Chapter 26 Chapter 26 It was nearly 11 p.m. , yet , the streets were still clogged with relentless traffic . We crawled forward in heavy silence , the weight of unspoken words filling the space between us . My phone kept buzzing with incoming messages , each one slicing through the fragile quiet . I glanced down , seeing Rolin's name flash on the screen . He'd sent me the documents he promised earlier . Leo must've noticed because he suddenly started honking furiously , even though the car ahead hadn't budged . " Put your phone on silent , " he ordered , his voice chillingly cold . I sighed , reluctantly complying as I silenced the notifications . Frustrated and restless , I opened Rolin's file , hoping it would distract me from the suffocating silence in the car . This is a video recording of my participation in a piano competition . In the picture , I was dressed in an elegant white dress , immersed in a melodious melody with a brisk yet focused posture , playing every note with seriousness and affection . Despite being asked to mute them , I couldn't help but marvel at them , each play reflecting the musical talent I once possessed . On top of that , there are some business proposals and project details inside the file . As if seeing my thoughts , Rolin messaged again , almost too perfectly timed . [ What do you think ? Not too shabby , right ? ] [ Want to give it a try ? How about fulfilling the dream you had then ? You have one month . Impress me and you can be a partner . ] [ And trust me , the bonuses are nothing to scoff at . ] Temptation gnawed at me , real and undeniable . Suddenly , it hit me - Why I had envied Rolin and Emma so fiercely . They had something I'd lost long ago - passion for their own lives . In my pursuit of Leo's dreams , I'd let mine slip away . But now , for the first time in years , something beyond him him finally felt more important . Chapter 27 Chapter 27 In "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die" by CrushReel, Zoe Hale takes a daring step by marrying Ashton Cross, a man under suspicion for her sister's mysterious demise. As their relationship evolves, hidden truths unravel, intertwining love and suspense in this captivating romance novel. Exploring the complexities of loyalty and deception, the story delves deep into Zoe's quest for justice while navigating the unexpected twists of her heart. The enigmatic bond between Zoe and Ashton unfolds against a backdrop of secrets and revelations, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each turn of the page. Set in a blend of romance and drama, "Cross My Heart and Hope to Die" stands out for its intricate character dynamics and the seamless fusion of passion and intrigue. With every chapter, CrushReel skillfully crafts a narrative that immerses readers in a world where love confronts darkness, leaving them yearning for more. Discover the enthralling saga of Zoe and Ashton, available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in this unique tale that defies conventions and promises an unforgettable literary experience.