Chapter 5 Get 5 > Menu I caught him glaring at me in the rearview . Most girls probably wouldve backed down , but thats not my style . I raised my eyebrow and flipped him off , which actually got a smirk out of him . Pretty ballsy for someone who doesnt know jack about this place . I scoffed and rolled my eyes . Theyre all the same anyway . Just another crappy place to call home . Ryan laughed , shaking his head . I dig her attitude . Nobody asked you , Ethan snapped , making me jump . His eyes caught mine again like he just realized how he sounded . Dont get too cozy here . Trust me , I wont . Just passing through . I shot back , rolling my eyes . Ryan seemed cool at first , but Ethan was being a total jerk . Made me wonder about the other two brothers . Would they be as welcoming as this airport crew , or were they gonna try to eat me alive like some twisted fairy tale ? After the most awkward car ride ever , we finally pulled up to these massive black iron gates . The driveway wound through what felt like miles of trees until it opened up to this huge clearing . Thats when I realized this place was way bigger than Id imagined . There were houses spread out everywhere , but the one Ethan was heading to looked like something out of a magazine , standing all fancy against the blue sky . This is really it ? Ryan turned around from the front seat with a smile . Yeah , havent you seen it before ? Nope , I sighed . My father never bothered to show me anything . Never really cared about me anyway . Ryans face scrunched up . What ? As soon as Ethan parked , he bailed didnt even look back , just slammed 1.42 % Mery the door and booked it inside like I had the plague . At least Ryan stuck around . Maybe one of them wouldnt totally hate my guts , I climbed out slowly and headed to the trunk where Ryan was grabbing my bags . For what ? He looked confused , then just shut the trunk and started walking away . Seriously ? Youre not gonna help ? I called after him . He turned back with this fake smile . Your dad just said to get you here in one piece . Didnt say anything about playing butler once we got here . Youll figure it out . So much for being nice . Turned out he was just as big a jerk as Ethan . Groaning , I grabbed my two huge suitcases and threw my backpack over my shoulder . Getting these bags inside was gonna be a pain , but whatever Id figure something out . The second I walked through the front door , there was my stepmom , giving me the side eye with this totally fake smile . Was wondering what took so long . We dont mess around in this house . Were all grown ups here being on time matters . Sure thing , Alice , I said , keeping my voice flat and watching her face get even tighter . Its Vicky . Her tone went from fake nice to pissed faster than you could blink . So where am I crashing ? I looked around the huge two story house , trying to figure how Id get my stuff upstairs . , Oh , youre not staying in the main house , Emily . We fixed up the cottage out back for you . Figured youd want your own space . Vicky looked way too happy about sticking me as far away as possible from her and Dad . Works for me … which way ? She seemed annoyed that I wasnt bothered, 1.57 % for 5 Get 5 > Menu but instead of starting something , she just turned and I followed . At the back door , she pointed to this little brown and white cottage way at the end of their massive yard . It was sitting right by the woods , looking kind of magical honestly . I forgot all about Vicky and just started walking toward it . Suddenly my bags didnt ⚫ feel so heavy , and all that drama with the welcome wagon didnt seem to matter anymore . 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.