Game over . Black had the board on lock , while White was stuck in a hole they couldn't dig out of . One move flipped the script . And Black's play ? It sealed the deal , no question . 3 & ཏྲཱི , 71 % E 20 Eden's move wasn't just clever - it was pure brilliance , leaving everyone stunned by her skills and razor - sharp instincts . Thomas , scratching the back of his head , piped up after Eden dropped a comment . " Eden , you're , like , a chess wizard , huh dabbled in it as a kid , but now it's all a blur ... uh ... " His voice faded out . ' What is up with Jack's face ? ' he thought . Thomas caught Jack staring at the board , eyes wide like he'd seen a ghost . Something major was brewing . Peter glanced over . " Jack ? You good , dude ? " Tall , gangly Jack gripped the table to steady himself , his throat so dry he could barely get words out . After what felt like forever , he finally stammered , voice shaky , " Eden ... how long you been playing chess ? " Eden's thoughts drifted for a second . Chess wasn't her thing growing up , but she'd lucked out meeting a mentor at Ravenhold - a Theonian guy who played like a pro . His name was Edward Cruz . When she first showed up at Ravenhold , he'd been teaching advanced math there for thirty years . Every time she popped by , his desk had a chessboard set up , ready for action . Edward taught math but was a total geek for Theonian poetry . In a school full of all sorts of people , Eden was the only one who could match the poetic lines he tossed out . One random afternoon , Edward looked at her and said , " Hey , kid , wanna learn chess ? I'N show you the ropes . " She was game . She was thirteen , and he called her the most naturally gifted player he'd ever seen . In just two years , she'd soaked up everything he had to teach . After that , he couldn't guide her anymore - she was out there carving her own path across the board . This trip back to Theonia was a spur - of - the - moment deal , and Eden hadn't even had time to give Edward a heads - up or check in on his family here . Jack's jaw - dropped expression made Peter sneak another glance at Eden . 1/3 12:31 Mon , 15 Sept Chapter 11 Word was , Jack , even though he'd enlisted young , was a chess junkie . 71 % The Mendoza family was practically chess royalty - Jack's dad and grandpa were big shots in Theonia's chess scene . When Jack joined the army , his family gave him hell , but growing up in that house , he'd lived and breathed the game . Just last week , fresh off arriving in Drea City as an instructor at Everbright High, he'd nabbed a prize at a city chess tournament . Jack's standards were sky - high , just like his family's . For him to look this floored ? Eden was legit . Eden snapped back to the moment , her lashes flickering . " Almost three years , " she said , cool as ever . " Three years , and you're this good ? " Jack's voice was still wobbly , his eyes bouncing between Eden and the board , practically popping out . " Eden , who taught you to play like that ? " Eden flashed a quick grin and shook her head . " My mentor's last name is Cruz . That's all you're getting outta me . " Jack let out a bummed - out " Aw , man . " With his chess - crazy family , he'd met tons of Theonia's top players , but a master named Cruz ? News to him . ' Maybe a hidden gem ? ' he wondered . Still , he was stoked . Wiping his hand on his jeans , he stuck it out to Eden with a huge grin . " Eden , let's make it official . I'm Jack Mendoza . Wanna be buds ? " His vibe was so genuine , not a hint of arrogance - like he was almost looking up to her . He really wanted to connect . Thomas rubbed his nose , thinking , ' Hold up , you two are , like , a decade apart , and you're already besties after a quick chat ? ' Eden , though , stayed chill as ice . If it were Thomas , he'd have been all over it . Not because he was some starry - eyed kid , but because Jack wasn't just any instructor . The guy was a Mendoza - one of Drea City's five powerhouse families . If Thomas could hit it off with someone like that in two sentences , his dad would stop calling him a screw - up every other day . Eden's lips twitched into a half - smile as she shook Jack's hand . " Nice to meet ya . " She didn't miss a beat , though , tossing out a reminder . " Hey , Mr. Mendoza , don't you guys have training to get to ? " Peter snickered from the side . " Yeah , dude , you're so obsessed with that chessboard , Eden's got you beat in the memory department ! " Outside , the freshmen were still losing it over Eden's insane one mile run , totally clueless that the girl they were hyping 2/3 12:31 Mon , 15 Sept Chapter 11 was currently nudging their drill - sergeant coach to get back to barking orders at them . E Before heading out , Jack made sure to swap contact info with Eden , even inviting her to drop by the Mendoza family's estate sometime . " I'm telling you , my grandpa would totally dig you , " he said . Eden stood at the lounge doorway , sunlight framing her tall , graceful figure . She raised an eyebrow . " No hurry . We'll get our shot . " With the five big families always throwing mixers and parties , there'd be plenty of chances to cross paths . Back on the field for training , the day flew by . Eden was already getting whispers for supposedly throwing down with Sienna , but after this chess stunt , every freshman knew her name . The school forum was lit , with Eden's name blowing up . [ Eden's straight - up unreal . I thought she was some delicate pretty girl , but she came out swinging today ! ] [ I can't even sprint 150 feet as fast as her two - k average . Is she human ? Does she even sweat ? ] [ Sophomore here , been offline . Who's this Eden chick ? ] Tho You know the Wrights , one of Drea City's five big families ? They lost a daughter ten years ago . Guess who's back ? Yup , Eden . ] [ Wait , what ? I thought Julie was the Wrights ' golden girl . Eden showing up must be awkward as hell . ] [ Forget the drama , go look up what Eden's been up to . I'm ready to bow down and call her queen ! ] [ Just checked ... yo , what ?! Is this how rich girls roll now ? Eden's out here like royalty taking back her throne ! ] [ She's a total badass . School's about to get wild . ] [ Wild ? Nah , we're the ones about to get smoked ! ] 20 ) Title: A Boyfriend on Loan, A Real Love on Way Author: CrushReels Genre: Romance, Modern Status: ongoing In "A Boyfriend on Loan, A Real Love on Way" by CrushReels, Felix Lloyd finds himself in a predicament as he seeks to pacify his family's marriage expectations by renting a girlfriend for the holiday season. However, a serendipitous airport mishap leads Kendal Scott, the wrong woman, into his life. As Felix and Kendal navigate this unexpected twist of fate, the novel delves into themes of familial pressure, mistaken identities, and the complexities of modern relationships. CrushReels intricately weaves together elements of romance and contemporary dilemmas to create a compelling narrative that resonates with readers seeking a blend of heartwarming moments and unforeseen connections. What sets "A Boyfriend on Loan, A Real Love on Way" apart is its ability to balance light-hearted humor with poignant insights into the intricacies of human emotions. With its engaging storyline and relatable characters, this ongoing romance promises a captivating read for fans of modern love stories. Experience the unfolding tale of Felix and Kendal at CrushReels and immerse yourself in a world where love finds its way through unexpected avenues. Read online at CrushReels today to discover the enchanting journey awaiting within these digital pages.