Chapter 8 I thought I had plenty of time with Caleb . But I still wanted to finish the charms quickly so I could give them to him in person . I wasnt sure if hed like the scent of roses , so I bought some other dried flowers too . I embroidered three different designs for him : a protective cross with delicate Celtic knotwork , a vintage compass and a silver gray guardian wolf . After I finished , I strung them together and held them up to the gentle sunlight filtering through my window . I imagined what Calebs reaction would be when he saw them . After getting off the bus , I eagerly ran to Calebs neighborhood . But when I arrived , workers were carrying furniture and boxes into his house . I froze in place , my heart sinking like a stone . I slowly approached and quietly asked a young woman standing nearby , Excuse me , wheres the person who used to live here ? Oh , he moved out . I think it was a few days ago . … Okay . I nodded numbly and turned away . I sat on a bench , taking a long time to process the fact that Caleb was gone . Why had he left without saying a word ? Werent we … friends ? My vision blurred with tears . The gift bag in my hand felt like it weighed a thousand pounds . Why was it that just when I got comfortable with your presence , you left me like everyone else ? Face blank , I wiped my tears with the back of my hand and tossed the gift into the nearest trash can . 16:11 No More Chasing My Crush : How Fate Played Cupid With Me 6.4 % Chapter 1 That night , heavy rain poured down . I stared blankly out the window , Calebys name lit up my phone screen . I hovered over the call button . newered , what would I even say ? Ask him why he left without a word ? Maybe to him , I was just some girl hed pursued on a whim . Not worth even a goodbye . I suddenly realized what a joke I was . Like I never learn my lesson . A knock at the door snapped me back to reality . When I opened it , there stood Lucas soaking wet and looking utterly miserable and wronged . Did you forget todays my birthday ? I wondered if the old Sophie would have forgiven him . I honestly dont know . But the current me sadly realized I felt nothing for him anymore . In that moment , I remembered a saying : Sometimes a person stands before you , absolutely nothing , not even anger … thats when its really over . and you feel He looked at me with reddened eyes . Sophie , its my birthday . You promised youd be there for every birthday . I was exhausted . Happy birthday . Is that enough ? Im sorry , Sophie . Are you still mad at me ? He grabbed my hand and pulled it hard across his cheek I winced . Newtons third law in action my hand stung sharply . Then he tried to force my hand across his other cheek , but I yanked it back , hissing coldly , If you want to have a meltdown , go back to your own house . Dont do it here . Lucas had very fair skin , and a deep red handprint appeared on his face . I didnt care whether he was in pain . I was only worried the handprint would cause trouble for me . 6.7 % Chapter 8 He opened and closed his mouth , raindrops dripping steadily from his hair . I messed up , he said hoarsely . I … I dont even know why I acted that way . By the time I wanted to make amends , youd already transferred . Later , I went to The Harvey School to find you , but there was some guy talking to you at the window and I … I lost it . Those things I said I didnt mean them . Forget it , I sighed softly as a wave of exhaustion swept over me . Lucas stared at me , his face turning pale . I gave a bitter little laugh . With your influence , Lucas , it wouldnt have been hard to find out who really posted that gossip . As I said this , Lucas dropped his head in obvious pain . You already guessed who it was . We grew up together you know I wouldnt stoop to doing something that disgusting . Lucas , it wasnt that you didnt believe me . Its that you chose to believe I was guilty . Lila wanted people to see her as your girlfriend . She wanted to drive a wedge between us , and make sure everyone knew she mattered more than your childhood friend . And you allowed her . I looked coldly at his heartbroken expression . Lucas … you made your choice from the very beginning . So why are you here now ? ( 1 ) Title: CEO's Wife Spoiled by Three Big Shot Brothers Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, Billionaire, CEO, Sweet Romance, Modern, Romantic, Hidden Feelings, Office Status: ongoing In "CEO's Wife Spoiled by Three Big Shot Brothers" by CrushReel, a twist of fate leads the daughter of a wealthy family to grow up in the care of another. Upon discovering her true lineage, she returns to her biological family and finds herself embraced by three influential brothers. Caught between two worlds, our protagonist navigates hidden emotions and familial bonds that transcend wealth and status. As she unravels the secrets of her past, love blossoms amidst the backdrop of corporate intrigue and personal growth. This captivating romance novel blends themes of self-discovery with the allure of forbidden love. With a modern setting and a touch of sweet romance, "CEO's Wife Spoiled by Three Big Shot Brothers" promises readers a journey filled with passion and intrigue. Available to read at CrushReel.