---- Chapter 4 A Dream Too Long Iheard her gasp in shock on the other end, but I didn't stop. "Do us both a favor and find time to finalize the divorce at the courthouse." Iended the call the moment I finished speaking, then I blocked her on every app. That night, I slept better than I had in years. Still, I had a dream. It was long and winding, stretching all the way back to when I was eighteen. Back then, I had just been accepted into college. Money was tight, so I picked up a tutoring job to help pay for tuition. Because of my grades, I landed a position with the prestigious Sorrell family, teaching their youngest daughter, Selena's little sister. I remembered it so clearly-the first time I met Selena. She came striding in wearing a biker jacket, her chestnut hair catching the sunlight, wild and dazzling. She was everything I wasn't-loud, bright, fearless. In an instant, I was drawn to her like a moth ---- toa flame. People always fell for what they lacked. While I stood there staring, she was already walking out of sight, laughing as she hopped onto the back of a guy's motorcycle. That guy was Skyler-her first love. The one she never let go of. The one she never stopped loving. Later, the Shire family lost everything overnight, and Skyler was forced to leave the country and live with relatives abroad. Their love story ended quietly-no closure, no goodbye. Over time, Selena and I started spending more time together. I saw her drink alone till sunrise over Skyler. I saw her fight with her family over and over because of him. And I was always just... quietly there. I stayed by her side through all those reckless nights, and all the love I had for her stayed buried deep. 1 never confessed it, not until the Sorrell family laid ---- down the law and forced her into an arranged marriage. That night, she got drunk again. Ihad just brought her home and was getting ready to leave when she looked at me through teary eyes and begged me not to go. Her perfume lingered faintly in the air between us. And just like that, we crossed a line that couldn't be undone. The next day, Selena asked me to marry her. Of course, I knew she didn't truly love me. But I couldn't say no-not to her. Not even then. At the time, I was just a low-salaried office worker. Selena, used to a life of privilege, insisted we move in with her family. I agreed, thinking that was what a good husband would do. People called me a leech, a man living off a woman. The truth was, I never spent a single cent of Selena's money. After we got married, I changed everything for her. I learned whatever she needed me to. I cooked, cleaned, 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.