Chapter 7 Ambrose paused , caught off guard . A flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes as he asked , " How did you know ? " My heart leapt . Without thinking , my eyes turned toward the study . " I spotted your passport on the desk , " I admitted . " It was a bit of a wild guess . " Following my gaze , he nodded thoughtfully . " They made the arrangements , but I'm not in a hurry . " After a moment of silence , he turned to face me . " If you don't want me to go , I won't . " I quickly shook my head . " You just found your birth parents . I'd never ask you to stay behind because of me . " Still , a subtle curiosity welled up inside my chest , and I asked , " Can I meet them ? " Ambrose met my eyes . " Of course . Will you come with me tomorrow ? " I never expected Ambrose's biological parents to possess such power and influence . They had even reserved an entire banquet hall for the gathering . Ambrose himself wore a flawlessly tailored suit . Seeing how everyone fawned over him , I couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy . When his parents finally arrived , everything became clear at once - Ambrose was the Talerico family's long - lost heir . With his arm linked through mine , he walked me over to his parents , John Talerico and Patricia Green . Feeling flustered , I greeted them awkwardly . John and Patricia , however , were warm and gracious , showering me with smiles and compliments . For a brief moment , I felt dizzy . It was a sharp contrast to the coldness Jolene showed me in my past life . The guests gathered in small clusters , engaging in hushed conversations . Many of them couldn't help but steal glances at Ambrose and me . One particular gaze in the crowd made my skin crawl . But each time I glanced around , it disappeared without a trace . After a few glasses of wine , Ambrose was led onto the stage by John and Patricia . Watching him shine under the spotlight , I couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness . Then , taking advantage of a brief interval , I quietly slipped away to the restroom . But the moment I stepped outside , a shadow suddenly cornered me . It was Emmett , wearing a black suit . Though his face was pale , his eyes blazed into me like twin flames Chapter 7 2/2 나 His voice was thick with sarcasm as he spat , " So , it's true . You're nothing more than a gold digger . In your past life , you used my family as a means to an end . Now that you've found someone better , you can't wait to climb even higher . " Your love is nothing but cheap and hollow , " he hissed through clenched teeth . A sharp stab hit my heart , but I forced myself to remain calm . Suddenly , his hand clenched around my wrist . The pressure was nearly unbearable . " Living in my home for seven years must have been such a heavy burden for you . " All that sweet - talking was nothing more than a trick to fool my mother and steal the little money my family gave you , wasn't it ? " His twisted words dredged up all the resentment and humiliation I had buried deep inside for years . Though my voice trembled , each word rang out clear and sharp . " Yes ! I'm sick of your cold stares and being treated like I'm nothing but a servant ! " So what if I don't want to see you anymore ? I've got a better choice now . Why wouldn't I go for it ? " Emmett's eyes locked onto me , smoldering with anger . His lips quivered , as if a storm of words fought to burst free . Nonetheless , he swallowed them , choking back every scream . The silence was shattered only by his sharp , uneven breaths . A heavy sadness sank into my chest . I couldn't deny how selfish I'd been in my past life . At the beginning , I'd signed that marriage contract out of fear of poverty . But as time passed , my feelings for Emmett became genuine . Who could I possibly justify that to now ? Still , I was already done with him . Though my heart had grown numb , every word I spoke came from its depths . I took a deep breath . " Emmett , this is who I am . Now , you can see the truth clearly . But why are you so angry ? Isn't this exactly the outcome you were hoping for ? " He stiffened , as though on the verge of saying something more . 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.