---- Chapter 7 Aroughly tied bandage circled my forehead, my eyes struggling to focus through the haze. I pounded on the cellar door with all my strength, once, twice, thrice. "Holly! Dad! Mom! Let me out!" My hands were raw, bloodied from the effort, when I finally heard a stir from above. "Yasmine, you've got two choices. Go back and file for divorce yourself, so I can marry Anthony, or I'll set you up with some guy and seal the deal. Then, let's see if Anthony still wants you, you damaged goods!" What choice did I have? The only sensible thing was to play along and agree to the divorce. "Holly, I'll do it. I'll file for the divorce. Just let me out! A sliver of light pierced the darkness as Holly's face came into view. ---- "Just remember, you better tell them I was the one who saved them back then! Or else..." A sudden pain exploded in my shoulder as Holly, for some unfathomable reason, turned on me and kicked, sending me crashing down the stairs. My back was tingling from the hard smack against the steps, but I clutched my head tight, avoiding any real damage. "No way, you little troublemaker. You wouldn't be saying that if I let you go. You'd probably run straight to some no-good guy," she spat. Hearing that, I pushed through the pain and scrambled to the cellar door. "Holly, I'll do whatever you say. Just please, let me out!" Silence had already settled on the other side. Seconds turned to minutes, and a man's voice drifted in. Gripping an old, rusty pickaxe, I braced myself for a life-or-death struggle as soon as that door swung ---- open. Moonlight trickled in, and I took my chance, swinging hard at the sliver of an opening. However, there was no cry of surprise. Instead, it was like the pickaxe was caught in a vice. I could not yank it free. I ditched the pickaxe, looking for anything else to use, but in my frenzy, I stumbled and ended up on the floor. The footsteps behind me were getting louder. Acold sweat drenched my back as I curled up, cornered and powerless. The pitch-black cellar had me spouting anything that came to mind, a last-ditch plea. "Please, mister, have mercy! I can pay you-ten, twenty thousand dollars. Just let me go, and I'll owe you big time, even in my next life!" "You've been slaving away for twenty years already, isn't that enough? You want to keep it up in your next 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.