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Chapter 048: Charlotte's Check up
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2025-01-08 21:41:10
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Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 049: The Competition New Count-down
Kim sat back in his office chair, staring at the glowing screen of his laptop. The message he had just opened made his heart skip a beat. He blinked a few times to make sure he had read it right.The competition, which had originally been set for three months away, was now scheduled in just four weeks. The new schedule, with such a short notice, seemed impossible to comprehend. He had barely registered the information when his phone buzzed, alerting him to a new message.It was from the competition organizers:Subject: Important Update – Competition RescheduledDear Participants,We regret to inform you that due to unforeseen logistical challenges, the upcoming competition has been moved to four weeks from today. This change was made to ensure a smoother experience for all involved. Please adjust your schedules accordingly and ensure your travel and preparation plans are aligned with the new date.Thank you for your understanding.Best regards,The Global Innovation Competition TeamK
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-08Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 050: The Countdown Begins
The clock on the wall seemed to tick louder than ever, each second stretching longer than the last. Kim sat at his desk, flipping through papers and notes that he had accumulated over the past few months in preparation for the competition. Four weeks. That was the time they had left to prepare for the most important challenge of their lives. The intensity in the room was palpable. The message from the competition organizers had set everything into motion—nothing was the same anymore. Time had shrunk, and now it was up to them to rise to the occasion.As he sat in his office, Kim’s mind raced. He had spoken with Jay, Jane, and Riele. The decision was clear—they were all committed to this. They couldn’t let Utter win. Not this time. Not after everything they had sacrificed and worked for. They couldn’t afford to falter now.Kim took a deep breath, pushing the weight of the moment to the back of his mind. Tomorrow would be their first real meeting to go over everything. They needed to mak
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-08Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 051: Leaving Things in Good Hands
Riele drove through the quiet streets, her mind racing as the upcoming competition consumed her thoughts. The early morning breeze kissed her cheeks through the slightly opened car window, offering little comfort for the whirlwind of emotions building inside her. The news of the rescheduled competition had hit her hard. Four weeks—that was all the time left before she and her team had to face the biggest challenge of their careers. The pressure was relentless, and the weight of what was at stake felt almost unbearable.But today, Riele wasn’t thinking about strategy sessions or late-night practices. Today, she had something more personal to handle.Charlotte’s small brick house came into view as Riele turned the corner. The driveway was empty, but the curtains in the living room window shifted slightly as she parked. She knew Charlotte was home. Despite everything that had happened between Charlotte and Utter, Riele trusted her friend deeply. Charlotte had been by her side through the
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-09Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 52: The Bond that Holds Us
The cool evening breeze swept over Riele as she stepped outside Charlotte’s home, her mind still lingering on their conversation. She took a deep breath, letting the crisp air fill her lungs, and climbed into her car. The road ahead was filled with uncertainty, but she had a renewed sense of purpose. There was a fire within her, a fierce determination to see this competition through and come out victorious.The drive back home was quiet, giving her space to reflect. She thought about her mother’s fragile progress, Harry’s silent strength, and Charlotte’s unwavering support. These were her reasons—her anchor points in a world that felt chaotic and ever-changing.By the time she arrived home, the house was filled with the familiar, comforting scent of lavender and the soft hum of Harry’s music playing from his room. She walked inside, closing the door quietly behind her, and leaned against it for a moment. Tomorrow, the preparations would begin in earnest. The next few weeks would be a w
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-09Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 53: Taking Flight
The day had finally arrived. Four weeks had passed since the announcement of the competition’s new timeline, and the anticipation had built to a fever pitch. The airport buzzed with energy as travelers rushed to their gates, families hugged goodbye, and the world outside loomed wide and full of possibility. For Riele, it was more than a trip—it was a chance to reclaim her dreams, to prove her worth, and to confront everything she had left behind. She clutched her carry-on bag as they approached the boarding area, her eyes darting around to soak in every detail. Kim stood confidently at the front of the group, his dark eyes sharp with focus, a quiet excitement simmering beneath his composed exterior. Jane, as usual, stayed close to him, her presence a constant reminder of Riele’s heartache. Jay, however, was by her side, his easy smile and calm demeanor grounding her in the moment. “Ready to conquer the world, Rie?” Jay asked, a teasing note in his voice as they handed over their b
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-09Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 54: Jane's Jealousy
