Chapter 21 Chapter 21 Ashers expression turned cool . Thats over . Hes her ex now . And that doesnt bother you ? Sebastian pressed . Everyone has a past , Asher replied with studied nonchalance , giving Sebastian a measured look . Or are you claiming you dont ? Sebastian rubbed his nose self consciously . Well yes , but … this is different . Shes your first love , while youre not hers . That doesnt trouble you at all ? Not in the least . The tenderness in Ashers dark eyes was unmistakable . Simply having her in my life now is more than I could have hoped for . Good Lord , James chuckled . Youve gone absolutely soft , old chap . Checking his watch , Asher rose . Time to go , I believe . Hed arranged a welcome dinner for Thalia . Under the glittering lights of Londons finest hotel , an ice blue Bentley glided to a stop at the entrance . The evening air carried an autumn chill as Thalia stepped out . Thalia , over here ! Victoria called from the entrance , beaming . Charlotte stood beside her . Vicky , Charlie ! Thalia smiled warmly , her heels clicking against marble as she approached . Finally remembered we exist ? Charlotte pretended to sulk . Thought youd forgotten all about us in New York . Thalias eyes crinkled with warmth . Missed you too much to stay away . Not happy to see me ? Cheeky thing , Charlotte huffed . Victoria linked arms with Thalia , smiling fondly . Charlies been talking about you non stop . Shes absolutely thrilled youre back . Her two best friends couldnt be more different Victoria , the perfect picture of aristocratic grace , and 16:10 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True B Chapter 21 Charlotte , all wit and vivacity . Its wonderful about you and Asher , Victoria said warmly . Charlotte studied Thalia with concern . But … youre certain about this ? Its what you want ? Thalia tapped Charlottes forehead playfully . Since when could anyone force me to do anything ? Both friends knew about her boyfriend in New York , though theyd never met him . Over the past three years , Thalia had occasionally shared bits of her relationship , but she hadnt mentioned the breakup . Have you ended things with Drake ? Victoria asked gently . Blocked him everywhere . Hell understand . Charlotte tilted her head . What changed your mind so suddenly ? A flash of derision crossed Thalias eyes . Found out I was merely a replacement for his ex . What ? Charlotte was outraged . The absolute nerve of him ! As if anyone could replace our Thalia ! Good riddance , Victoria declared firmly . He never deserved you . Thalias eyes betrayed no emotion . Ancient history . Shall we ? Asher and the others are waiting upstairs . The hotel manager personally escorted them . This way , ladies . October had brought a chill to London . Thalia wore a cream trench coat over a light blouse , paired with knee high boots . Her loose waves framed a face that had gained a certain sophistication over the years . Look whos finally here ! Sebastian greeted them first . These years have been rather kind to you , darling . Charlotte rolled her eyes . Must you be so insufferable ? I beg your pardon ! Sebastian affected offense . This isnt insufferable its called social grace . Its called being utterly tiresome , Charlotte steered Thalia away . Come along , ignore him . Victoria settled primly beside James . Hello , brother . He acknowledged her with a slight nod . 19 16.10 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True B Chapter 21 Thalia took her place beside Asher . Sorry to keep you waiting . His voice was warm . We only just arrived ourselves . His gaze shifted to a young woman nearby . Arent you going to say hello ? There was a gentle rebuke in his tone . The girl grimaced before muttering reluctantly , Hello , Miss Winters . Ashers expression cooled noticeably . And you are ? Thalia inquired politely . My sister , Grace , Asher replied coolly . Our ward . Ah , the Blackwoods ward . Thalia had heard of her but never met her . Grace had been raised separately from the family and sent abroad for school until recently . Grace , Ashers voice carried quiet authority , Thalia is my future wife and your sister in law . Is that any way to greet her ? His eyes held a warning . Who taught you such manners ? Sorry , Asher . Grace quickly apologized . Who deserves your apology ? The temperature seemed to drop several degrees . Im sorry … sister , Grace managed , with passable sincerity . Please , dont worry about it , Thalia waved it off , though discomfort flickered across her face . Not the best start to their future relationship . She turned gentle eyes to Asher . Dont be so stern with her . The ice in his expression melted instantly . As you wish , he smiled softly . Grace watched this exchange intently . Your Cold Digger is Actually A True Berd Chapter 21 Under the table , her fists clenched with barely contained emotion . You look rather pale , Grace , Charlotte observed pointedly . Shall I call for a doctor ? That wont be necessary , Grace replied coldly . Charlotte rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath , Such dramatics . Though shed never met Grace before , her instincts warned her that the girl would be trouble . Graces hostility toward Thalia was painfully obvious . Sebastian overheard Charlottes muttering and tugged her sleeve gently . Easy now . Shes still Ashers sister . Show some courtesy . Charlotte whirled on him , pinching his arm hard in retaliation . Try that again , shall we ? Ow ! Mercy , mercy ! I surrender ! Just then , the door opened . Terribly sorry Im late London traffic was absolutely dreadful . ( 12 ) ( 0 ) Chapter 22 Chapter 22 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.