All Chapters of A Love Meant to Crumble: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

The video was recorded a few days before Sophia's birthday. Zachery had asked Anne the best proposal spot in Windleton, and she thought he was about to propose to her.She loved the rooftop café in Stardust Grand Hotel, which often hosted various parties and celebrations.Anne made a point to stop by after work to record a video for Zachery. She happened to bump into Sophia having coffee with her friends. As such, Sophia ended up in the shot.Sophia taunted, "I've just heard you asking the manager if they can host a proposal party here. Is Zachery proposing to you or otherwise? How about we make a bet? My birthday is in a few days. Let's see if Zachery is going to propose to you or me."Anne found her provocation funny. It was impossible for Zachery to be proposing to another woman when he had already asked her—his girlfriend—about the venue. It would be too far a ridiculous insult if that were the case.She ignored Sophia and continued to record the distant scenery. With the star

"Hello, Dr. Stafford. I'm Avery Sycamore, Sophia's manager. You can call me Ave," Avery Sycamore said.She was dressed in a pale blue suit, with neat short hair and frameless glasses. She looked every part of a professional career woman.Avery made her way from the hospital bed to Anne and extended her hand. Anne had both her hands in her coat, ignoring Avery's extended hand.Avery shook her head and laughed. "You must be in your 20s, right, Dr. Stafford? You're still so young. That's why you acted on impulse without thinking things through."Anne raised an eyebrow and asked, "What exactly should I be thinking through?""For example, you could've consulted us before you posted that photo. We might've considered buying it—one or two million dollars wouldn't have been a problem. By the way, how much do you make a month, Dr. Stafford?" Avery asked."I never knew a photo could sell for that much." Anne clicked her tongue regretfully.Avery replied, "Actually, it's still not too late

After Anne typed the words, she paused for a moment, staring at them before hitting delete.Harvey wasn't in show business—no matter how capable he was, there was no way he could compete with the kind of money the Judds had backing them."Zachery probably just couldn't stand seeing Sophia's team treat me like that. And it just happened he had these photos ready, so he posted them," Anne said, unfazed.Mindy shook her head. "It probably isn't that simple."Once Zachery made his statement, Sophia's team sprang into action. They started with an apology to Anne, followed by removing the intimate photos of Sophia and Sean. By afternoon, Sophia was out of the hospital.By the time Anne got off work at the hospital, the fans who'd been waiting with banners were gone. Her life had finally returned to normal.After getting off the subway, Anne picked up a bouquet of flowers, holding them close like she was cradling all the quiet beauty in the world. She snapped a picture and posted it on

"Anne, the hospital can't just fire you like that without a reason!" Mindy fumed. "Don't just let them get away with it. Stand up for yourself! Take it to the public if you have to!"Anne pulled out a big bag of snacks from her bottom drawer and handed it to Mindy. They'd make do with these when they were too busy to eat anything heavy. Anne didn't usually eat them—they were mostly for Mindy."Anne, don't just brush this off! They're doing this because they think you're an easy target!" Mindy was practically boiling.Anne shook her head and smiled. "They gave me a decent severance package. I looked it over before I signed.""Anne!"Anne shrugged. "I was planning to quit anyway. The Judds own Windbrook Hospital, and if I really want to get away from Zachery, I need to leave it all behind."Mindy's anger finally started to die down."So, what's next?" she asked."I'm taking some time off. Then, I'll find another job," Anna replied.Mindy gave her a skeptical look. "You? Taking t

Carol was making good on her promise—using the Judd family's clout to force Anne out of Windbrook Hospital, out of Oceanwind Villas, and eventually, out of Windleton for good.Anne walked up and waved for them to move aside."Anne, I want you gone. Right this moment! Don't you dare put any stress on Sophia while she's pregnant!" Carol barked.Anne tilted her head, glancing at the property manager. "Does the Judd family own this place?"Fed up with Carol's demands, the manager said, "Oceandale Real Estate developed Oceanwind Villas. Judd Corporation doesn't own any part of it.""So, does she get to decide who lives here?""Well, we can't just toss someone out without a reason, even if you're just renting."Anne nodded, then tapped her fingerprint to unlock the gate before slamming it shut in Carol's face."Mrs. Judd, here's an idea. If you really want to get rid of me, why don't you just buy the whole Oceanwind Villas? I mean, the Judd family's got money to burn. That should be