---- Chapter 2 The Brown family was not thrilled with the message, but they clenched their jaws and agreed. That night, the wedding presents arrived at our doorstep, and Holly paraded her designer watch from one end of the village to the other. By the flickering light of a kerosene lamp, my parents counted out 12,000 dollars in cash, handling it so much that it began to show signs of wear. However, they only gave me an old piece of fabric, yellowed with age. I spent the entire night with the sewing machine the Browns had given us, rushing to make a shirt anda dress. Holly mocked me and said, "Are you making that for yourself? You're already someone else's problem. If you ruin this sewing machine, what's Mom going to use to sew my new clothes?" After cutting the final thread, I went back to my room ---- in silence, only to find Holly's blank papers spread out before her. I laughed softly to myself. 'Holly, you can't even imagine the struggles it takes to get an education in the city." Because our village was poor and remote, there were no good teachers at all. My parents urged me to come home and work the fields, but I was determined to carve my own path, doggedly questioning the village's educated youths. When they all left for the city, leaving no one to guide me, I trudged for miles to the nearest town in my tattered shoes, just to borrow study materials. While tending to the cattle in the mountains, I would steal moments under a tree, nibbling on bread and washing it down with cold water as I read my books. It was nothing but work and study, and that was howI managed to get into a prestigious city university. My parents liked to brag, conveniently leaving out the ---- part about my struggles, claiming that our family was just lucky and that I got into university by merely glancing at the textbooks. Holly took their words to heart, convinced she was a genius who could ace the university entrance just by cramming at the last minute. She clutched my workbook like it was a magic key to success, unaware that without putting in the hard work, she could never escape a poor family that devoured hope. Before I knew it, the day had arrived for me to marry Anthony. Anthony's parents had arranged a little get-together at a city restaurant-a place my parents had never set foot in before. Holly eyed their nervous shuffling with a sneer. "This place? It's a far cry from the Golden Goose Restaurant in Nebula City." She was right. It was nothing like the high-rolling days of her previous life, flush with bribe money. 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.