The plane touched down with a gentle jolt, and Riele inhaled deeply, letting out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. The sprawling city below stretched into the horizon, its towering buildings promising a world of new possibilities. She felt a strange mix of nerves and excitement dancing in her chest as she disembarked with the team, each step feeling like a leap into something bigger than she had ever known.Kim led the way confidently through the terminal, his focused expression masking the swirling thoughts that had followed him throughout the flight. Jay walked beside Riele, his easy demeanor unchanged, while Jane hovered close to Kim, her eyes scanning their surroundings. The four of them moved as a team—however fractured—and soon arrived at the transportation arranged by the company hosting the competition.When they reached the entrance to the sleek corporate building that loomed ahead, they were greeted by a neatly dressed receptionist. Her smile was warm but professi
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-09Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 55: Utter's Change of Heart
Utter sat in his dimly lit living room, the cold glass of whiskey in his hand reflecting the soft glow of the lamp beside him. The room was still, save for the low hum of a nearby fridge and the occasional clink of ice as he took another drink. His thoughts swirled in a haze of frustration and regret, the burn of alcohol barely numbing the ache in his chest.He had been planning to leave for the competition, eager to reclaim some semblance of control in his life, but that had all been derailed by Madison. She had shown up, as if out of nowhere, and completely dismantled the fragile plans he had made. The anger still simmered beneath the surface. He had to admit, he wasn’t ready to face the competition now—not with everything weighing on his mind. Not with the unresolved mess that was his life.But what else was left for him? He had rejected Charlotte’s pregnancy, and the fallout from that decision had been harder to ignore than he had anticipated. He hadn't been prepared to see her lea
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-09Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 56: The Show
The morning light filtered through the sleek windows of the luxury car, illuminating the faces of Kim, Riele, Jay, and Jane as they sat in silence, the anticipation thick in the air. The competition was just a few hours away, and the nerves that had been building up over the past four weeks were reaching their peak.The car was spacious, comfortable, and equipped with everything they could need for the journey. Plush leather seats, tinted windows, and soft music playing from the speakers set a calm tone, but the undercurrent of excitement could not be hidden. Kim was at the front, his face set with determination, while Jane sat next to him, her posture stiff, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her jacket. Riele and Jay sat together in the back, the distance between them and Jane palpable.As they drove toward the venue, Riele couldn’t help but look out the window, trying to calm her racing thoughts. This was it. The moment she had been waiting for, the chance to prove herself, and t
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-09
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Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 78: Shattered Vows and Broken Hearts
The moment Charlotte dragged Riele out of the chaos and into the quiet room beside the hall, her friend’s legs gave out beneath her.“Riele!” Charlotte gasped, just barely catching her before she collapsed completely.Riele's skin had turned pale. Her lips quivered. She clutched at her chest, breath coming out in short, broken gasps.“I… I can’t breathe,” she whispered.Charlotte guided her toward the edge of the couch. “Sit. Just sit for a second. Deep breaths, okay? Riele, look at me. Stay with me.”But Riele never made it to the couch. Her eyes rolled back, her knees buckled again, and she crumpled like a doll in Charlotte’s arms.“No, no, no. Stay with me!” Charlotte cried, lowering her to the carpet, her voice shaking as she screamed out toward the hallway. “Somebody call an ambulance! Now!”The minutes that followed were a blur. Voices shouted, footsteps ran, someone brought water that Charlotte never used. Her focus stayed fixed on Riele’s still form, on the way her chest rose
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 77: Just Before "i Do"
The church was filled with the scent of fresh flowers and the hum of quiet anticipation. Soft music floated through the air as guests took their seats, dressed in their best, smiles lighting their faces. The atmosphere was warm, joyful, and full of love. Every detail from the simple white roses lining the aisle to the soft glow of the chandelier seemed to echo the happiness that had brought everyone together.Riele stood just beyond the large wooden doors of the church, her arm looped through Harry’s. She wore a gown that shimmered under the morning light, delicate lace hugging her frame. Her veil was light and soft, like a breath of air. She held a small bouquet of peonies, her hands trembling slightly, more from excitement than nerves.“You look like Mom,” Harry said quietly, glancing down at her with a proud smile.Riele blinked back sudden tears. “Thank you.”The music shifted. The doors opened. Everyone stood.Riele walked slowly down the aisle, eyes fixed on Kim. He stood at the
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 76: Shopping for the Wedding
Riele stepped into the bridal boutique, her fingers curling slightly around the strap of her purse. The shop was warm and elegant, filled with rows of ivory and pearl-colored gowns. Charlotte walked beside her, carrying Hope in a soft sling across her chest. The little girl was already looking around with wide eyes.Riele let out a quiet breath as she looked around.“So many dresses,” she said, more to herself than anyone else.Charlotte grinned. “You’re about to be a bride, Rie. Don’t rush. Try them all if you want.”Riele smiled back, but her eyes were already moving across the room. There were sleek gowns, flowing lace ones, some glittering softly under the lights. The shop assistant came over with a friendly face, introduced herself as Sera, and offered to help.Riele gave a nod. “I want something simple but beautiful. Nothing too heavy. Something I can dance in.”“Got it,” Sera said, already moving to a rack.Charlotte rocked Hope gently and looked at Riele. “Are you nervous?”Ri
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 75: Riele Confides in Charlotte
