Chapter 1 Thalia Winters froze outside the private room at a high end restaurant in Manhattan when she overheard voices discussing her boyfriend , Drake Ashcroft . Shed come to pick him up from his regular Thursday night drinks with friends . Drake , now that Siennas back from Paris , whats your plan with Thalia ? Drakes voice carried that practiced Wall Street neutrality . What do you mean ? Come on , man . You and Thalia have been together for three years . Siennas transfer back to the New York office changes things , doesnt it ? Through the gap in the door , Thalia watched Drake take a slow drag from his vape . In the dim light , he exhaled before speaking quietly : I honestly dont know . The last thing I want is to hurt Thalia , but Sienna … thats complicated. His friend let out a low whistle . Sienna was your college sweetheart . That relationship was epic everyone at Yale still talks about it . No ones judging you for not being over her . Look , another voice cut in , Thalias been ride or die for three years , and shes gorgeous . Youre telling me youre still hung up on Sienna ? Drake rubbed his temples , his voice carrying the weight of too many late nights at the office . Yes , Thalias stunning . But when I first asked her out … it was because she reminded me of Sienna . These past years , Ive been chasing Siennas ghost . So Thalias been your placeholder ? A heavy pause . Thats messed up , bro . When are you planning to end it ? someone asked . Drake tapped his vape against the table , watching the light pulse . Not sure . Thalias … she gets me . She understands the crazy hours , never complains . Letting that go isnt easy . One friend gripped Drakes shoulder . You cant have your cake and eat it too , man . Time to man up and make a call . Or just keep both , someone laughed . If you feel bad , buy her something nice . Girls love that stuff . Drake scoffed . Not all of us can juggle multiple dating apps like you , jackass . 15.36 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 0.0 % Outside , Thalias lips curved into a bitter smile as she turned and walked out , her heels clicking against the marble floor . She walked along the High Line , New Yorks lights twinkling around her as she reflected on her three years with Drake . Shed thought what they had was real . Now she knew shed just been cosplaying his perfect ex . Standing at an observation deck overlooking the city , Thalia faced a choice : continue down this path or finally accept her familys wishes . A tear slid down her cheek as the autumn wind whipped her hair . She made her decision . Taking out her phone , she FaceTimed a number shed been avoiding . Papa ? About the arrangement with the Blackwood family in London … Ill do it . The city lights cast their glow across the skyline that never sleeps . Standing beneath them , Thalia stared into the endless Manhattan night , her voice steady . Nothings wrong . Im just done with the dating scene . Time to be practical . You were right all along . I shouldnt have fought you on this and run off to New York . I get it now . Ill head back to London once Ive tied up loose ends here . When Thalia finally returned to their penthouse , it was past ten . Rosa , their housekeeper , met her with a concerned look and a covered dish . Miss Winters , welcome back . I kept the bone broth warm for Mr. Ashcroft . His stomachs been acting up again . I was about to take it up, but since youre here … Thalia took the pot without a word and headed to the master suite . The room was empty , though Drakes laptop glowed on his desk . The shower ran behind the closed bathroom door . Showering this early ? She set down the broth . A stream of WhatsApp notifications lit up his laptop screen . She glanced over , catching Siennas name . [ Drake , landed at JFK! Having dinner with the Paris team , but free after 11:30 . Drinks at our old spot ?? ] Sent ten minutes ago . 15:36 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 0.2 % Chapter 1 So thats why he was rushing to shower probably heading to their old college hangout spot . [ These years in Paris … Ive missed you every day . Focusing on my career was the biggest mistake . Shouldve never let you go . ] [ We were both so stubborn back then . But you still think about us too , right ? ] [ Tried dating other guys in Paris , but something was always off . Finally admitted to myself its because they werent you . ] [ Been putting off this transfer to NYC for ages . Scared youd hate me , wouldnt want to see me , maybe had someone serious … scared youd moved on . ] [ I messed up back then , Drake . Any chance you can forgive me ?? ] Thalia stood motionless , feeling her chest tighten . She was about to close the chat when Drakes reply popped up . [ Just need to know one thing , Si : do you still feel it ? ] Connected on his laptop but still texting from the shower . Classic Drake . Thalias heart clenched . Drake was perpetually in meetings when she texted . Shed learned to stop trying , to be the cool girlfriend who constant communication . deed But for Sienna , hed reply mid shower . The difference between love and convenience couldnt be clearer . Siennas response was instant . [ Always have , always will . Only you [ See you soon ? ] Just like that , three years became a placeholder . Thalia closed WhatsApp , reset the mouse , erased her presence . In the kitchen , she poured herself a bowl of the broth shed perfected for Drakes stress induced gastritis . 15:36 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 0.4 % Chapter 1 Premium bones simmered for eight hours with fresh vegetables and herbs , finished with gut healing ingredients . It had taken months to get the recipe right after consulting with his doctor . It was time consuming and expensive , but hed once mentioned it helped , so shed made it religiously for two years . As she finished her bowl , Drake came downstairs . Fresh from the shower , hair styled , wearing a dark blazer shed given him for Christmas . Where were you earlier ? Didnt see you when I got back . Just needed some air , Thalia replied softly . Drake grabbed his keys . Got to handle something at the office . Dont wait up . Thalia stared into her empty bowl . Will you be back tonight ? Drake paused at the elevator , silent for a moment before answering , Might crash at the office if this deal runs late . The girl who never made waves . Thalia was always the understanding one . Drake stepped into the elevator without looking back . Upstairs , Thalia opened the master suite door . The broth sat untouched by his laptop . Her phone lit up with a message from Asher Blackwood , her arranged match in London . Asher : [ When should we expect you back in London , Lia ? ] To Thalia , Asher was more like a protective older brother . His nickname for her felt familial , not romantic . [ Once Ive handled things here . ] Asher : [ Need any help sorting it out ? ] [ Thanks , Ash . Ive got this . ] Asher : [ Take care of yourself . Get some sleep . ] 15:36 0.6 % Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Chapter 1 That night , Drakes side of the bed stayed empty . The next morning . Thalias phone jolted her awake . Hello ? Thalia ! Youre coming to my birthday thing tomorrow night , right ? The reservation is at eight ! Thalia squinted at her screen through sleepy eyes . Celine Rothschild , a friend from Drakes investment banking days whod always been genuinely kind to her . Wouldnt miss it . Text me the details ? After hanging up , Thalia headed downtown to find Celines gift . A delicate necklace exactly Celines style . The next evening , Thalia arrived at the restaurant early . Happy birthday , C , she said , presenting her gift . Celine thanked her warmly . Mid conversation , Drake strolled in fashionably late , an unfamiliar woman on his arm . Their eyes met , and Drake stiffened . Thalia ? What are you doing here ? ♡ ( 8 ) ⊙ ( 0 ) 15:36 In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.