---- Chapter 2 The End Of What Was Ours The moment those words left my mouth, neither mother nor daughter on the couch so much as blinked. In fact, they looked at me like I was the one being unreasonable. "Colin, do you really have to blow this out of proportion?" Selena's voice was calm, even condescending. "You were the one in the wrong. We just had you spend a night outside to cool off. What's the big deal?" I opened my mouth but couldn't bring myself to speak. She said it so lightly, as if it were nothing. As if she had forgotten how cold it got up north this time of year. Ihad stood outside in a thunderstorm for hours, waiting for the two of them. Then I spent the rest of the night on the streets, soaked and shivering. The fever hit, and it turned into pneumonia. It wasn't them who helped me-it was a stranger who took pity ---- and called the ambulance. If they hadn't... I might not have made it through the night. I smiled bitterly and shook my head. "There's nothing left to say. Just sign the papers." Selena looked genuinely surprised. All these years, she was the only one who ever brought up divorce during her tantrums. She never expected me to be the one to say it first. "Colin, do you even know what you're doing?" My body still felt wrecked from the fever, but I forced myself to stand upright and kept my tone steady. "I know exactly what I'm doing. This marriage isn't worth holding onto anymore." Selena had always been the type who expected to be adored, to be the center of everyone's world. So, when I stood my ground, her face twisted with anger. "Fine! Let's get divorced!" She snatched the divorce papers and hurled them at me, hitting me square in the face. "Colin, a man like you doesn't deserve someone like me! You've got no ---- money, no status-I can't wait to see how you survive without me! And don't even think about taking our daughter. Evie stays with me. I'm not letting her grow up in some rundown shack with a loser like you!" Right then, Evie ran over and clung to her mother's leg, shouting at the top of her lungs. "Only someone handsome and gentle like Uncle Skyler is good enough for Mommy! He plays the piano, and he teaches me how to dive-unlike you, who can't do anything. You're not my daddy anymore! Get out of our house!" The child looked so much like me-same features, same expressions-but every word that came out of her mouth stabbed straight through my chest. If this had happened in the past, I probably would have cried my heart out. But now, I felt nothing. Just one clear thought: whatever bond we once had as father and daughter, it was gone. "Don't worry," I said quietly. "I'm not fighting you for custody." 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.