---- Chapter 9 A New Beginning Well, that was sad. I never thought she would run into this kind of disaster. Still, that was none of my business. She was paying the price of her stupidity, and it was steep, from the looks of it. It was a crucial time for the research, and the whole team was never as serious as it was. Everyone was looking forward to success. I spent all my time in the lab now. Yes, even when I slept. I was going to close my eyes, but then my ears caught the sounds of footsteps. My heart started to race. Though I knew full well I was safe in the lab, my heart kept telling me otherwise. We could not afford any deviation now. Just when I was about to capture the intruder, a blanket fell on me. It was a gesture from Natalie. My heart calmed down. Natalie tiptoed around and tucked me in, then she sat by my side and talked to herself. I overheard all her little secrets, including the crush she had. Alas, it bore ---- no fruit. Ihad no idea that someone had her eyes on me all this time, but then again, I only had eyes for Lorelei back then. Natalie worked hard in her studies just to close the gap between us. She did all that just to become someone worthy of me. My equal. She did it, of course. Her name and mine-we were known as geniuses among our cohort. They said we were rivals and a perfect match at the same time. It was a shame I got married down the line. That marked the end of her crush, but then I was forced to retire from the frontlines, and the divorce followed soon enough. That was the spark she needed. She mustered her courage to approach me. She said, " I knew I could never fall for someone else from the moment I saw you, Jonathan. I thought we'd never end up together, but now you're divorced, and... Well, I just think maybe we have a shot at this." I pretended like I was asleep, and I quietly turned around just to hide the tears around my eyes. It took ---- mea while, but I realized I was worthy of love. I deserved to be treated nicely. The next morning, I woke up only to find everyone busy at work. Natalie's focus was all on her research. What happened the night before almost felt like a dream. The only proof that it was real was the blanket on me. I was smart enough not to ask who covered me with the blanket. She never brought it up either. This was our own little secret. A year later, the chip was made and thrown into use. We finished our mission two years earlier than expected, and the leader was more than happy with our performance. He sent us on a vacation to let loose. Natalie and I got really cozy during the trip. Our teammates expected us to become a thing, so we began to prepare our wedding once the trip was over. ---- During the preparation, we got a house and jobs as rewards. Natalie and I would work as teachers in our alma mater, so we had to leave Astoria. Before that, however, my former teammates insisted on seeing my wife, so to speak. I couldn't possibly say no, so I brought Natalie along for the visit. We met up ina small restaurant, and my former teammates wouldn't stop calling her 'Mrs. Olivier.' I chided them playfully. Then the food came, and we dug in. The gathering came to an end, and Natalie and I found ourselves taking a stroll, our fingers intertwined. Natalie blurted, "I can finally stand by you as your partner now." I tightened my grasp on her hand. "I know how you feel." I heard everything she said that night. Title: A Boyfriend on Loan, A Real Love on Way Author: CrushReels Genre: Romance, Modern Status: ongoing In "A Boyfriend on Loan, A Real Love on Way" by CrushReels, Felix Lloyd finds himself in a predicament as he seeks to pacify his family's marriage expectations by renting a girlfriend for the holiday season. However, a serendipitous airport mishap leads Kendal Scott, the wrong woman, into his life. As Felix and Kendal navigate this unexpected twist of fate, the novel delves into themes of familial pressure, mistaken identities, and the complexities of modern relationships. CrushReels intricately weaves together elements of romance and contemporary dilemmas to create a compelling narrative that resonates with readers seeking a blend of heartwarming moments and unforeseen connections. What sets "A Boyfriend on Loan, A Real Love on Way" apart is its ability to balance light-hearted humor with poignant insights into the intricacies of human emotions. With its engaging storyline and relatable characters, this ongoing romance promises a captivating read for fans of modern love stories. Experience the unfolding tale of Felix and Kendal at CrushReels and immerse yourself in a world where love finds its way through unexpected avenues. Read online at CrushReels today to discover the enchanting journey awaiting within these digital pages.