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Chapter TwentyNine
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2024-09-06 07:32:11
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The "EX" Factor Chapter Thirty
I rushed out of the hall, my heels echoing on the car park pavement. My thoughts and heart raced as I was trying to comprehend what just happened. Tyler. Here. What the hell? "You look like you've seen a ghost." This familiar voice echoed and I immediately turned towards its direction. Julie. She stood right behind me, staring back at me with a mischievous smirk on her face. Of course. He brought his mistress along. Perfect. "So, he still keeps you around, huh?" My voice was harsh, full of the anger that had been building within me. "I guess some things never change." Her smirk widened, her eyes gleaming with the satisfaction of knowing she had upset me. "What can I say love? Some of us simply know how to stay in the game." "What do you want?" I spat, clearly wasn't having whatever drama it was she wanted. "Oh, just checking in to see how you are, sweetie." She paused, "And to be honest, you don't appear to be doing so well." Her laughing echoed around the p
Last Updated : 2024-09-07The "EX" Factor Chapter ThirtyOne
"Let me go!" I snapped, wrenching my arm free from Tyler's grip. My pulse raced, emotions rushing through me. Tyler moved back releasing my hands. "Sam, calm down. Please, just let me explain."My brows furrowed in irritation. "Explain?" I let out an humourless laughter. "I don't understand, explain what exactly?" "Sam, I know you don’t want to hear it, but just give me a chance to at least explain, please," he urged, his voice lower now.I gazed at him, my voice shaking with anger. "Explain what please? How you almost killed me? How I lost our child because of you? How you labeled me a slut and tossed divorce papers at me without even asking a single question?" My voice cracked, but I kept back the tears. Not here. Not now.Tyler’s mouth parted, but no words came out."Explain what, Tyler?" I shouted, my voice echoing in the full parking lot. "Why aren’t you saying anything?"He inhaled sharply, taking a step toward me. "I didn’t know you’d be here, Sam. I swear, plus I had no
Last Updated : 2024-09-07The "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
Last Updated : 2024-09-08The "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."
Last Updated : 2024-09-08The "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 : 2024-09-08
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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
