Chapter 1 The year James Richards and I were at our purest . To protect me , he took three blades : one slashed his brow , one crippled his ankle , and one carved into his back . Everyone said James loved me like his very life . Until another woman , Freya Lewis , heavy with child , came knocking at my door . " You must be Lola Thomas . " She flung a stack of photos into my face . " James hasn't loved you in a long time . Do yourself a favor , get out . " In those pictures , James's eyes were impossibly tender . I looked out at the rain as it poured harder , lifted my hand , and her scream blended into the storm as she left one last curse . " James will make you pay ! " But I only looked coldly at James , who sat across from me , ready to pass judgment . " Sign the papers . " " I find you filthy . " " Lola ! " James sat across from me now , with henchmen he had raised by his side. His bodyguards filled the wide hall . This was intimidation rather than a negotiation . I watched as James tamped down his fury , tapping the table . " Freya's still in the ICU . " The perfect angle of light fell across the scar on his brow , making it all the more striking . " She's innocent , " James said , his low voice heavy with menace . " She's only twenty . You nearly destroyed her . Do you know what the doctors told me ? " " They said she may never bear children for the rest of her life . " Chapter 1 10.00 % His words blended with the steady drumming of rain on the window . It brought back the echo of her dying curse that day . " James will make you pay ! " " So , " I met his storm - dark eyes and handed my teacup to a servant . " You brought all this firepower to stand up for her ? " " What is it ? " I laughed , finding it absurd . " Do you want half my life , or do you want my womb , to make up for her inability to be a mother ? " Pulling the blanket closer , I watched my butler , Bradley Morrow , turn up the heat . I met James's gaze . " And who the hell is the bitch ? Does she really deserve you storming in here , demanding justice ? James Richards , have you forgotten ? The one who stood by you through everything was me , not her . So what is it ? Are you ready to turn on me for her sake , or to take my life tonight ? " My voice was steady , unhurried . Reading the room , Bradley drew his gun and leveled it at James's head . His men tensed , but James only laughed . " Lola , the days of blood and fire are behind us . I'm not here to fight . " He shoved aside the divorce papers I'd prepared . " Divorce is an exhausting battle . I won't agree to that . But you must apologize to her yourself . If not , don't blame me when things get ugly . " James rose from the sofa , walked straight to Bradley , and caught his wrist , pressing the barrel to his own forehead . " Gun on me ? " " As if you could . " When James yanked Bradley's wrist outward , a crisp , sickening crack of bone echoed through the room .. But in the same breath , a scream tore from his henchman , the fruit knife from my table found its way into the poor one's thigh . James's eyes widened in disbelief as I smiled . " My men hold back out of respect for me , James . But that doesn't mean you can lay a hand on them . " I stepped up to him , pried his hand open finger by finger , and forced it away . Chapter 1 10.00 % And I knew . This was the end of whatever love there had been between us . Later , while the doctor set Bradley's broken bone , Bradley still seethed with anger . " Miss , after all the hell you went through standing by the bastard , you're really going to let them spit in your face like this ? " Chanter 1 In the latest episode titled "ReelTalk EP24-Surviving Bullying & Navigating Mental Health" by CrushReel, a poignant narrative unfolds between Autumn Noel and her confidante Amanda Liguori as they delve into the depths of mental health struggles. Autumn bravely shares her journey of overcoming bullying, shedding light on the impact of online harassment and the resilience needed to navigate such challenges. This raw and authentic conversation not only resonates with those facing similar adversities but also highlights the importance of seeking support during vulnerable times. As the story unfolds in this ongoing romance series, the bond between Autumn and Amanda deepens, showcasing the power of friendship in confronting personal battles. Through their candid exchange, themes of courage, empathy, and self-discovery resonate strongly, adding layers of depth to this heartwarming narrative. The unique blend of vulnerability and strength portrayed by the characters sets this episode apart, offering a refreshing take on mental health awareness within the romance genre. What sets this episode apart is its genuine portrayal of complex emotions and its unwavering commitment to authenticity. Available to read at CrushReel, this compelling exploration of resilience and friendship serves as a beacon of hope for readers navigating their own struggles.