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Chapter 41: The Truth She Can't Hide
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2025-01-08 19:40:31
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Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wantsย ย ย Chapter 42: The Good News
Charlotte sat in her living room, the silence weighing heavily on her. After the confrontation with Utter, she felt drained, as though every ounce of energy had been drained from her. She had known, deep down, that he wouldnโt embrace the news, but the reality of his harsh rejection hit her harder than she could have imagined. His words echoed in her mind: โI donโt want anything to do with you or this child.โ The coldness in his voice still stung.She picked up her phone, her fingers trembling as she dialed Rieleโs number. After a few rings, Riele picked up.โHey, Charlotte,โ Rieleโs voice was warm, yet there was a hint of concern. โHow did it go with Utter?โCharlotte closed her eyes for a moment before responding. โCan you meet me at my place? I need to talk.โโOf course,โ Riele replied, without hesitation. โIโll be there in twenty.โCharlotte hung up and sank into the couch, her thoughts a jumble of disappointment and hurt. She had always hoped that Utter would change, that he woul
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-08Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wantsย ย ย Chapter 043: Lingering Feelings
The office was dimly lit, the only sounds coming from the rhythmic tapping of keys and the occasional rustle of paper. Kim and Jane were sitting side by side, sifting through Madison's files. But despite the serious nature of their work, an undercurrent of tension was thick in the air. It was undeniableโthe atmosphere between them had shifted.Kim had noticed it earlier but had chosen to focus on the task at hand. He couldnโt afford to be distracted, not now. But as the hours wore on, he couldnโt ignore it any longer. Every time he glanced at Jane, there was a heaviness in the air, a lingering uncertainty.Finally, Jane set down the file she was holding and looked at Kim, her gaze more intense than usual. Her fingers drummed lightly on the desk as she took a deep breath.โYou know,โ she began, her voice low, almost as if she was testing the waters, โIโve been thinking about us. About everything.โKim froze for a moment, his chest tightening. He didnโt want to go down this path again.
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-08Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wantsย ย ย Chapter 044: A New Hope
The car ride to the hospital was filled with a palpable tension. Rieleโs mind raced, both with hope and fear. After months of uncertainty, the news of her motherโs recovery was like a breath of fresh air, but she couldnโt bring herself to fully believe it until she saw it with her own eyes.As they pulled into the parking lot, Rieleโs heart pounded. She glanced back at Harry, who sat silently beside her, his face a mixture of hope and caution. Charlotte, sitting in the front seat, was quiet but equally affected by the weight of the moment.When they arrived at the hospital, Riele wasted no time in rushing inside. The sterile scent of the hospital air hit her immediately, but it wasnโt enough to dull the anticipation in her chest. She barely even noticed Charlotte and Harry following her; her focus was solely on the room ahead.She arrived at her motherโs door and stopped for a brief moment to steady herself. Her fingers brushed against the handle, and she pushed it open slowly. Inside
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-08Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wantsย ย ย Chapter 45: A Family Resolve
The hours that followed were filled with a quiet sense of relief. Riele and Harry sat by their motherโs side, taking turns talking to her, letting her know they were there and that they wouldnโt leave. Riele couldnโt help but notice the subtle improvementsโher motherโs eyes followed their movements, and though her speech was still soft and fragmented, it felt like a sign of progress.As the evening wore on, Riele felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. She looked over at Harry, who was sitting quietly beside their mother, his hand resting gently in hers. He looked as though he was holding on to something far more precious than just his motherโs hand. For all the time they had spent apart, for all the uncertainty they had faced, in this moment, it was as if nothing else mattered. It was just the three of them again.A soft knock at the door interrupted the peaceful silence. Riele looked up to see Charlotte standing in the doorway, her face a picture of concern and warmth.โHow is she?โ
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-08Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wantsย ย ย Chapter 046: Madison's Deception
Utter sat alone in his office, his fingers drumming against the polished surface of his desk. The rhythmic tapping was the only sound in the room, the silence almost deafening. His mind raced with thoughts of the competition, of Kim and Rieleโhis rivals who always seemed to be a step ahead. It felt like no matter what he did, they had an advantage. They were always one move ahead, calculating their next step before he had even finished his current one.And now, Utter had been chasing after the driveโthe one that contained the key to winning everything. It was supposed to be his ticket to success. It was supposed to give him the edge he desperately needed to come out on top. But when he searched through his office once more, he realized it was gone.Frustration gripped him. He had trusted Madison. She had promised to keep it safe. She had told him everything was under control. But now, the drive was nowhere to be found. Every inch of the office had been searched, and yet, nothing.His
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-08Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wantsย ย ย Chapter 047: The Therapy Session
