Chapter 2 Return to the Vaughan Family Andres pressed his fingers to his brow , his face weary . Mere Ive been working non stop , with no time to rest . Who am I doing all this for ? When I finally had a moment today , I came to see you right away , and this is what I get over a bracelet ? Keira laughed bitterly , her anger almost beyond words . Youre working for yourself , Andres . Thats the truth . Youve never turned down anyone , so why are you blaming me ? Andres , seeing that she still wasnt backing down , let his expression harden completely . Keira , have I spoiled you too much ? Dont think just because I love you , you can act like this ! From now on , stop all your work . Go home and cool off . When youve calmed down and know what to say and what not to say , then you can come back . Say that again ? Keira thought shed misheard him . Andres spoke again , his voice cold . Stop everything youre working on . When youre calm , then come back . Your movie project , the one youre handling , your assistant will take over for now . Keiras body swayed . What right do you have to do that ? She took a deep breath , steadying herself . I can give up on other things . But this movie project , I fought hard for it and signed the deal myself . You dont have the right to take it from me . Andres chuckled sharply , as if he had just heard a ridiculous joke . You signed the deal ? With what ? If it werent for my connections , do you really think the project head would even give you a second glance? Keira , do you really think so highly of yourself ? Keira took a long , hard look at him , as if she were seeing him for the first time . You think I used your connections ? She couldnt believe what she was hearing . Andres , how could you be so heartless ? I built you up from scratch . Every resource you have , I fought for it And now youre telling me Im only here because of you ? Andres face remained impassive . Keira , are you going to talk about the past now ? The old you wouldnt let me throw a tantrum like this , would you ? Keira took a step back , her face drained of color . Andres noticed the change in her expression and felt Kiki , stop it . No one can replace your place in my heart . a slight pang of regret . Keira found the words ridiculous . What about Marlee ? Where does she fit into that ? Andres patience , which had already been worn thin , cracked again . How many times do I have to say it ? I only think of her as a little sister . She covered her eyes with her hand , trying to push down the bitter feeling rising in her chest . Andres , stop deceiving yourself . Since Marlee came back , since you started thinking about 1.6 % Chapter 2 Return to the Vaughan Fami Menu replacing me as your manager , Ive already stopped being irreplaceable to Andres anger flared again . Dont drag Marlee into this . Replacing you as my manager has nothing to do with her . I need fashion resources , and the new person has them . You know I hate repeating myself , but for you , Ive said it over and over again . Is it not enough for you ? Besides , after you stepped down as my manager , you had more time to develop your career as a director and photographer , didnt you ? You think I did all this for you ? Keiras laugh was empty , bitter . Did he think hed done something for her? At the time , when Andres had wanted to work with that new manager , he had already been thinking about removing Keira . But he hadnt known how to bring it up . Keira had realized this . In order for him to secure the resources , she had volunteered to step down as his manager . But now , he was telling her hed done it for her ? Suddenly , Keira wasnt what she had spent sure spent the past five years doing . Andres had never seen her like this before . Her eyes were red , filled with self doubt . But there was a sharpness to her that made him uneasy He reached for her , but he only ended up hurting her deeper . He hated this version of Keira . The girl he had raised , the one who was supposed to be pure and elegant , now seemed to have grown too sharp , too bitter . his Kiki , stop it , he muttered , pinching his brow to suppress frustration . You like the bracelet , dont you ? Fine , Ill get it for you in a couple of days . Keira felt like she had been very serious , but he just brushed it off . She had said so much , yet in Andres eyes , all of it was just her throwing a tantrum : She wasnt even fighting for something real , just a bracelet . But that bracelet was the last straw for her . Andres saw that she wasnt responding . He spoke again , his tone colder now . You want to keep being my manager ? Fine , after things stabilize in a couple of years , Ill give you your position . Her tone was bitter as she responded . I dont want any of it Along with it , she didnt want him either . Andres irritation flared again . Then what do you want ? A proposal ? Fine , Ill propose to you the end of this year . Well get engaged and married next year . Keiras smile was hollow , but it wasnt the smile she had once dreamed of . 