---- Chapter 7 The Wrong Daughter Behind me, Selena stomped her feet in frustration when she saw how calm I remained. Eventually, I found Mia and pulled out the homemade cookies I had brought for her. The little girl lit up with delight. "Wow, Uncle Colin! These are amazing. They're the best cookies I've ever had!" She immediately started sharing them with her classmates. One of the other kids, sweet-tongued and full of praise, chirped, "Mia, Mr. Jonas is awesome. I'm so jealous!" Mia puffed up proudly. "Of course he is! Uncle Colin's not just a great cook-he works in medicine and helps save people's lives. He's a real hero!" Seeing the pride and joy on Mia's face warmed my heart in a way I had never felt with Evie. Her teacher once told me she hadn't eaten enough at school. I panicked and rushed to make a carefully packed lunch with fresh juice, then delivered it myself. ---- But right in front of me, Evie dumped the entire thing into the trash. Angry and petulant, she snapped, "I don't want to eat this stuff! I want to go to that restaurant Uncle Skyler took me to! And stop bringing me cheap food to school. If my classmates see it, they'll laugh at me!" I couldn't believe those words came from my own daughter. Later, I found out she even told her classmates I was just the family chauffeur, all because she thought I was embarrassing. Soon, the sports day began, and I stood in the bleachers, cheering for Mia. It was a relay. I spotted Evie on the opposing team, standing confidently at the front of the lineup. She was stretching, clearly determined to win. Evie had always been fiercely competitive, obsessed with being first in everything. I used to worry about how it might affect her and would try to guide her ---- patiently. "Evie, it's not about winning. What matters most is that you enjoy yourself." She would frown and look at me like I was spewing nonsense. "I want to win! Just like Uncle Skyler. No wonder you're such a loser-you always need Mommy's help." The look of disgust she gave me was pure Selena. Not far off in the bleachers, I could see Selena and Skyler watching Evie from the sidelines. At the sound of the starting gun, I turned my attention back to Mia, tracking her through the race. The race ended quickly. No surprise- Evie came in first again. Selena and Skyler immediately rushed forward to celebrate. It was then that Evie noticed me. Her face briefly flashed with surprise before a smug satisfaction took over, as if she was anticipating my praise. But I didn't stop. I walked right past her. The three of them stood frozen, watching as I made ---- my way to a quiet corner where Mia sat, dejected over the loss. She had her head down, and I kneeled beside her. " Mia, you did great," I said gently. She looked up at me, uncertain. "Really?" I nodded. "Of course. What counts is that you gave it your all. Come on, let's go home. I'll make you something delicious." Her eyes sparkled at the mention of food. "Yes!" I took her hand, and we started walking away, only to be stopped by Selena's sharp voice, dripping with indignation. "Colin, what the hell is wrong with you? Your own daughter just came in first, and instead of acknowledging it, you run off to pamper someone else's kid? Are you insane?" Skyler followed with his usual feigned concern. " Colin, this really isn't right. What kind of father acts like this? You're going to break Evie's heart." Title: ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance Status: ongoing Embark on an exhilarating journey alongside Luke Charles Stafford as he navigates from the heartland of the Midwest to the glitzy realm of Hollywood in "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" by CrushReel. This ongoing romantic tale delves into the intertwined lives of characters amidst contrasting backdrops, promising a narrative rich in depth and emotion. Within this captivating episode, Luke's transition from a quaint Midwestern setting to the bustling streets of Hollywood unveils layers of personal growth and unforeseen encounters. As he grapples with newfound challenges and connections, themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery intertwine to create a tapestry of emotions that resonate with readers on a profound level. "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" stands out through its nuanced portrayal of relationships and the pursuit of dreams against a backdrop of contrasting landscapes. CrushReel's expertise in crafting authentic characters and evocative settings ensures a reading experience that transcends traditional romance narratives. Immerse yourself in this spellbinding story, available to read at CrushReel, and witness firsthand the magnetic pull of fate as it weaves its intricate web through the lives of Luke and those around him. Experience the magic of "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" as it unfolds online at CrushReel, inviting you to explore the depths of love and ambition in a world where paths cross and destinies collide.