All Chapters of Love and Crosses: What The Heart Wants: Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

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

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

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

The atmosphere in the venue had shifted again, this time to a celebratory one. The excitement in the air was palpable as the models, their looks still sharp and ready, mingled backstage, awaiting their next assignment. The host, a charismatic woman in a bold red dress, stood before the crowd, her eyes glinting with enthusiasm.“Now, everyone,” she announced, “it’s time for something special. We want all the bosses of our incredible models to join them on stage for a photo op. It’s time for a snapshot of success, a symbol of the hard work and collaboration that’s gotten us to this moment.”Riele felt a small wave of anxiety at the mention of the "bosses"—that meant Kim would be front and center, just as he always was. The others gathered in groups, some laughing, some adjusting their outfits, while Riele remained slightly apart, her gaze flicking to where Kim was already motioning for her."Riele," Kim called, his tone casual but firm, “come on over here. I want to get a picture with yo

After the award ceremony’s excitement settled, the group decided it was time to unwind. The long hours of preparation, the tense competition, and the adrenaline of victory had left them all exhausted. They headed back to their hotel, each person retreating to their respective rooms to savor a moment of peace before the after-party.Riele entered her room and closed the door, leaning against it for a moment. The plush carpet under her feet felt grounding after the overwhelming rush of the day. She took a deep breath, her mind still replaying the events of the evening—the applause, the bright lights, and Kim’s heartfelt speech thanking them all.When Kim had pulled her into that celebratory kiss, her heart had leaped in her chest. The kiss wasn’t just about winning; it had felt like a culmination of every moment they had fought for. Even now, the memory left her feeling warm and light-headed. She had kissed him back, completely forgetting the cameras, the crowd, and the world beyond thei