---- Chapter 4 I hurried over to Anthony, and the warmth in his eyes made me let out a relieved breath. "Did it work out?" I asked. "It's done!" I tore open the envelope to find a transfer order to Darak Island. It was not quite what I had hoped for, and a wave of disappointment washed over me. I looked up at him, " So, you still have to leave?" Anthony gave my head a gentle pat, trying to sound upbeat. "This is a pretty good outcome, you know. Being a soldier means facing some tough times." I got where he was coming from, but worry gnawed at me. "Why are you so concerned about where I'm posted? Look, you don't have to tag along. The island's no picnic, but you can stay back at the base, get a job, or ---- even hit the books for college. It's all up to you." His voice was free of any blame, so earnest that I was thrown off balance. "What are you saying? It's not the hardship I mind, it's just that I'm scared for you..." "Scared of what for me?" With a tilt of his head, Anthony's face was suddenly close, his breath warm on my skin. My thoughts scattered to the wind. "T'm scared you won't make it back." Anthony paused, a look of surprise on his face. " Yasmine, do you believe in second chances at life?" I gazed deep into his eyes, feeling myself drawn in, and my hunch was spot on. Anthony had come back to life too. He confessed, "In our previous life, I didn't marry you, it was Holly. Your parents claimed she was my ---- savior, but I just couldn't warm up to her. That's why, when the time came to move on, I asked to be sent to the coldest, most remote outpost, hoping to get away from her. Sure enough, she couldn't stand the bleakness of the frontier and hightailed it back to Riverton in no time. "After she went back home, she conned a bunch of people out of their money, pretending she could help them get a good position under my dad's influence. However, she didn't have the power, and not even my dad could cover it. The whole scheme came crashing down, and before we could clear things up, my dad was wrongfully locked up and died in jail. "Twas seething, but I remembered that she saved my mom and me once, so I couldn't go through with anything harsh. I just asked for a divorce and sent her packing." As he got to that part of the story, Anthony's shoulders shook. I wrapped my arms around him, letting him keep talking, his voice close to my ear. 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.