Chapter 18 After taking photos , Asher handed back her phone , his expression carefully neutral . You have a message Ohp Thalia opened it , her face stiffening at Drakes words . She knew message previews appeared automatically Asher must have seen it . She glanced back at him nervously , explaining , My ex . Weve broken up . Ashers expression remained impassive , his eyes unreadable . Ive blocked him on everything else forgot about his number . Thalia felt oddly flustered . She was twenty five; having an ex boyfriend was perfectly normal . Besides , shed dated Drake before agreeing to the arrangement with Asher . She had nothing to feel guilty about . Realizing this , she calmed herself . Ill block him now . She did so immediately , with Asher watching . Trust me , she added , once I agreed to our arrangement , any past relationships became exactly that past . Asher nodded , his dark eyes still inscrutable . But as Thalia turned away , the faintest smile played at his lips . After several days of exploring the city together , it was time to return to London . She hadnt told her family she was coming home , so no one from the Winters household was at the airport . Instead , Ashers assistant met them with a black Rolls Royce Cullinan . Shall I come in with you ? Asher asked as they pulled up to the Winters estate . Thalia shook her head . She stood at the gates , hesitating . Sensing her reluctance , Asher didnt linger . Only after his car disappeared did Thalia ring the bell . Three years ago , shed left without her keys . Now she needed to be buzzed into her own home the irony wasnt lost on her . Clarke , their housekeeper of fifteen years , opened the door and froze . Miss … Miss Thalia ? Youre home ? Her voice cracked with emotion . Thalias throat tightened as she nodded . Thank goodness . Ill call your father right away . Hes not here ? No , miss . Hes at the office . Your stepmothers at Lucys school for a parent event . Thalia exhaled in relief . She needed time to breathe before facing them all her stepmother , half sister , and the father shed been at odds with for years . Each relationship was its own minefield . Her bedroom remained exactly as shed left it , immaculately maintained . Someone had clearly dusted daily . After unpacking and showering , she heard Mrs. Clarkes knock . Miss Thalia ? What would you like for dinner ? Thalia opened the door with a slight smile . The usual , please . Of course ! Mrs. Clarke beamed , genuinely delighted . Shed watched Thalia grow up , loving her like a daughter. Shed been the one to carry young Thalia in from the snow the night Rosalind died . When Randolph retreated into depression after Rosalinds death , neglecting his daughter , Mrs. Clarke had stayed at Thalias hospital bedside through her fever . As Thalia refused food in her grief , it was Mrs. Clarke who coaxed her to eat , who held her through the worst nights . Without Mrs. Clarke , Thalia might not have survived that period . 15:55 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 17.6 % Chapter 18 Thalia considered her family . Though she hadnt spoken to her father in three years , shed still called Mrs. Clarke on holidays . I brought you something . Thalia handed her a beautifully wrapped package . The finest tea from New Yorks best shop . Oh , Ill make some for you tonight- No , Thalia shook her head . This is for you . Ive had plenty . I wanted you to try it . I couldnt possibly- Thalia pressed the gift into her hands . After everything youve done for me , its the least I can offer . Clarkes eyes welled up . Miss Thalia … Thalia ! Youre back ! A young voice rang out as a small girl ran forward , throwing her arms around Thalias legs . Ive missed you so much ! Eight year old Lucy Winters looked up at her half sister , eyes shining with joy . Lucy had always adored Thalia , though Thalia remained distant . She couldnt help associating Lucy with Victoria , her stepmother her mothers former best friend . Still , Lucy was innocent . Despite her complicated feelings about Victoria , Thalia couldnt bring herself to be cruel to such a sweet child who only wanted her sisters love . Youre home early from school ? Mrs. Clarke told us you were back . Lucy couldnt wait to see you , Victoria appeared , smiling warmly . Thalia tensed . Before shed left , her hatred for her stepmother had been obvious . Theyd barely exchanged words all year . Thalia despised Victoria not just for marrying her father , but for betraying her own best friend . In Thalias eyes , Victoria was a scheming woman whod stolen her friends husband . And Randolph was no better a man whod fallen for his dead wifes best friend . These feelings had transformed Thalia from a perfect daughter into a rebel . Chapter 18 When Thalia remained silent , Victoria continued pleasantly , You must be tired . Rest a bit Ill call you for dinner . Lucy tugged at Thalias hand . Come see the painting I made for you ! Thalia withdrew her hand coldly . I need to rest . Oh … okay . Lucys face fell as she stepped back . Victoria took Lucys hand . Lets not disturb your sister . Clarke stood awkwardly . Ill go prepare dinner then , madam . After they left , Thalia closed her door , finally finding silence . That evening , Randolph returned home , and the family gathered at the dinner table . He studied Thalia . You might have told us you were coming home . Would it have mattered either way ? Her tone dripped hostility . His brow furrowed . Three years havent changed your attitude ? Thalias smile was sharp . Three years havent led to your divorce from Aunt Victoria ? ( 10 ) 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.