Chapter 1 Alanna coughed blood as the boot slammed into her ribs again. "Still acting like a princess?" the inmate sneered, twisting her arm until something snapped. "Your fiancé Alfred paid good money to see you broken," the other growled, shoving Alanna's face into the filthy toilet water. She thrashed, lungs screaming- "Heard the mighty Alanna Perry never got her hands dirty," they laughed as she gasped for air. Blood trickled into her eyes. She smiled. Three years. Every scar Alfred bought for her- She'd return them tenfold. The cell door clanged open. "Prisoner 9027-RELEASED." The day Alanna Perry got out of prison was a beautiful sunny day. Stepping through the iron gate that had confined her for three years, the sunlight outside was so glaring she could barely open her eyes. A black Maybach pulled up in front of her. The window slid down, revealing a man with an extraordinarily handsome face. "Get in the car!" Alanna was stunned. The sight of him made her eyes burn. This was Alfred Murphy, her fiancé she'd loved for six years, the same man who'd helped put her behind bars. Thanks to his special attention, she'd endured hell in prison. More than once, she'd nearly died in there. Her voice came out hoarse. "Alfred you came to pick me up?" "Since when do you call me by my first name?" His expression darkened with contempt. "Still think of yourself as the heiress of the Perry family? You've got no shame." Alanna's lips parted, but no words came. The undisguised disgust and disdain in Alfred's eyes greatly hurt her. Right. She was nothing now. The higher she'd once soared, the harder she'd crashed. The New York Perry family's pampered daughter for twenty years turned out to be an imposter, which was no longer a big secret locally. "You stole Karlie's life for twenty years. Was it too much to let her have a little more? This is how you repay kindness?" "She's not blood-related. That low-class breeding runs too deep in her veins. You can't domesticate trash." "You heartless bitch. The world would be better off without you." Overnight, heaven became hell. The abuse came one after another, engulfing her. A few tears and accusations from Karlie Perry were all it took for them to turn on her and easily send her to prison. But what had she actually done wrong? Why did no one ever listen to her explanation? "I said get in the car. Are you deaf?" Alfred's impatient voice cut through the air again. Alanna came to her senses, looking confused. "Where are you taking me?" Three years in prison had taught her to read people. The once-carefree princess now survived by anticipating others' whims. Alfred hated her so much. How could he possibly come to pick her up with good intentions? 1041 5.00 Menu < Chapter 1 "Stop wasting my time." Alfred yanked the car door open and shoved her inside with brutal force. Later, he slid in after her and said in a commanding tone, "Take off your clothes!" Alanna shivered, arms instinctively crossing over her chest. Alfred sneered at the gesture. "What? You think I'd touch you now?" Alanna stayed silent. Alfred threw a piece of clothing at her. "You're filthy, Alanna. Just looking at you makes me sick. The only reason I'm here is because Karlie's in trouble." Something in his words snapped her back to focus. "What happened to her?" "She's got a rare blood disorder. Needs a bone marrow transplant, and you're a match." Alanna went rigid. She then recalled the medical check-up in prison a few days ago. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "Y-You…" "This is what you owe Karlie," Alfred said coldly, his face gloomy. Tears welled up as she choked out, "I served three years! What more do you want from me?" "Three years?" He let out a derisive snort. "That doesn't even begin to make up for what you did to Karlie. Be grateful we're only asking for your marrow. If it were up to me, you'd trade your life for hers, and even that'd be mercy." Alanna's lips trembled. She couldn't reconcile this cruel man with the one who'd once whispered sweet promises. "Alfred… I could die. You know I've always been fragile…" "Then die!" Alfred cut her off coldly. "You owe Karlie this. You don't get to negotiate." Survival instinct kicked in. She lunged for the door handle. Alfred forcefully pulled her back, causing her head to hit the glass hard, instantly making her dizzy. "Don't force me to get rough with a woman!" he hissed, fingers digging into her jaw. "Change your damn clothes. Karlie's waiting at the hospital." Title: ReelTalk EP 40 - Contract Lovers & Heartbreak CrushReel's ongoing romance series, Miss You After Goodbye, continues to captivate on the latest ReelTalk episode. Haley Lohrli dives into her daring new character, while Ben and Josh share insights into their own memorable roles, promising a blend of laughter and heartwarming moments. Exploring themes of love, loss, and unexpected connections, this episode delves deep into the intricate relationships that drive the narrative forward. As the stars reveal their on-screen chemistry and off-screen camaraderie, viewers are in for a treat with each unfolding scene. What sets this episode apart is its ability to balance humor with poignant storytelling, offering a refreshing take on modern romance dynamics. Dive into the world of Contract Lovers & Heartbreak, available to read at CrushReel for a journey that promises both entertainment and emotional resonance.