---- Chapter 12 No Turning Back Selena stood with her head tilted back, her clothes rumpled and unkempt. A slender cigarette dangled between her fingers, its smoke curling around her face, veiling everything but the sorrow etched between her brows. It had been some time since I last saw them. Both mother and daughter looked thinner-frail, even -like a stiff breeze might knock them over. I pretended not to see them and moved to walk past. "Colin, you're finally back." Selena stepped in front of me, her voice laced with tangled emotions and fatigue. I didn't waste words. "What do you want?" She gave me a weak, bitter smile. 'Is there really no chance left for us?" I glanced into the distance and replied coolly, " Selena, we ended a long time ago. There's nothing left between us." ---- This was a woman I had once loved with everything I had, for more than ten years. But now, with that love finally spent and gone, my heart was still, like a quiet well. Liking her felt like something from another lifetime. A single tear slid down her cheek. Her lips parted slightly, her voice soft and broken. " I'm sorry... All these years, I was the one who failed you. I know I don't deserve your love anymore, but I also know no one else in this world will ever treat me the way you did. I can't live without you. Colin... Please, let's not get divorced." Once upon a time, seeing her cry like this would have broken me. But now, there wasn't even a flicker of sympathy left-only exhaustion and the urge to be done with it. I smiled and stepped back to create space between us. "Don't bother. I can't force myself to feel something that isn't there anymore. Let's end this cleanly." Then, I looked toward Evie, ready to cut the last ---- remaining tie. ''Now that the divorce is done, let's end our father-daughter relationship, too. And don't worry-when I'm old, I won't expect you to take care of me. I'll put it in writing." I exhaled, feeling lighter than I had in years. Evie burst into tears, shaking her head violently. She nearly dropped to her knees. "No, Daddy! I don't want to stop being your daughter!" Beside her, Selena silently wiped her tears, her voice barely audible. "So, you really mean it. You don't want us anymore." With the sun setting behind me, I turned and walked away, never looking back. Eventually, Selena signed the papers, and the divorce was finalized. The days that followed were calm. I threw myself into work, and life took on a quiet, steady rhythm. Peaceful. Grounded. Then, on an ordinary day, I overheard someone ---- gossiping about the eldest daughter of the well- known Sorrell family-how she had fallen into depression, attempted suicide at home, and failed. She had ended up in a vegetative state. Her daughter had been so frightened that she had tumbled down the stairs and broken her leg. And as for that man, Skyler-he vanished overnight. No one knew where he went. Ismiled but said nothing because I didn't care. Above me, the sun was shining-warm, steady, and within reach. My life was moving forward, and it was full of light. 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.