The morning sunlight filtered through the hospital windows, casting a soft glow over the room where Riele sat beside her mother. It had been a long road to get here, with weeks of uncertainty and doubt, but today felt different. Riele could feel a shift in the air, as though the moment they had all been waiting for was finally within reach.Harry stood by the door, his hands shoved into the pockets of his jacket, his usual playful demeanor replaced by a quiet concern. He hadnโt said much since arriving, his thoughts clearly elsewhere as he observed their mother from a distance. Riele could feel the tension in his silence, but she also knew he was here for the same reason as herโhoping that todayโs therapy session would bring another step in their motherโs recovery.Dr. Lowell, the neurologist in charge of their motherโs treatment, entered the room with a gentle knock, his face marked with a hopeful expression. He was a man of few words, preferring his actions to speak for him, but Riel
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-08Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wantsย ย ย Chapter 048: Charlotte's Check up
The waiting room was quiet, save for the soft murmur of a few other patients and the rustling of magazines. Charlotte sat with her hands folded in her lap, her mind elsewhere as she waited for her appointment. She had just come from the hospital with Riele and Harry, where they had witnessed the breakthrough with their motherโs therapy. The feeling of hope in the air still lingered with her, but now she was back in her own reality, facing the reality of her pregnancy.At four months along, Charlotte could no longer hide her growing belly. The decision she had made to keep the pregnancy a secret from Utter weighed on her constantly, but she hadnโt yet found the courage to tell him. His rejection when she first confided in him still stung deeply. The way he had dismissed her and the baby so coldly made her feel like she had no choice but to carry the weight alone.She had chosen to come here today, to have a check-up and make sure everything was progressing well. For the sake of the bab
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-08Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wantsย ย ย 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 โ 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
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2025-01-08
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Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wantsย ย ย 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 monthsโthree 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 motherโs 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 heโd picked up on the way. H
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wantsย ย ย 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 elseโsomething warmer.โI have news,โ she said, pulling off her scarf and hanging it carefully by the door. โBig news.โCharlotte turned immediately. โWhat kind of news? Donโt tell me youโre leaving town again.โโNot that kind of news,โ Riele said with a soft laugh, her voice unsteady with anticipation. She moved toward them slowly, like someone holding a secret sheโd been dying to share but afraid to say out loud.Harry raised an eyebrow. โYouโre not pregnant, are you?โโNo,โ she said
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wantsย ย ย 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 differentโheavier, deeper, a pressure that curled from her back to the pit of her stomach with the force of something ancient and inevitable. Sheโd always imagined that when this moment came, sheโd be frantic or afraid. But she wasnโt. She was just... ready.Utter drove them to the hospital, one hand on the wheel, the other gripping Charlotteโs 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.โYouโve got this,โ Riele kept saying, her voice soft, steady. โYouโre stronger than you think.โHours passed. The waiting room filled and emptied, nurses moved like angels in scrubs, and finally, when Charlotte thought she couldnโt take one more breath, one more push.A cry filled the room.And just like that, she
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wantsย ย ย 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."Sheโs strong," Harry murmured, breaking the silence. "Sheโll be okay."Riele nodded slowly. "I know. Sheโs been preparing for this day for months. Iโm just... nervous."Harry reached over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Sheโs 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 Wantsย ย ย 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 timeโstill 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. โYou're not getting younger,โ she had said. โAnd neither am I.โJay 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 motherโs home was a sprawling villa tuck
Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wantsย ย ย 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. Esmeraldaโs burial had drained something in him. Rieleโs 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 theyโd 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 Wantsย ย ย 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 friendโs 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 Wantsย ย ย 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 Esmeraldaโs resting place. The ceremony had been quiet, intimateโjust 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 burialโfriends, neighbors, and even some of Esmeraldaโs old colleaguesโoffering 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 Wantsย ย ย 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 didnโt pull away either. Kim, sitting on the other side of the aisle, glanced at them briefly, his jaw clenched. He hadnโt spoken much during the entire flight. There were too many things left unsaidโtoo 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 Rieleโs to Jay, who held it for her without a word.The four