Riele stood by the kitchen sink, staring blankly out the window at the swaying trees in the garden. She had replayed the scene with Jane more times than she cared to admit—her eyes, her voice, that almost mocking smile when she asked Riele to call off the wedding. There had been no clear reason, no explanation, just a demand wrapped in veiled hostility. It left a sour taste in Riele's mouth and a heaviness in her chest that wouldn’t go away.She wiped her hands and picked up her phone. Her thumb hovered over Charlotte’s name for a moment. She had already told Kim about Jane’s visit, but he had only looked confused and a bit concerned. Riele hadn’t told him everything—not the exact words Jane had used, not how her presence had chilled the room. She needed someone who could help her think clearly, someone who wouldn’t immediately rush into protective action.She needed Charlotte.Without overthinking it, Riele grabbed her keys, slipped into a light cardigan, and headed out the door.The
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 74: Jane threatens Riele to Call Off the Wedding
The soft scent of freshly brewed tea wafted through Riele’s living room, mingling with the distant hum of a playlist Charlotte had picked—gentle acoustic love songs that filled the silence between conversations. The coffee table was buried beneath magazines, color swatches, and a notepad scribbled with names and ideas. Riele sat cross-legged on the couch, flipping through a bridal catalogue, while Charlotte and Kim debated the merits of an outdoor ceremony versus an indoor one. Utter leaned back in the armchair, half-involved, half amused, nursing a glass of juice like he’d been roped into something way beyond his understanding. Hope was sleeping soundly beside them. “It has to be outside,” Charlotte said, pointing to a photo of a vineyard-style wedding with twinkling fairy lights. “You and Kim under a canopy of stars? That’s poetry.”“It rains in spring,” Kim said, folding his arms. “A surprise downpour isn’t romantic. It’s soggy.”“That’s why tents exist,” Charlotte shot back.Riel
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 73: Visit to Esmeralda's Grave
The breeze was gentle that afternoon, rustling the bare branches as though whispering secrets only the trees could understand. Riele stepped carefully between the headstones, her fingers interlocked with Harry's as they made their way toward the familiar spot. It had been three months—three quiet, aching months since they last stood here together. Time had softened the sharpness of their grief, but the ache still lived somewhere inside them, persistent and tender.Their mother’s grave was just as they remembered. A simple marble headstone with her name etched in gold: Esmeralda Grants, Beloved Mother, Eternal Light. Harry bent to brush away the leaves that had gathered at its base while Riele knelt, her hand smoothing over the cold stone."Hey, Mom," Riele whispered. Her voice was steady, but her chest quivered with the familiar ache. "We came to visit you. It's been a while, I know."Harry crouched beside her, setting down the small bouquet of wildflowers he’d picked up on the way. H
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 72: Rieie Shares the Good News
Charlotte was pacing the length of her living room, her newborn daughter nestled against her chest in a soft carrier. Utter was lounging on the sofa, half-watching her, half-focused on the bottle he was warming for Hope. Harry sat on the floor, his back against the couch, absentmindedly shaking a rattle and making faces at his niece who, despite her tiny size, already had a gaze sharp enough to quiet a room.The door creaked open and Riele stepped inside, cheeks pink from the cold outside and something else—something warmer.“I have news,” she said, pulling off her scarf and hanging it carefully by the door. “Big news.”Charlotte turned immediately. “What kind of news? Don’t tell me you’re leaving town again.”“Not that kind of news,” Riele said with a soft laugh, her voice unsteady with anticipation. She moved toward them slowly, like someone holding a secret she’d been dying to share but afraid to say out loud.Harry raised an eyebrow. “You’re not pregnant, are you?”“No,” she said
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 71: Her Name is Hope
The sun had barely risen when Charlotte felt the first real pang. It wasn't like the false alarms she'd had over the last few days. This was different—heavier, deeper, a pressure that curled from her back to the pit of her stomach with the force of something ancient and inevitable. She’d always imagined that when this moment came, she’d be frantic or afraid. But she wasn’t. She was just... ready.Utter drove them to the hospital, one hand on the wheel, the other gripping Charlotte’s with all the quiet reassurance of a man who had grown into his role more than he ever expected. Riele sat beside Charlotte, holding her other hand, whispering encouragement and trying not to cry.“You’ve got this,” Riele kept saying, her voice soft, steady. “You’re stronger than you think.”Hours passed. The waiting room filled and emptied, nurses moved like angels in scrubs, and finally, when Charlotte thought she couldn’t take one more breath, one more push.A cry filled the room.And just like that, she
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 70: Charlotte Welcomes a Baby Girl
The hospital was bathed in soft white light, the air tinged with antiseptic and quiet murmurs. Riele shifted on the waiting bench just outside the maternity ward, her hands gripping the edge of her coat tightly. Harry sat beside her, fidgeting with his phone but not really looking at it. It was past noon, and Charlotte had been inside for over an hour now."She’s strong," Harry murmured, breaking the silence. "She’ll be okay."Riele nodded slowly. "I know. She’s been preparing for this day for months. I’m just... nervous."Harry reached over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "She’s lucky to have you here."Before Riele could respond, the elevator doors chimed, and a familiar figure stepped out, arms filled with baby bags, blankets, and a soft-looking teddy bear. Utter.His eyes found Riele first, then Harry. He gave a small nod and approached, his steps hesitant but determined."I heard... she went into labor," he said, his voice slightly breathless. "I wanted to bring a few things.
