Chapter 8 Carter stared at me in utter disbelief. As if his grand gesture of finally allowing me home should have sent me into ecstatic gratitude. I crouched down, carefully picking up the broken pieces of the clay figurine. It was beyond repair, but I still wanted to keep every fragment. The Fosters lingered, muttering polite versions of how ungrateful I was being. I ignored them, but Vanessa just had to push it further. Thinking I wouldn't lash out again, she approached with fake tears: 'I'm so sorry, Eleanor. Let me help you put it back together." She bent down and picked up a piece. I stood up smoothly, snatched the fragment from her hand, and slapped her across the face just as hard as I'd slapped Carter. Vanessa staggered dramatically. As she stumbled backward, she knocked over a porcelain mug on my desk. Then she fell to the floor, the broken ceramic cutting her forehead. The Fosters erupted in panic, rushing to help and comfort her. A few couldn't hold back their criticism of me: 'Eleanor, why are you making such a scene?" Carter saw the blood trickling down Vanessa's forehead and his expression darkened completely. For the first time, he snapped at me: 'I told you I'd get heads on the coin flip! Eleanor, you don't need to take your anger out on Vanessa." The first time I ever struck Vanessa. And just like that, he couldn't even pretend to be kind to me anymore. Vanessa lay on the floor, weakly claiming she felt dizzy. Carter forgot everything else, scooped her up in his arms, and rushed toward the door. Even though her injury was clearly minor. I guess he was right-Vanessa had been pampered by the Fosters since childhood. Unlike me. Everyone followed them out. In seconds, the crowded living room emptied, leaving me completely alone. Chapter 8 In the sudden silence, my heart gradually calmed. It was just like I'd thought when I first arrived seven years ago: I never really had any emotional connection to the Fosters or to Carter. Maybe during these seven years, Carter's pretend care had stirred something in me. The idea of siblings connected by blood had made me hope I could return to the Foster home. Now I knew clearly that nobody truly wanted me here. But at least I could leave. I was an adult now, finished with medical school and already doing my hospital residency. The law couldn't force me to stay with the Fosters anymore. I thought about the letter I'd dropped in the mailbox. I needed to bring that snowball to Preston after all. Suddenly I couldn't wait another minute. Tomorrow, as soon as the train station opened, I'd buy the earliest ticket south to the military base. I desperately wanted to go home-my real home. I wanted to see Preston, to eat Martha Miller's famous pot roast. Seven years ago she promised to make it for me, and I still hadn't gotten to taste it. Preston always said a soldier's word was their bond. Martha was a military wife-she'd keep her promise too. I carefully placed the broken clay pieces into the glass dome and held it close. I stared at it, my eyes stung badly. This place had never been my home. I packed my bags, clutched the glass dome to my chest, and walked out the door. 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.