All Chapters of REJECTED BY LOVE: Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

The underground casino club hums with an electric energy as Stanley, Eloise, and the Hasselhoffs step inside. The dimly lit room is a labyrinth of green felt tables, clinking glasses, and murmured conversations. The air is thick with the scent of cigars and the low, steady hum of a jazz band playing in the corner.Stanley casts a sidelong glance at Eloise, who is now dressed in an elegant evening gown, her hair styled perfectly to complement her striking features. Despite the tension, she exudes confidence. Howard leads the way, navigating through the tables with ease, while Dolores, ever the actress, walks beside Eloise, whispering last-minute encouragement.They approach a table where a few of the big men in San Francisco's underground gambling, mafia, and weapon-dealing circles are seated. Howard, in his element, introduces them one by one, ensuring the introductions are smooth and seamless.“Gentlemen,” Howard begins, “allow me to introduce Stanley and Eloise Parker. They’re visit

The sun streams through the tall windows of the studio, casting a golden light over the room as the students milled about in their usual groups. The chatter was lively, filled with anticipation and nervous energy.Charlotte stood with Aaron, laughing at something he had said, while Mary Lou sat with Sophie, their conversation quieter, more subdued."I just feel like I never get to spend time with him anymore," Mary Lou confided, her voice tinged with frustration. "He's always with Charlotte."Sophie nodded sympathetically. "I know it's hard, but maybe it's just a phase. He'll come around."Before Mary Lou could respond, the studio door opened, and Ms. Parker walked in holding a piece of paper. The room fell silent as all eyes turned toward her.Ms. Parker moved to the bulletin board, pinning up the much-anticipated cast list for the showcase. "The cast list for 'Miss Julie' is now posted. Congratulations to everyone."A rush of bodies surged toward the board, conversations suspended a

At one point, Hans turned to Sebastian, his jovial demeanor replaced with a more serious expression. "Sebastian, I've heard some disconcerting things about you and Arthur Finch. My friends here tell me that Finch is losing his touch."Sebastian's smile faltered. "That's nonsense. Finch is as reliable as ever."Eloise seized the moment. "Mr. Wolf, we've seen firsthand how Finch's operations are crumbling. His partners are pulling out, and his deals are falling through. Can you afford to be associated with someone so unreliable?"Hans leaned back, considering her words. Finally, he shook his head. "I've been hearing too many negative things lately. I think it's time I reconsider my associations."Sebastian's face turned a shade of crimson. "Hans, you can't be serious. These people are lying!"But Hans had made up his mind. He stood up, signaling the end of the conversation. "I'm afraid this is goodbye, Sebastian. I will no longer be dealing with you or Arthur Finch."Sebastian's fury wa

Eloise rises from her seat in the train car and heads toward the bathroom. The rhythmic clatter of the train on the tracks, slightly muffled by the plush interior, is a constant background noise. She passes through the narrow corridor as the soft sway of the train makes her steps slightly unsteady.When she reaches the bathroom, she opens the door and steps inside only to find herself face-to-face with a woman dressed in vibrant, flowing fabrics, adorned with various charms and trinkets. The woman, with piercing dark eyes and an aura of mystique, smiles at Eloise."Excuse me," Eloise says, trying to sidestep the woman."Ah, don't be in such a hurry," the woman says, her voice melodic yet commanding. "I was hoping to have a word with you."Eloise frowns. "I'm not interested. Please let me pass."But the woman doesn't move. Instead, she steps closer so that her eyes lock with Eloise's. "You carry a heavy burden, child. Both in your heart and in your womb."Eloise stiffens. "I don't know

Eloise pushes her shopping cart down the aisle of the supermarket barely aware of her surroundings. In her right hand is her list of necessities and the other hand absentmindedly rests atop her growing belly. The bright fluorescent lights overhead cast a sterile glow on the shelves, but she’s focused on picking out fresh produce and getting back home. Her mind drifts to the conversation she and Stanley had with his parents, tangling her thoughts with worry and anticipation. As she reaches for a bag of apples, a woman’s voice details her train of thought. “Excuse me, dear, could you help me reach that can on the top shelf?” Eloise turns to see an elderly woman with sharp, penetrating eyes and a shawl draped over her shoulders. She’s holding a small basket filled with an assortment of herbs. Eloise forces a polite smile and reaches for the can, handing it to the woman. “Thank you, my dear,” the woman says, but her gaze doesn’t leave Eloise’s face. Instead, her eyes narrow, and she