76 % Chapter 2 Return to the Vaughan Farnd Menu The future she had hoped for , the one she had once longed for , now seemed like something she didnt want at all . Shaking her head slowly , she answered , I dont want it anymore . Andres stood there , silent , watching her . His patience had worn out completely . She lifted her eyes to meet his , speaking slowly and deliberately . I just want to break up . Andres heart squeezed tight . Before he could even think , his hands were around her neck . Keira , you really are stubborn ! She closed her eyes . Tears started falling , silently , down her cheeks . The teardrops burned his skin as they fell on his hand . He jerked his hand back in shock , realizing what he had done . the 7 years he had known Keira , five of them as lovers , he had never seen her cry . It unsettled him , but it only lasted for a moment . He was sure Keira loved him . He was sure she wouldnt leave him . Kiki , Ive spoiled you too much over the years . Thats why you think you can just throw around a breakup like its nothing . Youre upset . But your work is still on hold . Go home and think it through , then come back when youre ready . It was like a command . With that , he turned and walked out . Keira stood still , unable to move , her mind in a daze . Just then , a message from WhatsApp popped up unexpectedly . It was from the head of Andres team . Keira , all your work is on hold . The movie project youve been following will be temporarily handed over to your assistant . She received the same message again . Keira found it amusing . She didnt want to be here anymore . She dragged her feet towards the door At the end of the hallway , she could hear gossip from inside a room . Did Andres really stop all of Keiras work ? Of course . I heard it loud and clear . She always flaunted her power because Mr. Finley liked her . Now lets see how she acts without that . I told you , shes just an orphan . She shouldnt even be here . Now that her work is paused , Andres will kick her out soon . Its only a matter of time . A woman stood up and crossed paths with Keira , catching her eye . Isnt this Andres favorite employee ? She spilled her tea on Keira with a smirk . Sorry , my fault . Keira smashed the cup at her feet , her anger rising . The woman , who was in charge of public relations for Andres team , had always been jealous of 1.6 % Chapter 2 Return to the Vaughan Fami … Menu Keira , holding a grudge against her for being close to Andres . Whats your problem ? the woman screamed . Youve been suspended . Its only a matter of time before youre kicked out . A stray dog has no right to bark ! Keira looked coldly at her . Is that what you think ? Youre just waiting to replace me , arent you ? How dare you ! Youre going to be disappointed , Keira sneered , Did you see todays news ? Whether Im here or not , youll never get your chance . The womans face turned red with anger . Keira glanced at the others watching , then turned to walk away . She walked towards to door . Youre just as useless as me . What have you gained after all these years ? A dog thats been discarded . Whats there to be proud of ? Keiras steps faltered and her heart clenched , the words sinking in like a knife . Her mood darkened . She immediately hailed a taxi , heading back to her place . Warner Estate was the most famous wealthy district in California . You didnt have the right to buy a house here even if had lots of money . you If people who knew Keira saw her here , theyd surely mock her . But at the gate , the security guards greeted her respectfully . Miss Hardin , welcome back . She nodded politely , walking slowly toward the center of the property . This wasnt her home . It was Uncle Kamden Vaughans house . The Vaughan family was the wealthiest in the country . Keiras parents were old friends of Kamdens brother . After her parents passed away , they took her in . Although she was adopted , the Vaughan family treated her like one of their own , but she couldnt bring herself to enjoy it . The Vaughans were full of self made , strong individuals . Keira had wanted to build her own career , to prove she was worthy of the familys kindness . She hadnt lived here in a long time . But today , it felt like she had lost her way It seemed like the Vaughan family was the only place she had left . In "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die" by CrushReel, Zoe Hale takes a daring step by marrying Ashton Cross, a man under suspicion for her sister's mysterious demise. As their relationship evolves, hidden truths unravel, intertwining love and suspense in this captivating romance novel. Exploring the complexities of loyalty and deception, the story delves deep into Zoe's quest for justice while navigating the unexpected twists of her heart. The enigmatic bond between Zoe and Ashton unfolds against a backdrop of secrets and revelations, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each turn of the page. Set in a blend of romance and drama, "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die" stands out for its intricate character dynamics and the seamless fusion of passion and intrigue. With every chapter, CrushReel skillfully crafts a narrative that immerses readers in a world where love confronts darkness, leaving them yearning for more. Discover the enthralling saga of Zoe and Ashton, available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in this unique tale that defies conventions and promises an unforgettable literary experience.