---- Chapter 11 The alpha and Keith had been on the case, and at last, they uncovered the truth. Joan had known about Keith and me all along. She was scared I would show up and wreck her big day. So, she convinced Daniel to snatch me away. What she had not counted on was Daniel's greed, turning him into a killer for the right price. When Keith found out, he was livid. He kicked Joan out of the pack without a second thought, making sure she paid dearly for what she had done to me. Daniel got tricked into a scheme that left him drowning in debt. Debt collectors got their hands on him, beat him toa pulp, and tossed him to the sharks. After the dust settled, my body was taken to the funeral home I had picked out for myself a while back. That was when Keith learned of my secret battle with ---- a deadly illness. He handled my last rites like he was numb, keeping my phony mother at bay while cremating me himself. He had been through that grim routine once before when Silvia passed, so he knew the drill. Keith felt like a rusted machine, going through the motions without a flicker of emotion-no tears, no smiles. It was not until my ashes were sealed in an urn that Keith's knees buckled, and he had to catch himself against the wall. He could not put into words what he was feeling. Everything screamed that I was gone, yet he could not wrap his head around it. On the funeral day, a mysterious woman in black, hiding behind dark sunglasses, made her appearance. She strode up to Keith without bothering to take off her sunglasses, her posture radiating confidence. With a swift motion, she slapped him right across the ---- face. Keith's reaction was surprisingly subdued. He just nudged his cheek with his tongue and gave her a detached look. The sight of him, so devoid of life, infuriated her. Ina flash, she ripped off her sunglasses, revealing her stunning face, her eyes blazing with anger as she yelled, "Keith, do you even remember your promise? You swore you'd look after Elsie, how could you let her down?" That's my best friend, Luciana. The second she got the news of my death, she raced back to our pack, only to realize she had missed the chance to see my face one last time. Years ago, heartache had driven her away, vowing never to return to that place of sadness. However, she never thought she had come back because I was gone. Becoming friends was a surprise to us both. I was the ---- calm and laid-back one, while she was all fire and passion, always seeking out the buzz of life. Keith remembered her well. Back in college, Luciana was always there, supporting my relationship with Keith. We were a trio, always seen together, and Keith could not help but feel a twinge of jealousy over Luciana. He was my devoted boyfriend, and Luciana was my treasured friend. I had insisted that she had to be at our bonding ceremony. None of us could have imagined that our next meeting would be like that, with everything so utterly changed. For the first time, Keith's stoic face showed a flicker of pain as he grappled with his feelings. "T failed her... I couldn't keep her safe." That night, Keith and Luciana kept vigil by my grave. They went through my things, knowing that from now on, those items would be all they had to remember me by. 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.