... it had to imply something. They were getting married, weren’t they?What the Hell was I thinking? Letting a guy, nay, that guy, have his way with me like that. I felt nauseous all over again, like the tequila was still scorching its way through me. I could feel the bile rising in my throat as the recollection of last night played over and over again in my thoughts. I let Caleb... I allowed him... and now, this?I wasn’t thinking. I was inebri
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The "EX" Factor Chapter SixtyThree
The rain fell steadily while I stood at the gallery's front window, watching the rivulets streak down the glass. My thoughts were still jumbled from yesterday's chat with Owen and the enigmatic, unfinished business of the letters. I attempted to concentrate on classifying pieces for an upcoming display, but the gnawing anxiety wouldn't let go. A harsh knock on the door made me jump. I turned to see Tyler standing just outside, his hair drenched from the rain and his hands stuffed into his coat pockets. He did not appear casual; rather, he appeared resolute, the set of his jaw indicating trouble. I sighed and unlocked the door. "Tyler," I said, keeping my tone calm. "What are you doing here?" He stepped inside, shaking water off his coat. "We need to talk." I pointed to the seating area near the gallery's back corner, directing him away from the front, where any visitors may notice us. I could sense his stress from the time we sat down. "Okay," I replied, folding my arms
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
