---- Chapter 9 Mom's eyes were puffy from crying. The second she saw me, she almost collapsed. Dad looked calm, but his hands-tucked into his sleeves-were shaking hard. "My baby." When Mom hugged me, I finally broke. Robin laid out everything-my condition, what they did to me. My parents' faces kept cycling through rage. "They're monsters. How could they do this to my Kayla? We're not letting this slide." They dove into every way to take Bryson down. Ijust listened, crushed with regret-but yeah, I finally felt safe. se Bryson had just found out the entire Eastwood family ---- had rolled into Crellan City. No way was he about to face them-especially not Kayla. So he told Lily to apologize for him. He still thought Kayla had a soft spot for him. That if he played it right, she'd come running back. Lily shot that down fast. She hadn't shown her face in high society since the last disaster. One more apology? No thanks. "Bryson, the Eastwoods don't even live here. They're not actually gonna go to war with you. So Kayla left- whatever. You juggled her for years because of me. Now we can finally be together." She leaned in. He shoved her off. After all that, she still had the audacity to say that. For the first time, Bryson saw it- Kayla would've never been this dumb. ---- He started second-guessing everything. Was it really worth taking one of Kayla's kidneys for some childhood crush? "Bryson, how could you push me?" Lily stomped and reached for him again. He shoved her off, disgusted, and walked out. "You're the reason my life's a disaster. Don't wanna apologize? Whatever. But I'm never marrying you. Kayla's the only one who could ever be my wife." It wasn't about guilt anymore. It was strategy now. Aclassy, loaded fiancée-or a walking disaster? Even an idiot could do that math. "Bryson!" Her scream chased him down the hall. He rubbed his temples and picked up speed. Just minutes ago, his assistant called. Half the companies in Seaport were cutting him off. That's when it hit him-his so-called success? All ---- thanks to Kayla. And everyone back home knew the Eastwoods had lined up a jaw-dropping wedding gift for their youngest. "How was I this stupid? Kayla was the only one I ever loved." Panic set in. He called Kayla. No answer. So he went straight to Robin. No hesitation-just dove in. "T'm sorry, Ms. Eastwood. Please, let me talk to Kayla. There's been so many misunderstandings. I've always loved her. "Lily? She's just a manipulator trying to wreck what Kayla and I had. I never wanted her. I only helped her because of old ties. "Please, help me explain. You don't want your sister miserable, right?" Title: ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance Status: ongoing Embark on an exhilarating journey alongside Luke Charles Stafford as he navigates from the heartland of the Midwest to the glitzy realm of Hollywood in "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" by CrushReel. This ongoing romantic tale delves into the intertwined lives of characters amidst contrasting backdrops, promising a narrative rich in depth and emotion. Within this captivating episode, Luke's transition from a quaint Midwestern setting to the bustling streets of Hollywood unveils layers of personal growth and unforeseen encounters. As he grapples with newfound challenges and connections, themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery intertwine to create a tapestry of emotions that resonate with readers on a profound level. "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" stands out through its nuanced portrayal of relationships and the pursuit of dreams against a backdrop of contrasting landscapes. CrushReel's expertise in crafting authentic characters and evocative settings ensures a reading experience that transcends traditional romance narratives. Immerse yourself in this spellbinding story, available to read at CrushReel, and witness firsthand the magnetic pull of fate as it weaves its intricate web through the lives of Luke and those around him. Experience the magic of "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" as it unfolds online at CrushReel, inviting you to explore the depths of love and ambition in a world where paths cross and destinies collide.