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Chapter ThirtyThree
Last Updated:
2024-09-08 01:19:08
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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
Last Updated : 2024-09-08The "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
Last Updated : 2024-09-08The "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
Last Updated : 2024-09-08The "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
Last Updated : 2024-09-08The "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
Last Updated : 2024-09-10The "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
Last Updated : 2024-09-13The "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 : 2024-09-19
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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
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredSeventeen
As dawn broke the next morning, the gentle beeping of the machines that kept a watchful eye on Tyler's vitals filled the room with a soft, persistent sound. I was planted firmly beside his bed, the rhythm of the beeps offering a thread of comfort amid the turmoil swirling around us.My gaze was locked onto my phone screen, scrolling through the flood of breaking news.One headline grabbed me, refusing to let go: "Caleb Jones: Wanted Fugitive Following Explosive Fraud and Embezzlement Revelations."Disbelief washed over me.Caleb, the man who had wronged me, Tyler, and so many others, was finally exposed for all the world to see.The media frenzy was relentless, parading Owen's damning findings for all to see.. undeniable evidence of Caleb's criminal dealings, his shady links to Julie, the web of deceit and manipulation he'd spun.The once untouchable Caleb was now on the run, his empire of lies crumbling as he fled from his own misdeeds.Part of me found solace in this chaos. It was f
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredSixteen
I rushed through the emergency clinic main entrance, the cool air outside replaced by the clean, metallic fragrance of sterile that filled the passageways.My heart beat in my chest, each step quicker than the last as I advanced to Tyler's room.I expected to see him, expected to ensure he was alright, notwithstanding everything that Owen had said to me.At the point when I at long last arrived at the entryway, I delayed the slightest bit prior to pushing it open.There, lying in the medical clinic bed, was Tyler. His face was pale, his typical strength no place to be viewed as he gazed toward me, his eyes glinting with shock."Sam?" he croaked, his voice powerless. "You're here."I was unable to prevent the tears from gushing in my eyes as I raced to his side. "Obviously I'm here," I murmured, grasping his hand delicately in mine. "You scared me, Tyler."He gave a little, tormented grin, pressing my hand back. "Please accept my apologies. I didn't intend to concern you."I sat close
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredFifteen
The roar of tires over mix of little rocks signaled their arrival. Owen leaped from the car before it had fully stopped, his heart pounding as the police officers filed out behind him, their movements sharp and practiced.He motioned toward the warehouse, his voice low and extremely important."She's inside. Be careful.. they're dangerous."The lead officer nodded, signaling his team to fan out.The air was thick with tension, the moon casting pale light over the rusted exterior of the building.Owen's fists squeezed tightly at his sides as he stared at the entrance. Every second Samantha spent inside that place was a second too long.One officer approached the main door, a hand floating near to his leather case for carrying something.Owen could feel the energy-giving body chemical thrumming in his veins as the officer tested the handle and pushed the door open.A loud creak echoed, the sound cutting through the still night like a warning bell.**********Julie paced near the far co
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On his way to the location Owen had sent, the sound of screeching tires tore through the air as Tyler's car changed direction sharply to avoid an oncoming truck.His hands gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles white as he fought to take control again.The headlights of the truck blinded him for a split second, and before he could react, the world spun.The hit came hard and fast.. a violent crash that sent his car rushing in and out-of-control way into a metal pole, glass shattering around him like rough and sharp rain.For a moment, everything was silent.Smoke curled from the crumpled hood of the car as passersby rushed to the scene, their rushing and upset voices cutting through the haze.Tyler's head hanged against the seat, blood trickling from a cut on his temple.His phone lay on the passenger seat, the screen cracked but still lit with Owen's number."Someone call an emergency vehicle that takes people to hospitals,” a woman's voice shouted.A man pulled open the driver's d
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredThirteen
Tyler paced the length of his office, his jaw squeezed tightly as he processed Owen's confession.His fists balled at his sides, extreme anger bubbling beneath the surface."You're telling me," he said through toughnessted teeth, "that you were behind the photo that destroyed my marriage?"Owen, positioned opposite him, appeared wan yet resolute. His hands lay on the table, his knuckles pale from clutching the edges. "I never intended for it to reach this point," he stated. "It was meant to be a fear tactic, a way to put space between you and Samantha." Julie had different intentions. Tyler struck the desk with his hand, the noise resonating in the room. "You didn't intend for it to reach that point?" he retorted. That 'scare strategy' ruined everything!""I know," Owen said, his voice shaking with fear and emotion but firm. "And I've lived with the guilt every single day. Julie wasn't supposed to take it further, but once she got a taste of power, she ran wild. She had advantage
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwelve
The fast clicking of my fingers on the laptop keys filled the quiet air of the gallery office.The approaching deadline for the upcoming exhibition weighed heavily on me, and each minute was extremely important.My phone vibrated continuously on the desk, Tyler's name lit up on the display.I looked at it quickly before returning to my jobs. I wasn't able to handle him at the moment."Rachael, have you sent the artist lineup to the sponsors via email?" I asked without raising my look."Yes, it's done," Rachael replied from across the room, as she organized the marketing materials. "Is there anything more you need me to handle before I leave for the errand?"I paused, rubbing my temples. "Actually, yes. Can you drop these prints off at the printer's? They need to be done by this evening." I handed her the package on my desk."Got it. I'll be back as soon as I can." She grabbed her coat and the prints, giving me a quick nod before heading out.The moment the door closed behind her, the
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredEleven
"Hello, Mr. Wills," came Elizabeth's voice through the intercom. "A man is here to see you... he said it's extremely important."Tyler quickly looked at the clock, his brows knitting together. He didn't have any appointments lined up. "What's his name?" he asked, his voice laced with feeling that something is wrong or bad, but without proof."Owen Lewis," Elizabeth replied after a pause.Tyler froze, the pen in his hand halting mid-signature.Owen Lewis. Owen?The name hit him like a gut punch. The man Julie had used in her elaborate web of lies to convince him Samantha had been unfaithful.The one who'd without knowing been a pawn in her big dishonest plan.Why was he here now?After a moment of hesitation, Tyler pressed the button. "Send him in."The door opened minutes later, and Owen walked in. Recognition flickered across his face, but he wasn't here for small talk.Tyler noted the tension in his jaw, the stiffness in his shoulders. Whatever had brought Owen here, it wasn't good.
The "EX" Factor Chapter OnehundredTen
Two days later, a storm brewed in Julie's mind.She exhaled a swirling cloud of smoke, the cigarette quaking between her fingers. Her crimson nails sparkled under the room's dim light, like icebergs floating in dark waters, as she paced, simmering with barely contained fury."He found out, Caleb!” she spat, her words sharp as glass. “This entire pregnancy charade exploded right in my face. And the scandal? Instead of tearing them apart, it stitched them together!” She flicked the ash away with an irritated flourish. “Together! Can you fathom that?”In the corner, Caleb reclined, arms crossed and unfazed.His face wore a mask of cool indifference, but his piercing eyes betrayed a storm of tension. “So now you want to what? Throw another fit and wish for a miracle?”Julie halted mid-stride, her gaze hardening like steel. “I have no time for your clever jibes, Caleb. I summoned you here because I know you’re just as desperate as I am.”He raised an eyebrow, untouched by her venom. “Desp
