---- Chapter 11 When I sat up, Stella asked, "Are you okay?" I said nothing. I was caught in the realization I was not allowed to be happy. All the blissful moments I shared with Jolene suddenly seemed like a dream. And now that I had woken up, I must return to the darkness. Stella waited. But since I didn't speak, she slowly approached and sat on my bed, eventually reaching out to feel my temperature. "Don't touch me," I rasped. "I'll get sick whenever you do." Stella paused, her eyes moist with tears-a look the haughty girlboss had never shown me before. She began, "John, I didn't know-" I turned sharply towards her, stopping her as I glared at her under the moon's glow. ---- Even the guilt on her face felt fake to me. "Do you really not know?" I asked quietly, even as I felt the phantom pain on my left foot. "Oh, but I think you do-when it comes to loan sharks, a beating is mercy, while dismemberment is the standard operating procedure. Or you're saying you didn't know that either? "Oh, but I think you knew. But because Uriah painted a picture that you hoped to see, you played dumb." Stella pursed her lips, the guilt showing even clearer on her face. "I made a mistake, John... Can't we just start over?" lignored her and continued, "When I visited Grandpa, he was already really sick. The doctor said he needed surgery right away. But I didn't have the money. "'My parents didn't answer, and when I called you, you snapped at me for not thinking about what I was doing just to get closer to you. "Those rich kids you spoke of -the ones you thought ---- were my friends? They made me lick their shoes and threw a couple hundred dollar bills at my face. They did that just so they could show that a mongrel like me doesn't deserve the great Ms. Lewis. "Because no one gave me any money no matter howI begged, Grandpa died at the hospital. I didn't even have the money to bury him, so I had to go to those loan sharks. I did it because I thought I could afford to repay them anyway. "Tused the money for Grandpa' funeral, but they came chasing me down even before the deadline. "T could run-I could hide, so they threatened to exhume Grandpa and desecrate his corpse. "That's why I had no other choice than to pin all my hopes on you... Stella Lewis. "But as it turns out, it was the worst choice of my life. "Because you had to run your mouth, I suffered for two weeks-made to live like a dog, eat like a dog, tied toa wall like a dog. In "CEO, Those Twins Look Just Like You" by CrushReel, a single mother's life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with a charming playboy who unknowingly holds a billionaire secret. As their worlds collide, secrets unravel and hearts intertwine in this captivating romance novel set in a modern office backdrop. Amidst the challenges of raising twins solo, our protagonist finds herself drawn to the enigmatic playboy, unaware of the wealth and complexity hidden beneath his charismatic facade. The juxtaposition of their contrasting lives sets the stage for a tale of unexpected love, where opposites truly attract in ways neither could have imagined. This sweet romance novel delves into themes of family, identity, and the power of love to transcend social boundaries. With its blend of heartwarming moments and intriguing twists, "CEO, Those Twins Look Just Like You" stands out as a refreshing take on the billionaire CEO trope, offering readers a glimpse into a world where love knows no bounds. Experience the magic of this ongoing story at CrushReel and dive into a narrative that promises to captivate your heart and leave you eagerly awaiting what unfolds next. Read online at CrushReel for a journey that will keep you hooked till the very end.