Chapter 8 A year ago , Katie had gone through a messy breakup . Her ex boyfriend had presented her with an itemized bill , demanding repayment of $ 48,000 hed transferred to her over their two year relationship . When Katie refused , he sued her . Shed come to the firm desperate for help , and Thalia was the only associate available . It wasnt like that at all , Katie had sobbed . We lived together for two years . We agreed to split everything rent , utilities , groceries . He said hed transfer $ 2,800 each month for his half of rent and expenses , and Id contribute the same . I didnt think much of it then . But after we broke up , he demanded everything back , claiming it was all given with marriage in mind and should be returned since we split . But that money was for living expenses in New York ! Our apartment was $ 4,200 a month , plus utilities and groceries . He barely spent $ 2,000 on actual gifts our entire relationship . How dare he sue me ? God , I cant … Im still in law school where am I supposed to get $ 48,000 ? I cant tell my parents . If they find out I was living with a guy in college , my dad would kill me . Please , I dont know what to do … The irony wasnt lost on Thalia a law student getting caught in such a legal trap . Love could make even the smartest girls blind . Thalia sighed , her heart going out to the young woman . Most lawyers wouldnt take a case where the client couldnt afford the retainer . But Thalia was different . Not only did she take the case , but she also loaned Katie the money for legal fees . Katie was already in such a difficult position without help , Thalia worried she might do something desperate . Legal fees went through the firm before being paid out to associates. As a junior associate at a mid size firm making $ 145,000 modest by New York BigLaw standards but still comfortable Thalia could afford to help . She immediately added Katie on Venmo to send her the retainer money . While her peers at firms like Cravath or Sullivan & Cromwell were pulling in $ 215,000 , shed chosen this smaller firm for its work life balance and opportunity to handle cases she cared about . After taking the case , Thalia worked tirelessly to gather crucial evidence . They won , and Katie was so impressed and grateful that she joined the firm as Thalias assistant right after graduation . 15:38 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 7.1 % Chapter 8 Now , Katie asked through tears , Once I finish my certification , could I come work with you ? Thalia hadnt expected that . She smiled warmly . Of course . Ill be in London just let me know when youre ready to make the move . Really ? Katie brightened . Ill follow you anywhere ! You cant get rid of your shadow that easily , Wouldnt dream of it . In the managing partners office , the bespectacled man looked up from her resignation letter , puzzled . Why the sudden departure ? Any issues we should address ? No , sir . Family matters . I know we typically require a months notice , but this was unexpected . I apologize . She added , Ive handed off most of my cases . I have one appeal hearing in ten days Ill complete that before I leave . He nodded slowly . Well , then . Best of luck in your future endeavors . Leaving the firm , Thalia wandered the city streets . As evening fell and lights flickered on , a cool breeze rustled through the trees . A wave of loneliness hit her . She was about to leave the city shed called home for three years . She remembered her first days in New York , when her father had frozen her accounts . Shed had just a few thousand in her Venmo balance and spent three days in a hotel . During those days , shed Ound the job and rented a cheap apartment near the firm . After paying first , last , and security deposit , she was nearly broke . Only help from her London friends kept her fed . The building was sketchy , with terrible security . Shortly after moving in , shed had drunk men banging on her door . She spent nights huddled in bed , terrified to answer late night knocking . 15.29 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True 7.4 % Chapter 8 The landlord claimed nothing could be done . Desperate , she moved out , and the slumlord tried to keep her deposit . When polite requests for her deposit failed , the landlord turned abusive , hurling vulgar insults . Furious , she reported him to the Department of Buildings for code violations , then to the Department of Finance for tax evasion . Not satisfied , she filed suit for breach of contract and harassment . Before the case even went to court , the landlord returned her deposit . She dropped the contract claim but pursued the harassment suit . The landlord lost and had to pay damages . Thalia smiled at the memory . That had been her lowest point . Later , she heard from a former neighbor that the drunk got beaten up shortly after she moved apparently picked the wrong person to harass . The slumlord disappeared too . Karma , she thought . Shed met Drake during her summer associateship , while working on a legal services contract for one of Ashcroft Capitals subsidiaries . Drake happened to be there that day . He claimed it was love at first sight . He pursued her relentlessly after that , getting all the little details right and showing up whenever she needed someone . They did have some sweet moments early on . Everything changed on their one year anniversary . Theyd both been drinking , and Drake tried to take things further . When he embraced her and leaned in to kiss her , she panicked and pushed him away hard . Drake looked wounded . Why ? he asked hoarsely . I Im not ready , she stammered . I need time . After that night , things were different . She never felt ready to be intimate with Drake , not even kissing . 15:38 Your Gold Digger is Actually A True s 7.7 % Chapter 8 She couldnt quite explain why maybe it was being new to relationships , or maybe subconsciously she was repulsed by his history with other women . Whatever the reason , she now felt only relief . Back at the penthouse , Drake was out . Thalia showered and fell into a deep sleep . Ten more days until she could leave . Thank goodness . ( 19 ) ( 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.