Chapter 6 The moment our lips touched , my mind went completely blank , buzzing with static . Click . With the snap of the camera shutter , Dariel let go of me . I stood there , frozen , watching as he accepted the photo and the woven bag from the vendor . He looked at me apologetically . " Elodie's always loved handmade things like this , so ... " The sun blazed down on the scorching sand , but a chill crept up from the soles of my feet . It wasn't just humiliation - I felt deeply ashamed . Dariel , when did you learn to trample on my dignity like this ? Maybe my glare was too sharp , because Dariel suddenly looked flustered . " Sorry , Alexis . I just ... I did it without thinking , like we used to . " My eyes burned , but I said nothing . I simply snatched the kissing photo from his hand and tore it into pieces . Dariel's expression changed . " Why'd you do that ? " I tossed the shreds into the trash . " I don't want it , and you shouldn't keep it either . " He was at a loss for words . 10 520 Chapter 6 288 Vouchers I told myself not to ruin this trip on the very first day . We still needed to part ways with some dignity . We walked along the beach together . The winding shoreline stretched beneath our feet , the waves crashing over the rocks , scattering delicate sprays of foam . I remembered that summer back in high school - vacationing by the sea , walking side by side just like this . Back then , we could talk about anything . Now , after walking for ages , most of the conversation came from Dariel , and I only responded here and there . After a while , he suddenly stopped . I looked over at him , and his eyes were clouded with something I couldn't read . "Alexis , you've changed . " My gaze dimmed . " People change . " A flicker of frustration crossed Dariel's face . " But I get this feeling ... If we split up this time , you'll treat me like a stranger . " A pang shot through my heart , but I forced a calm smile . "How could that be ? Even if we're not husband and wife , we're still friends , still family . That won't change . " He didn't say anything else , but even through dinner , his brow remained furrowed . I knew he was upset , but I didn't have the heart to comfort him . Back in my room , I discovered the keycard system was broken , and the hotel was fully booked . 19 40 % 10 5203 Chapter 6 1280 WVouchers I thought I could just make do for the night , but Dariel wouldn't hear of it . " It's not safe for you to be alone . You should stay in my room . " With that , he grabbed my suitcase and wheeled it to his room . I had no choice but to agree . After a quick shower , I lay down on the bed with my back to Dariel . I couldn't see his face , but I could feel his gaze burning into me . It was like needles on my back , so I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to ignore it . Suddenly , he rolled over and slipped an arm around my waist . I caught his hand and pushed it away . " I'm not cold . " His hand froze midair , his breathing suddenly heavier . For the first time , he held me tightly , refusing to let go . " Didn't you say we're family ? Isn't it normal for a family to hug ? " His voice was hoarse , almost like he was sulking . I had no answer , so I just pressed my face into the pillow and ignored him . Somewhere under the pillow , I felt something vibrating . Dariel , as if a dam had burst , started talking about the past . " When we were kids , I'd have so much fun with you , I never wanted to go home . The adults used to tease me , saying that if I married you someday , we could always be together . I agreed without thinking , and who would've guessed we'd actually get married ? 44.30 10 52 Chapter 6 18 288 хочет " When we took our wedding photos , no matter how the photographer tried to pose us , we just couldn't look like we were madly in love . In the end , we closed our eyes and just took a few shots to get it over with . " On our wedding night , everyone joked about how precious those hours were , telling us to hurry up and get to the honeymoon suite . But we were so comfortable with each other , we just kept laughing as we tried to undress . " As he spoke , all those memories came flooding back . But I knew - no matter how unforgettable the past , it was still the past . " It's been so long , I barely remember anymore . " Dariel's arms tightened around me . " Is it because I'm with Elodie that you're so upset ? " My eyes stung Of course , it hurt , but I could only accept what fate had handed me . Like in " Titanic " -Rose's fiancé was Cal Hockley , but she fell for Jack . Love never makes sense . Even if Dariel and had everything going for us , we still couldn't make it to the end . " I'm not upset . I'm glad you found your true love . " " As for our seven years of marriage , just think of it as a dream you had . " I said the words , but even I didn't believe them . Dariel's breathing seemed to grow heavier in that instant . And then , in the silence , Elodie's voice drifted up from beneath the pillow . 67.49 % 10:52 0 Chapter 6 17 209 Woochers " Dariel , didn't you say Alexis was just your childhood friend ? " My heart skipped a beat . Dariel and I stared at each other in shock , then I instinctively lifted the pillow . Dariel's phone was glowing , still on an active call with Elodie ... 10.52 Title: A Boyfriend on Loan, A Real Love on Way Author: CrushReels Genre: Romance, Modern Status: ongoing In "A Boyfriend on Loan, A Real Love on Way" by CrushReels, Felix Lloyd finds himself in a predicament as he seeks to pacify his family's marriage expectations by renting a girlfriend for the holiday season. However, a serendipitous airport mishap leads Kendal Scott, the wrong woman, into his life. As Felix and Kendal navigate this unexpected twist of fate, the novel delves into themes of familial pressure, mistaken identities, and the complexities of modern relationships. CrushReels intricately weaves together elements of romance and contemporary dilemmas to create a compelling narrative that resonates with readers seeking a blend of heartwarming moments and unforeseen connections. What sets "A Boyfriend on Loan, A Real Love on Way" apart is its ability to balance light-hearted humor with poignant insights into the intricacies of human emotions. With its engaging storyline and relatable characters, this ongoing romance promises a captivating read for fans of modern love stories. Experience the unfolding tale of Felix and Kendal at CrushReels and immerse yourself in a world where love finds its way through unexpected avenues. Read online at CrushReels today to discover the enchanting journey awaiting within these digital pages.