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Chapter Twenty

Author: Tory June
last update Last Updated: 2024-09-01 22:57:17
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?”

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  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter TwentyOne

    Tyler's brows wrinkled in confusion as he took another glance at the mail. “What the…?” he whispered, his confusion clear in his tone.Julie stood beside him, her fear rising as Tyler continued to stare at the phone.“Is everything okay?” she asked, trying a worried look to mask her own impatience.Tyler gave her a casual glance, his eyes still flitting over the message on his phone.He put his wine glass back in the tray and turned back to Julie. “Can we talk outside?” he whispered, his voice strained.Julie’s mind raced, her thoughts spinning like a fan.What's going on? she thought to herself, unable to hide the worry from her voice as she answered, “O-of course.”Her heart raced against her chest as she followed Tyler out the doors of the ballroom and onto the terrace, the warm night air doing little to calm her fears.She could only pray the drug hadn’t begun to take action yet. Otherwise, things were about to become very, very awkward.Oh wait, he didn't take a sip yet.. she

    Last Updated : 2024-09-02

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter TwentyTwo

    “So, you're saying there's nothing between you guys? He’s simply being kind to you?” Nelly's voice had a provoking tone, the one that generally caused me to feel as though I was under microscopic observation.From my PC screen, I turned upward and the brightness hurt my eyes.I knew Nelly wasn’t going to drop this. Not after she saw Caleb offer me a ride home yesterday.“Exactly. Nothing,” I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. “He’s just… considerate, that’s all.”Nelly raised an eyebrow, leaning back with a doubtful look. “Come on, Sam. You can’t seriously expect me to believe that. He’s not just any guy. Guys like him don’t do ‘considerate’ without a reason.”I groaned, fingers pausing over the keyboard.Nelly had a point, but I wasn’t ready to accept it. “He’s just helping me out, okay? Maybe he feels bad for me or something. But that’s it.”Her smile softened into something more thoughtful as she held her gaze at me. “You know, sometimes people act a certain way bec

    Last Updated : 2024-09-02

  • 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 : 2024-09-02

  • The "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

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  • The "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 : 2024-09-05

  • The "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

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  • The "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 : 2024-09-06

  • The "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 : 2024-09-06

Latest chapter

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter Hundred

    The grand ballroom shimmered under the glow of crystal chandeliers, the sound of champagne flutes clinking and murmured conversation filling the air. Samantha stood near the gallery's exhibit, her sleek black gown hugging her frame as she nodded politely to the guests admiring her work. Tonight was supposed to be about her achievements, a celebration of how far she’d come. But the unease brewing in her chest said otherwise. “Breathe, Sam,” Ann whispered beside her, leaning in with a teasing grin. “You’ve already got half the room in awe. Just enjoy it.” Samantha managed a small smile, tucking a stray curl behind her ear. “Easier said than done.” “Relax. I’m here for moral support. Plus, there’s an open bar,” Ann added with a wink before sauntering off. Samantha turned her attention back to a potential buyer in front of her, plastering on a professional smile. She was mid-conversation when she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure at the entrance. Daniel. Her heart gav

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetyNine

    I stared at my laptop's glowing screen, pretending to concentrate on the email drafts in front of me. The gallery's most recent collection had been a hit; the evaluations were coming in, and new opportunities were opening up. But no matter how hard I tried to focus on my work, my mind kept wandering back to the disaster my life had become. I groaned, leaned back in my chair, and ran my hand through my hair. What'm I doing? The notion rang louder than usual, filling the silence around me. It was more than simply one thing. It was everything. Tyler. Caleb. Daniel. Each name yanked on a different part of my heart, leaving it raw and throbbing. My fingers tapped restlessly on the desk as I thought of Caleb. The way he approached Daniel and me at the restaurant, all smiles and nice words, like if he wasn't purposefully sowing mayhem in my life. I'd repeated that moment too many times, analyzing every gaze and measured pause. Caleb was not just a thorn in Tyler's side; he wa

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetyEight

    "Caleb, could you please stop randomly visiting my gallery," I hissed, barely able to keep the anger out of my voice as I turned to face him. His presence loomed in the doorway, hands carelessly tucked into his coat pockets as if he deserved to be there."I've already told you we were done. I no longer want anything to do with you. "Do you not understand that?" My remarks came out faster than I wanted, but I was done with his games.Caleb inclined his head slightly, a sarcastic smirk creeping over his lips. "You don't mean that, Samantha.""Yes, I do." I took a step back, crossed my arms to stabilize myself. "What we had is over. Stop showing up uninvited. Stop phoning me. "Just... stop."He laughed quietly, sending shivers up my spine. "Unfortunately, I don't take orders, especially not from you."His sudden shift in tone was subtle but noticeable. The charm he had always relied on had vanished, replaced by something darker.I swallowed, attempting to hold my ground. "This is not h

