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Chapter 60: After The Win
Huling Na-update:
2025-01-11 21:14:15
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Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 61: Jane Kisses Kim
The morning sun filtered through the grand hotel windows, filling the room with a soft glow. The air was warm with the scent of fresh pastries and brewed coffee as the four of them gathered for breakfast. The mood was lighter than the night before; the glow of victory still clung to their smiles and conversations.“Any plans for today?” Jay asked, his eyes twinkling with playful energy as he glanced around the table.“I think we should take a break and explore,” Jane suggested, her fingers idly stirring her cup of tea. “After all, we’re in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.”Riele nodded, the idea of getting some fresh air and exploring beyond the competition appealing to her. “That sounds great. We should make a day of it.”Kim, his hand resting lightly on Riele’s, looked between her and Jane. “All of us together?”Jay grinned. “Actually, why don’t we split up? I’ve got some places in mind, and I was thinking Riele might want to join me. You could—” He flicked a glance at
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-11Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 62: Letting Go
Kim stiffened as Jane’s lips touched his, his mind racing. The kiss was fleeting, but the impact lingered like a storm cloud ready to burst. He pulled back sharply, his hand raising as if to create distance between them.“Jane, what are you doing?” His voice was low, confused, and laced with regret.She smiled faintly, her eyes searching his. “Reminding you of what we had… and what we could still have.”Kim clenched his jaw, his heart heavy with the weight of her words. “That was a long time ago. Things are different now. I love Riele.”Jane’s expression darkened, but she masked it with a bitter smile. “Love? You think what you have with her is love? We built something real, Kim. That doesn’t just disappear because she came into the picture.”“It’s not about her replacing anything,” Kim said firmly. “It’s about what’s real now.” He took a step back. “I can’t do this, Jane. I’m sorry.”But before he could say more, a gasp from behind startled them both.At the garden’s entrance, Riele
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-11Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 63: Jay's Advice
Kim sat on the edge of the bed, his hands folded tightly in his lap. The room felt too quiet now that the words he had been holding inside were finally out. The weight of everything—his feelings for Riele, the kiss with Jane, the way he had been juggling both women for so long—was pressing down on him. And yet, for the first time in what felt like forever, he wasn’t sure where to go next. Jay leaned against the wall, arms crossed as he regarded his friend. The tension between them had always been palpable, but now it was different. Jay knew Kim had been struggling with his feelings for a while, and he knew it wasn’t easy to come to terms with it. Still, the conversation they needed to have wasn’t over."You've got to talk to Riele about the kiss," Jay finally said, his voice steady but firm. "You can't just let that slide. It means something, Kim. She deserves to know how you feel."Kim’s eyes dropped to the floor as he exhaled sharply. “I know it was a mistake,” he muttered, his voi
Huling Na-update : 2025-01-11Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants Chapter 64: A Call That Changed Everything
Riele sat on the edge of the bed in her hotel room, bathed in the soft glow of the city lights filtering through the sheer curtains. Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. She picked it up, expecting a text from Jay or Kim, but her chest tightened when she saw Charlotte's name.She answered quickly. "Charlotte?"There was a silence. Not the ordinary kind, but the kind that precedes something you never want to hear."Rie..." Charlotte's voice cracked.Riele stood up slowly, her fingers clutching the phone tighter. "What? What is it? Is it Mom?"Charlotte drew in a shaky breath. "She’s gone, Rie. She passed a few minutes ago."The words didn’t make sense at first. Riele’s heartbeat pounded in her ears. "What... what do you mean she passed? I just spoke to Doctor Maurice. He said she was stable. She was blinking. She—she was aware.""She was. And she held on, Rie. She held on for as long as she could. But... her heart just couldn’t keep up anymore." Charlotte's voice broke. "Right before it
Huling Na-update : 2025-04-30Love 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
Huling Na-update : 2025-05-01Love 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
Huling Na-update : 2025-05-01Love 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
Huling Na-update : 2025-05-01Love 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
Huling Na-update : 2025-05-01
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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.
