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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 Onehundredthirty (FINALE)
"I now pronounce you husband and wife."The words reverberated through the air as Samantha felt Tyler's warm hands cup her face. His blue eyes were so intense that her breath caught, and before she could blink, his lips were on hers. The kiss was slow and deep, sending goosebumps down her spine, and it sealed a commitment far bigger than any previous pledge. As guests stood clapping and whistling, cheers broke up all around them. White rose petals flew across the air, captured by the gentle evening breeze. Samantha let out a frantic giggle against Tyler's lips as he pulled her in closer. "We did it," she muttered. "We did," he said softly, leaning his forehead against hers. "And I'm never letting go." Samantha's heart felt fuller than ever as they went down the aisle together. Caleb was gone, the past was behind them, and a bright future awaited them. *** Six months later. Samantha sat in bed, fatigued but happy, her fingers tracing the newborn's small features cuddled again
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwentyNine
Four days later. Samantha stood in front of the mirror, her heart racing against her ribs. The smooth ivory fabric of her bridal gown clung to her body like a second skin, with beautiful lace accents cascading down her arms. It should have been the best day of her life. But something seemed odd. She inhaled softly, attempting to push the anxiety away. Perhaps it was simply nerves. After everything they'd been through... Tyler's health issues, her father's death, the inheritance drama, Caleb's reappearance... it was understandable to be on edge. A gentle knock on the door made her jump. Bella looked inside, her eyes lit up. "Sam, you look…" She placed a hand on her chest. "Breathtaking." Samantha smiled, but Bella's countenance immediately changed, indicating that something was awry. "You okay?" Bella inquired, coming closer. Samantha hesitated before shaking her head. "I do not know. "I just have this feeling." Bella frowned. "The bad kind?" Samantha nodded. Befo
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwentyEight
Samantha sat on the examination table and gripped the edge as the small, clean exam room was filled with the continuous beep of a monitor. With his leg hopping restlessly and his gaze darting between her and the closed door, Tyler sat next to her. "Blake, Samantha?" The physician came in, leafing through the file. She smiled politely and professionally and took the stool across from them. Samantha took a deep breath. "I am that." After looking over the chart, the doctor looked directly at Samantha. "Your bloodwork results have been returned." She hesitated. "You are expecting a child." There was a slight tilt to the room. Samantha blinked. "What?" The physician's grin grew softer. "You are roughly six weeks pregnant." From next to her came a sudden intake of breath. When Samantha looked back, she saw Tyler transfixed, his eyes wide, his lips slightly apart. He remained silent for a minute. Then his face changed, as though the realization had to come gradually. "You're..." He g
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwentySeven
Despite the frantic energy pulsing through him, Tyler's hands remained calm as he adjusted the final candle on the table, filling the air with the aroma of fresh roses. As he had intended, the restaurant was deserted; he had rented out the whole place for the evening. The tastefully arranged table was bathed in a golden glow while soft instrumental music played in the background. He rolled his shoulders back and let out a breath. It has to be flawless tonight. He turned when he heard a familiar voice at the door. "Tyler?" Samantha stood in the doorway, looking both surprised and intrigued. With her hair falling over her shoulders, she looked stunning in a form-fitting emerald dress. Tyler took a deep breath. God, she's stunning. She glanced at the intimate scene and then back at him. "What's all this?" He moved forward and extended his hand. "Supper. Only us. After a moment of hesitation, she inserted her fingers inside his. Her tender touch stabilized and anchored hi
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
