Chapter 13 The night before court , Thalia heard something break while showering . She quickly rinsed off , threw on her robe , and rushed out . The bedroom was empty , but porcelain shards littered the floor . Her heart stopped it was the ceramic figurine her mother had left her . Theyd painted it together at a pottery studio on her twelfth birthday . A pale blue puppy , with their names etched on the back . Seeing it shattered , rage consumed her . Who did this ?! she shouted , storming out . Bang ! Bang ! Bang ! She pounded on Drakes door across the hall . Drake ! Sienna ! Which one of you was in my room ? Drake opened the door , irritation clear . Whats with the noise ? People are trying to sleep . Thalias chest heaved with fury , her eyes murderous . Were you in my room ? Why would I be in your room? Drake frowned . Stop making scenes . Ive been reviewing contracts . If not you , then Sienna . Thalia turned toward Siennas room at the end of the hall . Drake followed , concerned by her intensity . Sienna ! Open up ! Thalia kicked the door . Drake stared . Was this really his usually gentle Thalia ? What had happened to make her this angry ? Sienna opened the door lazily . Having a breakdown ? Thalia grabbed Siennas wrist , dragging her toward the bedroom . 12.2 % Chapter 13 Let go ! Let go of me ! Sienna stumbled along . Thalia shoved her into the room , making her stumble against a cabinet . Are you insane ? Sienna clutched her knee , shouting . Did you break my figurine ? Thalia advanced . Why were you in my room ? Siennas eyes darted away . I … I wasnt . Ive been in my room . Dont accuse me . Thalia met her gaze coldly . Really ? I saw your beige dress through the door . Youre lying ! I was wearing grey when I went- Siennas mouth ran ahead of her brain . She flushed angrily . You tricked me ! You didnt see anything ! When you what ? Thalias voice turned arctic . You changed into that beige dress after , didnt you ? Her eyes glinted dangerously . Why were you in my room ? Sienna shrank back from that look . I … I was just looking around … Looking around what ? Sienna swallowed , terrified Thalia would discover everything . I just … Enough ! Drake stepped between them . Thalia , stop making drama over a stupid figurine . Just buy another one . Leave Sienna alone ! CRACK ! The slap echoed through the room . Thalia had struck Drake with all her strength . Both Drake and Sienna froze . Get out ! Thalia roared at Drake . This isnt your business ! How dare you forgive on my behalf ? Seeing Drake slapped , Sienna snapped . She shoved past him . How dare you hit him ? CRACK CRACK ! Another sharp slap . You get out too ! 12.5 % Chapter 13 A red handprint bloomed on Siennas cheek . Enraged , Sienna raised her own hand , but Thalia caught her wrist and shoved her away . Sienna fell , her palm landing on the ceramic shards . Blood welled immediately . My hand ! My hand ! Sienna screamed . Drake rushed to check her injury , Stenna , are you okay ? Serves you right . Thalia said coldly , Wouldnt be hurt if you hadnt broken it , Thalia , youve gone too far ! Drake glared . Apologize to Slenna ! Thalias eyes were glacial . She should apologize . She broke my property . Drake , it hurts so much . Sienna collapsed against him , sobbing . Take me to the hospital , please . Hold on , well go right now . Drake lifted Sienna , shooting Thalia a venomous look as he passed . I never want to see you again . Thalias face was expressionless . Drake paused , struck by how unlike herself she seemed . But Siennas hand was still bleeding . He gave Thalia one last look before hurrying downstairs . Once they left , silence fell . Thalia knelt by the shards , hands trembling as she reached for them . Tears fell onto the broken pieces . Im sorry , Mum … I couldnt protect your gift … Im so sorry … In the empty room , the girl sobbed . At twelve , her mother had fallen terribly ill . That elegant , always smiling woman had wasted away , ravaged by disease . Thalia , just starting secondary school , would rush to the hospital every day after classes . wally A True 12.8 % Chapter 13 Shed sit with her mother , Rosalind , sharing school stories and singing newly learned songs . Mum , when will you get better ? Young Thalia sat beside the hospital bed , grief hiding behind bright eyes . Her mother had been sick for six months , growing weaker each day . Rosalind stroked Thalias hair , smiling gently . The doctors say I can leave hospital soon . Really ? Thalias eyes lit up , voice hopeful . Though pale and frail , Rosalinds eyes held both warmth and determination . Ill be out in time for your birthday . Wonderful ! Thalia had believed her . She thought her mother would recover . Later , she learned leaving hospital meant something else her mother was beyond help , and doctors suggested she spend her remaining time with family , fulfilling last wishes . ( 15 ) ( 0 ) 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. 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