---- Chapter 9 Ihadn't expected Harold to find us here. He stood across the street, eyes bloodshot and unshaven. His voice was hoarse as he called out, " Honey... Yvette..." Yvette looked up, worry clouding her face. "Mommy... I gently patted her head. "Go inside. Don't be late. Don't worry. I'll be fine." I turned to face Harold only after watching Yvette disappear through the door. Harold looked like he had rushed over, as he hadn't brought any luggage. "Honey, I went to your company, and HR said you quit. Then I went to Yvette's school, and her teacher said she transferred. You two-" Icut him off. "Mr. Jefferson, first of all, I'm not your wife anymore, so stop calling me 'honey.' We both ---- signed the divorce papers, and the mandatory waiting period ends in two days. "As for Yvette, you're connected by blood. If she still wants to acknowledge you as her dad, I won't stop her. But if she doesn't, then I won't let you disturb her. " Harold was gasping for air, his eyes bloodshot. "When. did we even..." As if something suddenly dawned on him, his pupils shrank sharply. "That insurance policy..." I nodded, expressionless. "Yes. That insurance policy was the divorce agreement." Harold stared at me in disbelief. "Why?" I said calmly, "Why? Harold, do you really think you're able to care for so many people? Every time you chose to leave me and Yvette for Susan and Jacob, did it never cross your mind that this day would come? "Do you know how happy Yvette was when she heard you might come to her parent-teacher meeting? ---- Harold, how could you? "She's your biological daughter. How could you keep abandoning her, over and over again, for someone else's child?" Harold's face turned ashen. He still tried to defend himself. "I didn't..." I sneered, then calmly pulled out my phone and played the recording for him. It had all been a coincidence. One day, I went to the hospital to find Harold, only to overhear a conversation between Susan and Jacob. That was when I realized that this so-called "severe depression " had been nothing but a lie. From the phone came Jacob's childish voice. ''Mom, I don't want to stay in the hospital anymore. I want to go back to school. None of my friends talk to me now." Then Susan's voice followed. "Jacob, we have nothing left. We have to hold on to Mr. Jefferson. If he stops caring about us, we'll really have nowhere to go." 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.