Chapter 17 I didn't answer him. I didn't want to discuss those things in front of my parents. They had wanted me to be happy, wanted Carter to treat me kindly. Knowing I'd been kept out of the Foster home for seven years would only break their hearts. But Carter continued talking, almost to himself: "A year after you disappeared, Mom and Dad passed away. Shortly after they died, I found Vanessa at their cemetery." "She was four then, the same age you were. Her face even resembled yours a little." "She was sitting on Mom's grave, hugging the headstone as she slept. She was homeless." "Eleanor, after I brought her home, for many years... for many years..." "I felt like Mom and Dad had somehow sent you back to me." As he spoke, his hands trembled as he covered his face. "I thought I could have it both ways." "I could bring you back, take care of you, and still look after her too." 11 I just wanted to spend a quiet moment with my parents' memory before leaving this place when morning came. Carter's constant talking was becoming irritating. I couldn't help glancing at him: "Could you please stop? I don't want to hear this." Carter's eyes reddened: "Eleanor, I failed. I disappointed you, didn't I?" "Even though... even though the coin flip wasn't my fault." His last sentence revealed his continued self-deception and inability to face his mistakes. I looked at my parents' photographs one last time, then turned to leave the room. Carter hurried after me: "But it will be different now." Chapter 17 "Eleanor, I promise it will be different." "If you don't want to move back here, I'll move to your place." "I'll be with you every day, taking care of you properly." I walked out the front door. Behind me, Vanessa's shrill voice rang out: "You can't move out! I won't let you!" Then came Carter's angry rebuke: 'Didn't I say to keep her upstairs?" A family member answered sheepishly: 'She... she climbed out the window." What followed was a chaotic mixture of scolding, arguing, and crying. General Miller's driver was waiting outside with the car. Carter, his arm firmly gripped by Vanessa, called out desperately: 'Eleanor, I'll keep my word this time!" 'I'll move to your place tonight!" Without hesitation, I got in the car and left. That afternoon, I boarded the train heading south with Preston and the Millers. As we entered the station, I thought I heard someone calling my name-a familiar voice filled with anxiety ind panic: 'Eleanor... Eleanor!" [ turned around. In the distance, I thought I saw Carter's face. The figure wavered, then disappeared in the surging crowd of the waiting hall. When I looked again, he was gone-almost like a momentary hallucination. I turned back and followed Preston through the ticket gate. In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.