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetySeven

    The room was tight, with that smothering hush that comes only after bad news. Tyler sat at the head of the long, polished table in the conference room, his mouth clenched, his gaze fixed on the financial predictions on the screen. The numbers did not deceive. They formed a dismal picture that he couldn't ignore. "Can someone explain to me how the Hartwells managed to undercut us again?" His voice was sharp, but beyond the rage was tiredness... a man breaking at the seams. Across the table, his executive team exchanged anxious looks, with no one eager to respond. "Sir," one of the younger analysts finally said, "it appears they've secured a significant investment from overseas." It provided them with the liquidity to offer better conditions to Smith Corporation. Tyler threw his fist on the table, rattling the glasses of water in front of them. "And we hadn't seen this coming? "How did we miss this?" The head of market research admitted they did not have timely access to the

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetySix

    When I answered Daniel's call, his warm voice immediately relieved some of the tension in my chest. "Samantha," he said smoothly. "I was hoping you'd be free for dinner tonight." Dinner? I paused, looking at my desk, which was stacked with paperwork. However, burying myself in work hasn't done much to quiet the noise in my head lately. "Dinner sounds great," I remarked, my tone lighter than I felt. "Perfect," he responded. "I'm in the Juniper Room. It's calm and private... one of my favorites. Do you want me to come pick you up? The offer caught me off surprise; it was a simple but considerate gesture. "Oh, no, it's fine," I responded immediately. "I am still at the gallery, but I will drive myself. "I need the drive anyway." There was a beat of silence before he spoke again, his tone curious. “You sure everything’s okay?” “Absolutely,” I lied, forcing a smile even though he couldn’t see me. “Just been a long day, that’s all.” He didn’t push, thankfully, and aft

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetyFive

    The soothing hum of my gallery filled the air as I sipped my coffee, my limbs working on autopilot as I placed the day's new items. I hadn't had time to catch my breath since yesterday's press frenzy.Everyone was still talking about their collaboration with Daniel's company. I should have been overjoyed, but instead I felt a peculiar heaviness. Maybe it was Ann's teasing call last night, or the countless queries about Daniel that flooded my inbox this morning. Or perhaps it was the familiar tug on my chest. The one who said Tyler's name when I didn't want to hear it. I shook the notion away and concentrated on the painting in front of me, changing the angle on the easel. My gallery, Artistry Heights, was my haven. Nothing could affect me here, or so I thought. The bell from the front door shocked me. I turned to greet the customer, but my heart dropped as I saw him. Tyler. He stood just inside the door, his tall figure rigid and his jaw set in an unsettling way that ma

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetyFour

    I extended my arms above my head, wincing as my back protested the hours I'd spent crouched over my laptop. The quiet hum of the city filtered through the window, a constant reminder of the life that still thrived beyond Ann's apartment. The room was dim save for the brightness of my screen and the digital clock in the corner, which read 12:43 AM. My workspace was chaotic, with half-empty coffee cups, sticky notes with reminders, and a stack of sketches that needed to be finalized for an upcoming gallery assignment. I needed a distraction. The option was to let my thoughts drift back to Tyler. To Julia. Hello to everyone. God, I had been willing to give him another chance. Despite his aunt's harsh remarks and the mountains of baggage between us, I was prepared to try. But he'd shattered that fragile relationship with a truth I couldn't ignore: he was still sleeping with her. The notion twisted in my chest, harsh and cruel. I shook my head and concentrated on the image, r

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetyThree

    "I'm going to kill you for this," I shouted into my phone as I paced near the door to Artistry Heights Gallery, my small haven that felt too huge to fill tonight. The clean area shone under warm golden lighting, with every nook perfectly displaying the handpicked designs I'd spent months creating. "I'm sorry!" Ann's voice crackled across the line. "There was traffic, and I had to stop for gas…" "You know I hate showing up to these things alone." I adjusted the neckline of my midnight blue gown, the fabric stroking across my skin as if it could soothe the anxiety churning inside me. "Please hurry up. "I am starting to feel like a stray dog at a purebred gala." "You'll be fine," Ann reassured me, her voice full of false confidence. "Just channel that CEO energy you always bragging about. "You got this!" Before I could respond, the call went dead. Typical Ann. I sighed, squared my shoulders, and walked into the center of the networking event. The gallery was humming with act

  • The "EX" Factor    Chapter NinetyTwo

    Tyler slammed the conference room door behind him, sending reverberations through the office's quiet hallways. His chest heaved as he leaned against the wall, placing his hands against his temples. The meeting with Smith Corporation had been disastrous. Every word exchanged seemed like another brick crumbling from the flimsy wall that held his firm together. The Hartwell family. The Hartwells were circling like vultures, and Tyler's stomach churned at Smith Corp.'s shaky commitment to their alliance. He could feel the weight of each decision on his shoulders. If they lost the Smith deal, it would cause a domino effect, and he wasn't sure RindCorp would survive. His phone buzzed in his pocket, so he took it out, expecting a message from Ben. Instead, there was an email with a synopsis of their present financial situation. Tyler opened it, but the figures blurred together, leaving him unable to focus. He exhaled sharply, his throat tightening as frustration clawed at him. "Mr

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