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Chapter Twelve
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2024-08-23 22:29:03
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The "EX" Factor Chapter Thirteen
“So...where do we go from here?” He asked and I could see the mischievous smirk playing on the corners of his lips. I swallowed, trying to make sense if what was happening. Wait, does this mean…? If he's here in this office right now then…My mind went back to the inscription on the door before coming in, it was clearly written in bold block letters 'CEO’.. So it means, he's the boss? I tightened my grip on my portfolio.. “Uhm.. I, I'm so sorry about what happened earlier.. I-I didn't know.. I didn't know you were…” His loud laughter took over the room, interrupting my stutter. My brows furrowed, and there was a hint of irritation in me, I mean… how arrogant? “Please have your seat and introduce yourself.” He gestured to the seat before him.I sighed, my grip still tightened on my portfolio as I advanced towards the chair. I sat down, my gaze meeting his. Up close, he was even more handsome. His jaw was strong, his eyes a deep shade of blue, but he wasn't as attractive as Tyl
Last Updated : 2024-08-24The "EX" Factor Chapter Fourteen
Hours flew by and it was finally time to go on dinner with my new boss. I was starving; I hadn't had real food since my arrival in London so I wasn’t really focusing on how strange the situation was.. at least not yet. At 7:00 PM on the dot, we met in the parking lot like we agreed, well after the office had emptied out. I had agreed to have dinner with him since I'd be heading straight home afterwards.. didn't want to deal with any potential awkwardness at work if we had lunch instead. At least I'd be refreshed the next day. "Ready?" He asked, flashing me a smile. "Sure," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. He opened the car door for me, and I stepped in, casting one last look at the huge office building before he pulled away. It was a quiet drive to the restaurant, neither of us said a word, allowing the soft hum of R&B playing in his car to fill the silence. I took the opportunity to admire the city lights of London, forming a warm glow against the evening s
Last Updated : 2024-08-25The "EX" Factor Chapter Fifteen
I stood motionless, my hands getting tighter around the phone as I tried to process what was going on. Tyler? The name stuck in my head, jarring with the restaurant's calm atmosphere. Tyler. It's really him."Samantha?" His voice came again, kind, yet full of that familiar ignorance that had attracted and then repulsed me.I blinked as I felt Caleb's unreadable look and his eyes piercing me. I stood up from my chair, momentarily forgetting his presence. “Please excuse me.” I managed to say with a shaky voice.Even with the phone placed to my ear, Caleb's gaze never left mine as I passed.I shut myself in a stall as soon as I walked into the bathroom."Tyler, what do you want?" I was able to whisper while maintaining a neutral, flat tone, finally breaking the silence from my end. But my heart kept pounding in my chest deep down.On the other end, there was a moment of silence that only Tyler could pull off. There was a pause on the other end, the kind of silence that only Tyler c
Last Updated : 2024-08-25The "EX" Factor Chapter Sixteen
I groaned as I entered my flat and saw how disorganized my bedroom was. The bed was covered in clothes, left over from the hectic morning rush to get ready for work.My head still reeling from the day's events, I stumbled to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth as I was too tired to handle the chaos.I was in the restroom, splattering water on my face when I noticed my reflection in the mirror. The last few days of worry had taken its toll and it was now showing on my face, the stress was all visible. "Gosh, I need a hell'a rest" I muttered as I splashed another water on my face. I was about to take another splash when attention got drawn to the scar on my forehead, which was now a reminder from the event that had altered my life. With the pain and sadness still vivid in my memory, my palm moved to the mark and traced its contours. My hand instinctively reached for my stomach, a recollection of my former motherly tendencies that are now only a faint memory."I'm so
Last Updated : 2024-08-25The "EX" Factor Chapter Seventeen
Julie tapped her fingers on the desk over and over, getting more and more angry.. her frustration was beginning to get the best of her. "How long does it take to do something simple?" She muttered within herself For what seemed like the hundredth time, she glanced at her phone. Not a single new thing yet. She clenched her teeth, and in her chest, anxiety and excitement mixed. The plan was clear: get rid of Samantha for good. Just how hard's that??, she thought, running her hands through her hair in frustration. Thinking about how easy it would have been if everything had gone as planned, she smirked. But she was left to wait, and she didn't know if everything had fallen apart.. let's not celebrate yet. Just as she was about to lose it, her phone buzzed loudly, breaking the dead quiet. Her heart pounding as she unlocked the screen, she grabbed it. The words flashed in: "Sadly, we were unable to continue with it. I've been told that she left the country f
Last Updated : 2024-08-27The "EX" Factor Chapter Eighteen
With the soft sound of my heels hitting the sidewalk at every step, I sped along the almost empty street as the cool morning air sliced into my skin. Anxiety was eating away at me every second as my heart raced in time with my step. I was aware that I was late for work ...again... but this time there was a greater urgency than the ticking clock.I kept my eyes straight ahead, focusing on the path that led to the main street. But then I heard it again, a distinct sound behind me. Footsteps. They matched my pace, almost as if whoever was behind me was mimicking every move I made. I felt fear take hold of me and tighten its hold on my chest. I fastened my speed, but the footsteps still matched mine. Was I seeing this wrong? Was I just being tricked by paranoia? I made an effort to convince myself that it was nothing more than another person going about their business on their way to work. However, the empty street offered little solace.. there were no well-known people, no famil
Last Updated : 2024-08-28The "EX" Factor Chapter Nineteen
Rising from my chair, I returned the receiver to its cradle and headed toward Caleb's office. The open office layout did nothing to protect me from the curious eyes of my coworkers following my every action.Though I could feel their stares on me, I didn't give a damn.It wasn't like there was anything going on between us anyway. As I got to his office door, I paused, took in a deep breath to calm myself before knocking. "Come in," He answered, his deep voice echoed from within. As I turned the knob and pulled it open, I felt my palm quivering and heard a slight but obvious squeak. The familiar scent of polished wood and his subdued cologne hit me as soon as I came inside. Caleb stood behind his desk, deep in work on some documents, his brow furrowed.His head snapped up, his gaze sharp but calm and too damn penetrating.“Close the door,” he ordered, not breaking eye contact.I obeyed, the soft click of the door closing behind me sounding final, like a judge’s gavel.I tried to
Last Updated : 2024-09-01The "EX" Factor Chapter Twenty
Tyler Morgan stood in front of his mirror, the silence of his mansion heavy around him. The house that once felt a bit welcoming now felt cold and empty. As he buttoned up his shirt, his mind moved far away, lost in the echo of a voice he couldn’t shake. Annie’s voice. The way she had looked at him, the edge in her tone when she said, "She's left the country, I'm not sure when she'll return." Was it really that bad? Bad enough to make her leave the country? His fingers paused mid-button. He could still hear it.. he disbelief, the judgment in Ann’s words. And what could he say to that? Yes, it was bad. He’d been bad. Very bad to her. He knew that now, but it was too late. The image of her was still so clear in his mind.. the way she used to stand in this very room, her laughter filling the space, making it feel like a home instead of this hollow shell. And he’d taken it for granted. Taken her for granted. “How could I have been so blind?” The marriage e
Last Updated : 2024-09-01
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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
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredFourteen
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
