LOGINShare
Chapter 049: The Competition New Count-down
Last Updated:
2025-01-08 21:55:04
Related chapters
Love 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 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
Last Updated : 2025-01-09Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 57: Let the Show Begin
The music pulsed through the venue, echoing off the high ceilings and filling the space with an energy that was impossible to ignore. Riele stood backstage, her hands trembling slightly as she waited for her name to be called. The sound of other models walking, the faint murmur of the crowd, and the laughter of the host were all distant noises in her ears. Right now, the world seemed to narrow to the space right in front of her—the runway, the lights, and the anticipation building with every passing second.“Next, Riele,” came the voice of the assistant, calling her forward.Her heart thudded in her chest as she took a deep breath. She had prepared for this, practiced for months, and now it was time to shine. She couldn’t let her nerves control her. This was her moment.Jay gave her an encouraging smile as she passed by him on her way to the runway. “You got this,” he whispered, his words simple but full of conviction.Riele’s smile was small but genuine. “Thanks, Jay.”The moment she
Last Updated : 2025-01-10
Latest chapter
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.
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 69: The Gift
Jay hadn't traveled this far in months. The jet hummed beneath him, a steady sound that failed to drown out the noise in his thoughts. He sat by the window, staring out at the endless sky, a tablet balanced on his lap. Every few seconds, he'd glance at the screen showing his destination time—still hours ahead. His mother had summoned him. No one summoned Jay unless it was urgent.He had a rough idea why. The last time they spoke, she hinted at her desire for grandchildren, her voice laced with nostalgia and a touch of disappointment. “You're not getting younger,” she had said. “And neither am I.”Jay had brushed it off then, more concerned about Riele, about the tension growing between her and Kim. But now, with Riele emotionally distant and Kim hovering uncertainly between guilt and silence, Jay had found no excuse to delay this meeting.When the jet touched down, the staff ushered him into a sleek car that took him straight to the estate. His mother’s home was a sprawling villa tuck
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 68: Illusion
Kim stepped into his apartment and leaned against the door as it clicked shut behind him. The silence was a relief. No condolences, no murmured apologies, no lingering eyes studying his every reaction at the burial. Just silence. But it didn't soothe him. If anything, the emptiness felt heavier.He dropped his coat on the couch and sat down, resting his head in his hands. Esmeralda’s burial had drained something in him. Riele’s tear-streaked face haunted his thoughts. There were still unspoken words between them, too many, and the distance that had crept in after the incident with Jane was still there, even though they’d tried to move past it.A soft knock interrupted the stillness. Kim stood slowly, frowning, not expecting anyone.When he opened the door, Jane stood there with a sad smile and a bottle of wine in hand."Hey," she said gently. "I just wanted to check on you. Is this a bad time?"Kim hesitated. "You shouldn't be here, Jane." Everything about her felt wrong. But exhaust
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 67:
The sun filtered softly through the half-closed curtains, casting muted light across the quiet living room. The house was still, save for the occasional sound of footsteps or the clinking of tea cups. The burial was over, but the silence it left behind felt heavier than before.Riele sat on the couch beside Harry, their bodies leaning slightly toward each other, connected by grief and the exhaustion that always came after loss. A few relatives and friends still moved about quietly, offering small comforts, squeezes on the hand, hushed condolences. But most people had already left.Among the few who remained were Kim and Jay.Jay was speaking with Harry near the hallway, his arm lightly around his friend’s shoulders. They were murmuring something that only the two of them could hear. Whatever it was, it made Harry chuckle faintly, a rare sound in the past few days.Riele glanced at them and then turned her eyes to Kim. He was standing quietly near the window, hands in his pockets, gaze
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 66: A Chance at Redemption
The afternoon sun filtered weakly through the trees, casting long shadows over the small cemetery nestled behind the old church. The scent of fresh soil lingered in the air, mingling with the faint fragrance of flowers laid gently over Esmeralda’s resting place. The ceremony had been quiet, intimate—just a handful of close friends and family gathered around in solemn reflection.Riele stood beside Harry, both dressed in black. The wind tugged gently at the hem of her long coat, but she barely noticed. Her fingers gripped a white rose, now resting on the mound of earth that covered her mother. Esmeralda's photo sat framed on a stand nearby, her eyes forever watching with a kind, steady gaze that made Riele's heart ache all over again.People lingered a while after the burial—friends, neighbors, and even some of Esmeralda’s old colleagues—offering warm embraces and quiet condolences. Riele appreciated the gestures, but none of them could dull the hollow ache inside her chest.Harry excu
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 65: The Pain of Losing A Mother
The wheels of the plane screeched against the runway as it landed, jostling the passengers slightly in their seats. Riele sat silently by the window, her hands folded in her lap, her gaze fixed on the landscape blurring past. The city felt colder now, duller, as if it knew that she was returning not to celebration, but to grief.Beside her, Jay reached over and gently rested his hand over hers. She didn't look at him, but she didn’t pull away either. Kim, sitting on the other side of the aisle, glanced at them briefly, his jaw clenched. He hadn’t spoken much during the entire flight. There were too many things left unsaid—too much heaviness in the air to be broken by small talk.Jane sat a few rows ahead, her head resting against the seatback, sunglasses covering her eyes. As the plane rolled to a stop, the crew stood and began preparing for disembarkation. Kim reached up to grab their luggage from the overhead bin, passing Riele’s to Jay, who held it for her without a word.The four
