---- Chapter 8 Two years on, Anthony's stellar performance earned him a promotion to Chief of Staff. My business was booming, breaking into international markets. I had set up a pearl shop in numerous malls and toyed with the idea of launching my own brand. Anthony backed me all the way, but the long stretches apart were wearing on him. He was dead set ona transfer back to Riverton. We argued over that, but I was the one who lectured him. "Don't you see? If you transfer now, all the hardship on Darak Island will have been for nothing. You're a year away from finishing. Can't you stick it out?" "Tt's been too long without you. I miss you, honey." I massaged my temples and shot him a look. "Suck it up. We're waiting another year. Even if you were in Riverton, I'm swamped with the brand right now!" ---- Anthony caved, though not without a pout. A year later, he got the call up to the capital. He contemplated deeply before ringing me up. "Babe, what do you think about setting up the brand's headquarters in the capital?" I could not help but chuckle into the receiver. "Sounds like a plan!" My in-laws had settled into the bustling life of the capital, and when the new year rolled around, we gathered for a heartwarming reunion dinner. I slipped away to fetch two gifts wrapped in soft velvet -a pearl necklace for my mother-in-law and a sleek brooch for my father-in-law. My father-in-law, who had since retired, often donned his best suit to twirl my mother-in-law around the dance floor. The jewelry was just a small token, but their grins were so wide they nearly split their faces. "Yasmine, you're a gem, way better than that rascal ---- Anthony. You're our little angel!" they exclaimed. Anthony, pushing thirty and still the family clown, pulled silly faces behind his mother's back, trying to get a rise out of me. "Of course. Yasmine's the golden child, and I'm just the stray you picked up," he quipped with a wink. A brief pang of jealousy nipped at me, and I playfully waved it away. Amidst the laughter, my mother-in-law's expression shifted as she remembered something. "Yasmine, dear, Holly came looking for you, didn't she? Is everything okay?" I sobered up, assuring her, ''Don't worry, Mom. Holly won't be bothering me again." After I had paid her back, Holly had tossed aside her college dreams to chase fortunes in Eastbridge City, diving headfirst into the stock market. She thought she would strike it rich with her so- called previous life's wisdom, but the stock market 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.