Chapter 5 For a thousand nights in prison, when despair nearly consumed her, this locket had been her lifeline. It was as if a voice was constantly cheering her on in her ear. "You can do this." "Believe in yourself. You're the best!" "Keep fighting and wake up tomorrow." And so, she endured, day after grueling day until freedom came. Alexander was taken aback. Upon looking down, he saw three scratches on the back of his hand. "Mr. Murphy saved you when you collapsed," Randy interjected. "Is this how you repay kindness?" He immediately shut up when Alexander shot him a warning glare. Alanna suddenly remembered the figure before she fainted, muttering in surprise, "It's you…" The white sheer curtains behind him billowed in the breeze. Bathed in sunlight, the man seemed edged with a faint golden halo. His deep-set eyes, high nose bridge, and sharply defined lips were flawlessly sculpted. Beneath his immaculately styled black hair, a pair of gold-rimmed glasses sat, reflecting a dignified and aloof air mixed with the shrewdness of a businessman, as well as an innately powerful presence. Even his voice carried a magnetic quality, pleasant to the ears. "Lie still or you'll get backflow in your IV." Alanna stared blankly at the IV in the back of her hand, momentarily disoriented. "Is it worth getting so worked up over something so worthless?" Alexander suddenly asked. Her brows furrowed instantly, clearly disliking his dismissive tone. Clutching the locket protectively, she muttered, "A friend gave it to me." Alexander's gaze was fixed firmly on her face. "Just a friend?" "A very, very important friend," she emphasized with solemn precision. The corner of his mouth twitched upward. "I see." "Um, sorry to interrupt." Jaylon appeared with antiseptic and cotton swabs. His 6'3″ frame stood between Alanna and Alexander. "She scratched y Alexander's smirk vanished. "That's unnecessary." "Bullshit. In this heat, untreated scratches get infected." Alexander furrowed his brows and pushed Jaylon away. And at that moment, the room's TV flashed breaking news. 1 you. Let me clean that." "At today, a multi-vehicle collision occurred on Longive Street, resulting in 2 fatalities and 6 injuries. Rescue operations and investigations are ongoing." Just as Jaylon was about to comment on the recent increase in car accidents, Alexander solemnly said to Alanna, "Thank you for saving my life today." Jaylon looked bewildered. "That's my daily commute route," Alexander explained calmly. "If you hadn't collapsed and delayed me, I'd likely be in that pileup right now." Jaylon glanced at Randy, who then looked back at Alexander. Just as Randy was about to muster the courage to say something, a warning glance from his boss made him stay silent. "Tell me what you want, and I'll make it happen." Jaylon and Randy exchanged glances of pure disbelief. 1042 25.0% < Chapter 5 Was this the cold-hearted Alexander they knew? His attitude towards Alanna was gentler than that toward a kindergarten kid. Alanna was equally stunned. If not for the man's impeccable demeanor, she'd have suspected some elaborate scam. Menu "Sir, you're too kind," she said carefully. "I'm no savior. If anything, I should thank you. Could your assistant share his contact info? I'll repay the medical bills once I have the funds." She had only a few hundred dollars on her, and this private hospital was outrageously expensive, not something an ordinary person could afford. "You're my savior. How could I take your money?" Alexander smiled, took out a business card from his pocket, and handed it to her. "You can contact me directly if you need anything." Alanna lowered her head and read the embossed characters: Alexander Murphy. The moment the syllables left her lips, a bolt of recognition struck. Her head jerked up in shock. "The head of the Alexander Group, Alfred's uncle." < Chapter 6 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.