Chapter 6 Thalia looked up at him , puzzled . What ? Drake thought she might still be upset , hesitant to give him the gift . Fine , he could make the first move . His voice softened . Look , I was harsh at the store . Dont be mad . That should do it . Thalia sighed , meeting his eyes . Im not mad . Drake scoffed . Sure youre not . Think what you want . Drakes patience snapped . Jesus , Thalia . Im trying to apologize here . What more do you want ? Still folding clothes , Thalia replied evenly , I dont need your apology . Drake stared at her for a long moment . Finally , he asked awkwardly , So … wheres the gift ? What gift ? Mason said he saw you buying a watch . Drake shifted . Isnt that your way of apologizing ? Im here now , so … Thalia started to explain it wasnt for him , but Drake continued , Come on , stop playing games . Thalia laughed , surprising him . Whats so funny ? You are , Thalia met his gaze . Yes , I bought a watch . No , its not for you . And I havent done anything wrong , so why would I apologize ? Not for me ? Whos it for then ? Drakes fists clenched unconsciously . None of your business , Thalia replied coolly. 15:37 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 5.1 % Chapter 6 None of my Im your boyfriend ! Since when can you buy gifts for other guys ? Compared to Drakes anger , Thalia remained remarkably calm . Oh ? I thought you were Siennas boyfriend . Its not like that with Sienna , Drake said quickly , his voice dropping with guilt . Their relationship was more like lovers than partners , though he wasnt ready to admit that . Technically , Thalia was still his girlfriend . He loved Siennas passion and flirtation , but he also appreciated Thalias beauty and accommodating nature . He wasnt ready to tell Thalia about Sienna yet . About today at Chaumet that was my moms idea . She needed help picking out jewelry to match her new dress . She thinks Sienna has good taste , thats all . We werent looking at rings for her . I was just letting you think that to make you jealous . Jealous ? Thalias eyes turned cold . You actually thought about my feelings ? Thalia , Im sorry … Apology noted , but not accepted . And no , the gift isnt for you . Then who ? Drakes voice rose sharply . My fiancé . Really ? Playing the marriage card ? Drakes tone dripped with derision . What , I have to propose to get the watch and your forgiveness ? Is that it ? Thalia frowned . How could someone be so self absorbed ? Where did he get the confidence to think she couldnt live without him ? Drake shook his head , disappointment evident . I thought you understood the gap between us . I thought you knew your place . But you keep pushing for marriage . Its pathetic . Thalia just stared at him . Drake stormed out , slamming the door . 15:38 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 5.4 % Chapter 6 Thalia shook her head wearily . Shed planned to tell him everything today about the breakup , about being an heiress to the Winters fortune , about her engagement to Asher . But he hadnt given her the chance . Perhaps shed given him this confidence by playing the perfect girlfriend never questioning , never jealous , never prying , giving him everything except physical intimacy . Maybe that had created the illusion she couldnt leave him . He didnt know shed been so understanding because shed known he never saw a future with them . A year ago , shed overheard his conversation with Caroline : Mom , relax . I know youd never accept her as an Ashcroft . Were just dating . Marriage ? That would need your approval first . My son isnt stupid enough to let romance cloud his judgment . I know you understand the difference between dating and marriage . Such clarity indeed . Since then , shed known Drake never planned a future with her . Truth was , Drake didnt even like her that much . But she wasnt the type to die for love . She could take it or leave it . If Drake just wanted to date , fine . Shed needed companionship in a strange city , needed someones arms around her . That was all . Shed protected herself well porror even kissed him . Why hadnt she left earlier ? Because shed still had feelings for him then , had grown used to his company . Emotions are complex , rarely black and white . After that conversation , shed stopped mentioning her familys wealth . But discovering she was just Siennas replacement had killed any remaining interest . 15:38 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 5.6 % Chapter 6 She could accept that Drake didnt love her enough to marry her , but she couldnt accept being Siennas stand in . She was Thalia Winters . She was herself . The last person Thalia expected to see was Caroline Ashcroft . Caroline swept in wearing a Chanel suit worth more than most peoples monthly salary , dripping in Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry . Every inch the Upper East Side matriarch who would indeed coordinate an entire jewelry set for one outfit . So youre Thalia ? She examined Thalia like a disappointing purchase , her eyes full of disdain . Hello , Mrs. Ashcroft . Thalia replied politely . Caroline surveyed the penthouse before fixing her gaze on Thalia . Ive heard all about your little … performance today . She perched on the edge of the sofa , legs crossed at the ankle , perfectly poised . But her words carried none of that elegance : Someone like you could never be an Ashcroft . ( 12 ) ( 0 ) 15:38 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.