Jessica's death didn't cause much of a ripple in my life. I didn't even attend her funeral. I was too busy with my one-hundred-million-dollar mis- sion. I used the money to establish a charitable foundation in Echo's name. Its sole purpose was to fund talented young people held back by pover- ty. People just like James had been. On the day of the foundation's launch, I held a small press conference. James, as the company's CEO, stood by my side. Under the flash of the cameras, he reached out and, for the first time, took my hand in his. His palm was warm and steady. "Carol," he leaned in and whispered, "thank you." I knew he wasn't just thanking me for the foundation. He was thanking me for everything I had done for him, for the company. I smiled. "Don't thank me. We're partners." "More than partners," he said, his gaze intense. "Carol, can I... pursue you?" My heart skipped a beat. This was happening sooner than I'd expected. Instead of answering directly, I asked him, "Aren't you curious? About where all my money comes from?" He shook his head. "No." "Why not?" "Because I trust you," he said, his voice unwavering. "I trust that you're a good person. That's enough." My eyes stung. It was just like him in our last life. Unconditional trust, unwavering support. No matter what I did, he was always there, standing right behind me. "Okay," I said. One word, but it held the weight of a lifetime. From that day on, everything changed. He began to court me with a sweet, clumsy earnestness. He would pick me up from work every day, bring me lunches he'd cooked himself, and take me to the movies on weekends. We were like any other couple in love. Except our dates were a little more expensive. My spending missions continued their relentless climb. Two hundred million, four hundred million, eight hundred million... the numbers beca- me terrifying. I began investing on a massive scale. Renewable energy, biotechnology, artificial intelligence-I bought into every cutting-edge field that repre- sented the future. With the system's rebates, I built a sprawling business empire. And James's Echo was the crown jewel of that empire. It had become a household name, a social media giant valued in the billions. James himself had gone from a broke student to the youngest self-made billionaire on the Forbes list. The day he proposed, he rented out the entire Ferris wheel on the riverfront. As our car reached the very top, the glittering city lights spread out beneath us like a carpet of diamonds. He got down on one knee and presented me with a ring. It wasn't some massive, flawless diamond. It was a simple, elegant platinum band he had designed himself, forged in the shape of intertwined lines of code. "Carol," he said, looking up at me, his eyes reflecting the city lights. "I know there's nothing in this world you can't have. So the only thing I can offer you is this." "A heart that will beat only for you, forever." I smiled and held out my hand. "I will." We were married on a private island, with only our closest friends and family. Jessica's parents were there. They looked much older, worn down by grief. They approached me and bowed deeply. "Carol, we're so sorry," her father said, his voice raspy. "We were wrong about you." "We understand now," her mother added. "Jessica... she was trapped by her own obsessions. It was our greed, our indulgence, that ruined her." Looking at their graying hair, I felt a complex mix of emotions. "It's all in the past," I said. And it was. The bitterness of the last life, the conflicts of this one-it had all washed away. After the ceremony, James and I walked along the beach, the setting sun stretching our shadows long across the sand. "What are you thinking about?" he asked. "I was just thinking... what would have happened if there was no system?" He stopped and turned to face me. "There are no what-ifs," he said softly. "Even if there was no system, even if you weren't some mysterious investor, even if we were just two strangers who passed on the street... I would have fallen for you at first sight." I stared at him, speechless. He pulled me into his arms, his chin resting on my head. "Because you're you. The one and only Carol." Leaning against his chest, listening to the strong, steady rhythm of his heart, I suddenly understood. "Spend & Earn" or "Frugal Living." The system only ever gave us a choice. It was our own hearts that determined our fate. Those consumed by greed will inevitably be destroyed by it. But those with love and light in their hearts will find their way to happiness, no matter which path they walk. And then, for the last time, the system's voice sounded in my head. [Ultimate Mission: Make one purchase for the one you love.] [Mission Reward: Sever system bond. Return to a free life.] I smiled. So this was the final answer. I stood on my toes and pressed my lips to his. "I love you." It was the most valuable purchase I would ever make-for him, and for myself. [Ding! Ultimate Mission complete.] [The "Spend & Earn" system is now unbound.] [Congratulations, Host. You are reborn.] > In the latest episode titled "ReelTalk EP24-Surviving Bullying & Navigating Mental Health" by CrushReel, a poignant narrative unfolds between Autumn Noel and her confidante Amanda Liguori as they delve into the depths of mental health struggles. Autumn bravely shares her journey of overcoming bullying, shedding light on the impact of online harassment and the resilience needed to navigate such challenges. This raw and authentic conversation not only resonates with those facing similar adversities but also highlights the importance of seeking support during vulnerable times. As the story unfolds in this ongoing romance series, the bond between Autumn and Amanda deepens, showcasing the power of friendship in confronting personal battles. Through their candid exchange, themes of courage, empathy, and self-discovery resonate strongly, adding layers of depth to this heartwarming narrative. The unique blend of vulnerability and strength portrayed by the characters sets this episode apart, offering a refreshing take on mental health awareness within the romance genre. What sets this episode apart is its genuine portrayal of complex emotions and its unwavering commitment to authenticity. Available to read at CrushReel, this compelling exploration of resilience and friendship serves as a beacon of hope for readers navigating their own struggles.