---- Chapter 9 No Longer My Daughter She looked at me with tearful eyes, lips trembling as she called out, "Daddy, I haven't eaten all day... My stomach really hurts." But I stood there, unmoved. "Daddy, can you make me some tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich?" This time, I walked right past her, pulling out my keys to unlock the door. "No," I said, my tone firm. Evie froze, finally realizing I wasn't joking. "But Daddy, didn't you use to love me the most? You can't just leave me like this." I let out a short laugh and shot back, "And why not? Why should I care about you? I'm not your dad anymore, Evie. Your custody belongs to Selena now. You were the one who said you wanted to stay with her. You told me to get out of your life." Panic crept into her eyes. She scrambled up from the ground and tried to grab my arm. "Daddy, even if you ---- and Mommy are divorced, we're still blood. We're still father and daughter." Yeah. That was exactly why I had cherished her like a treasure for the past ten years. I gave her everything. But in the end, she wasn't worth it. Evie's gaze shifted to Mia standing beside me, her expression turning even more confused and hurt. " What about her? Why does she get to live here?" I looked at her plainly, without a hint of emotion. " You're nothing like Mia. Evie, I'll say this one last time -you're not my daughter anymore. We have nothing to do with each other. Don't come here again, and stop messing with my life." Every word was cold and deliberate. Evie's eyes brimmed with tears. She stared at me, devastated, like her whole world had just collapsed. That was when Selena showed up. She pulled Evie into her arms and whispered, "Colin, how could you be so heartless to us?" ---- It was laughable. Really. Like some cruel joke. After everything-after all the ways they had taken advantage of my love, hurt me without guilt, without consequence-now they had the nerve to ask me why? The only response they got was the heavy slam of the door, but they didn't give up. They stood there, pounding on the door again and again like they could force their way back into my life. Then came a sudden crack of thunder, followed by a downpour, just like that stormy night when I had once waited for them in vain. lignored the noise outside and slept soundly. The next day, I was in the kitchen making breakfast for Mia when there came a louder knock at the door, followed by a woman's frantic cries. "Colin! Our daughter has a fever-she's delirious! Please, take us to the hospital! I'm begging you, come out! Evie can't hold on!" It was a rare quiet weekend morning. I didn't even ---- flinch. Selena had countless ways to get Evie to a hospital. She didn't need me. My heart remained cold and untouched. Eventually, the noise outside stopped. Selena must have given up and left. Hours later, her assistant called to say Evie still had a high fever. Even in her sleep, she kept calling out for her daddy. They asked if I could come to the hospital, just for a bit. I didn't even hesitate. I said no. For ten years, Selena never lifted a finger for the day- to-day burdens at home. I did it all, every last detail. So, the moment I stepped out of the picture, everything began to unravel. Not long after, the chaos at home cost Selena two major deals at her company, and the board suspended her. 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.