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Chapter TwentyTwo
Last Updated:
2024-09-02 07:24:34
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The "EX" Factor Chapter TwentyThree
Monica's lips twisted into a cheeky smile, and her eyes gleamed with a mixture of amusement and defiance. "Oh," She scoffed, moving closer to Caleb. "I didn't realize I was now required to call you before coming to your office," she joked, her voice light and teasing, but with an hint of something that suggested a deeper familiarity.Caleb's shoulders fell slightly, and he let out a frustrated sigh while running his hand through his hair. "Let's talk in my office," he murmured, his tone low as he cast a short glance my way.I quickly looked away, pretending to be focused on my task. My fingers hovered over the keyboard, but my mind was far from focused. For that little second, I could feel the weight of his gaze, which sent my mind spinning.Caleb turned without saying anything further and led Monica down the hallway, her heels clicking fiercely on the floor. The office came back to life around me, with everyone returning to their tasks, but I could still sense the tension in the
Last Updated : 2024-09-02The "EX" Factor Chapter TwentyFour
My mind raced as I walked back to my desk. Maybe I shouldn’t have gone in. Maybe I should’ve just waited, but the file couldn’t wait. I had to send it...Though the expression I had seen on Monica's face wouldn't leave my thoughts, I tried to ignore the uncomfortable sensation creeping up inside me.The way she looked at me, that cold, calculating gaze ...it send chills down my spine. And the way she stroked his hair so comfortably?... Damnit. There's definitely something between them, his girlfriend maybe. I shook my head.. It didn’t matter. It shouldn’t matter. Caleb's personal life wasn’t any of my business.But still... why does it feel like it was?The thought twisted in my stomach, making it difficult to breathe.Focus, Sam, I told myself as I approached my desk. Just get through the day huh.I was so lost in my thoughts that I almost didn't notice Nelly sitting at her desk, her head bent low over her phone. But something about how she tensed when she noticed me coming made
Last Updated : 2024-09-03The "EX" Factor Chapter TwentyFive
I looked at the message again, watching the words blur as a cold shiver ran down my spine, my palm tightening around the phone until my fingers turned white.My initial thought was to delete it and pretend I never saw it, but my finger hesitated on the screen, frozen by a mix of fear and confusion.Who could have sent this? And why me?My mind raced as I replayed the last few days, looking for anything... anyone... that may have led to this. Caleb's office, Monica, and Nelly's sudden interest in Tyler... Everything twisted together in my thoughts like a web that I couldn't untangle.People were buzzing about me in the office, working through their business without noticing the tension building inside me. I forced myself to breathe, but the air seemed thick, heavy, as though it were strangling me. I looked around, nearly expecting to see someone looking at me, their eyes burning into the rear of my head, but all I saw were colleagues softly chatting or glancing at their screens.Am I
Last Updated : 2024-09-05The "EX" Factor Chapter TwentySix
Next morning. My alarm startled me from a restless sleep I didn't even know I had fallen into till now. As I sat up, my heart hammered, the events of last night surged back with a panic like it never left. Disoriented, I looked about and for a moment I couldn't remember where I was. But then the sight of my cute, familiar bedroom steadied me, even if it did not help to calm the strain coiling in my chest.The picture.My breath seized as I recalled the picture in the envelope. Still laying on the nightstand where I had left it. Just what's happening to me? I crossed to the window and peeked outside, kinda expecting to see someone hiding in the shadows, but the scene below was very normal. A few neighbors walked their dogs, and a couple of kids were already on their way to school, their laughs drifting up to me. Everything looked peaceful, quiet, as if I wasn’t being watched, as if I hadn’t gotten that scary message. But I had. And the picture was proof that whoever it was, a
Last Updated : 2024-09-05The "EX" Factor Chapter TwentySeven
“I’m done with the flight bookings. Everything’s all set,” Julie said, placing a folder on Tyler’s desk with an indifferent expression.She made sure to keep her tone casual, professional even, but Tyler could sense the tension lingering between them.. He glanced at her briefly, his eyes flicking over the folder before returning to his computer screen, trying to keep the conversation strictly business.The flight to London for the presentation and charity event was important, and Julie had handled the logistics seamlessly, as always. He needed her expertise, and that was the only reason she was still around. Nothing more.Tyler kept his face impassive, refusing to let any flicker of emotion slip through, even as the burning anger he had towards her tugged at the back of his mind. But now, all of that was behind him. Or so he told himself.Julie stood there, hands closed in front of her, her expression as unreadable as always. She also looked committed to behaving as though nothing
Last Updated : 2024-09-06The "EX" Factor Chapter TwentyEight
"Okay... which one, which one, which..." I mumbled to myself, narrowing my eyes as I stood before the mirror. My closet had never felt so overwhelming. I ran my fingers over different fabrics, feeling their textures glide against my skin. Tonight I needed the perfect outfit. Something that screamed confidence, elegance, but didn’t take away from the professionalism of the event.The charity auction I had been working on for weeks was finally here. Late-night revisions, the pressure of making every detail perfect.. it was all leading up to tonight.I paused, pulling out a classic black dress. The fabric glowed as it caught the light, sophisticated yet simple. "Maybe this one," I murmured, holding it against my body. But before I could settle on the choice, my phone buzzed, pulling me from my thoughts. “Annie?” I said, smiling as I recognized the name. My best friend, always with right timing.“Samantha!” Annie’s voice was brimming with excitement, almost vibrating through the ph
Last Updated : 2024-09-06The "EX" Factor Chapter TwentyNine
The drive to the venue was silent. A comfortable silence, only interrupted by Caleb’s smooth voice when he complimented me. "You look... stunning," he had said, his words lingering in the air longer than I wanted them to. I could feel his gaze on me from time to time, but I kept my eyes ahead, focusing on the road, the city lights blurring by. My nerves, despite my efforts to remain calm, were starting to build. Tonight was huge. My designs were being showcased for the world to see. For his world to see.Caleb pulled up to the venue, a grand hall befitting his status.. CEO of The Rinders Group. The parking lot was filled with luxury cars, each one gleaming under the streetlights, their owners stepping out, dressed in clothes worth more than most people’s rent. Basically, the air was thick with elegance, success, and power. "Here we are," Caleb said, parking the car in an area that appeared virtually set aside for him.People talking, joking, and greeting one another with simpl
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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 : 2024-09-07
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
