The "EX" Factor のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 61 - チャプター 70

I was late. As I rushed across the busy pavement, the city in which I was standing buzzed with activity and vibrated with vitality. SoHo was in full swing, with galleries staging shows, art collectors weaving in and out of coffee shops, and the unmistakable buzz of creative minds. SoHo was a bustling neighborhood. Even though the big opening of my gallery was only a few days away, the weight of the final touches seemed to increase with each step that I took. In spite of the fact that today was meant to be about promotion and networking, my thoughts was too preoccupied with recent happenings.I felt as though I was caught between old flames after Caleb's abrupt reappearance, his approaches, and Tyler's clumsy attempts to reinsert himself in my life. The mystery love letters just made things more confusing than they already were. These letters had been arriving on a daily basis, and each one seemed to be that much more personal than the one that came before it. It was as though som

The rain fell steadily while I stood at the gallery's front window, watching the rivulets streak down the glass. My thoughts were still jumbled from yesterday's chat with Owen and the enigmatic, unfinished business of the letters. I attempted to concentrate on classifying pieces for an upcoming display, but the gnawing anxiety wouldn't let go. A harsh knock on the door made me jump. I turned to see Tyler standing just outside, his hair drenched from the rain and his hands stuffed into his coat pockets. He did not appear casual; rather, he appeared resolute, the set of his jaw indicating trouble. I sighed and unlocked the door. "Tyler," I said, keeping my tone calm. "What are you doing here?" He stepped inside, shaking water off his coat. "We need to talk." I pointed to the seating area near the gallery's back corner, directing him away from the front, where any visitors may notice us. I could sense his stress from the time we sat down. "Okay," I replied, folding my arms

As I sat in the corner booth of the small café, my fingers were tight around a hot mug of coffee. In my mind, I kept going over what Tyler had said about Caleb. It was clear that last night's sleep for me wasn't good. When the doorbell rang, my heart skipped a beat, and I looked up, hoping Bella would hurry. She replied right away to my earlier SMS, which was almost meaningless. "Don't move. I'll be there."When the door opened again, she ran in with her bag around her wrist and half of her coat off. Even though Bella looked a little upset and had her dark hair in a messy bun, her worried eyes went straight to me. "What's wrong?" She slid into the seat across from me and tossed her bag aside, saying, "You look like you've seen a ghost." I ran a hand through my hair and admitted, "I don't even know where to start." Before I could stop them, the words came out. "That's Caleb." Bella knitted her brows together and leaned closer. "How about him? Did he do something?"Her unflinchi

The faint strains of instrumental jazz playing in the background blended with the gentle hum of conversation that filled the gallery. The subtle tang of paint and varnish blended with the aroma of freshly made coffee from the tiny corner cafe. A pair strolled about the room, whispering to one other and pointing to the pieces on exhibit. A pen was clicking absently against a notepad while I sat at my desk by the window. My cell buzzed and clattered on the wood floor. My stomach turned when Caleb's name appeared on the screen. I just stared at it for a while. I pushed the side button without giving it any thought, and I saw the call end up in voicemail. Even though I felt a lot of guilt, it wasn't enough to stop the doubts from eating away at me. I couldn't get Bella's remarks out of my thoughts from our café conversation: "Sam, there's something strange about him." The whispered phone conversation I heard, the rumors.. I wasn't sure if I wanted to put the puzzle pieces toget

The Wills event was every bit as lavish as I expected. The massive hall of the Park Royal Hotel had been transformed into an very beautiful space with crystal chandeliers fitting the elegantly attired guests in a warm, golden light. A breathtaking view of the city skyline, with lights glistening like a sea of diamonds, was provided by floor-to-ceiling windows. Towering flower centerpieces adorned tables covered in white silk linens, their exquisite aroma mingling with the subtle hint of champagne in the air. The evening was a charity gala, a usual Wills family event, and the guests came dressed to impress. The women shimmered in beautiful dresses, their laughing bouncing off the marble floors, while the men looked brilliant in cut tuxedos. A live orchestra performed softly in the background, adding a touch of timeless sophistication to an already magnificent setting. I stood at the door, my arm linked with Tyler's, feeling out of place despite the stunning gown Bella had enc