I came to the island searching for peace, a fresh start to heal from my past. Instead, I found HIM—charming, attentive, and everything I didn’t know I needed. But just when I started to believe in new beginnings, a single moment shattered it all.
Even though I’d spent decades there, my living room felt like a stranger’s space. At 55, I stared at the open suitcase, wondering how my life had come to this.
“How did we get here?” I asked the chipped “Forever & Always” cup in my hand before tossing it aside.
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I ran my hand along the couch. “Goodbye to Sunday coffee and pizza fights.”
Memories buzzed in my mind, unwelcome guests I couldn’t evict. In the bedroom, the emptiness hit harder. The other side of the bed stared back at me like an accusation.
“Don’t look at me like that,” I muttered. “It wasn’t all my fault.”
Packing became a scavenger hunt for things that still mattered. The laptop sat on my desk like a beacon.
“At least you stuck around,” I said, patting it.
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After two years of work, my novel was inside. It wasn’t finished, but it was mine—proof I wasn’t entirely lost.
Then, Lana’s email came:
“Creative retreat. Warm island. Fresh start. Wine.”
“Of course, wine,” I laughed.
Lana had always been good at making disasters sound appealing. The idea felt reckless, but wasn’t that the point?
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I stared at the flight confirmation. My inner voice was relentless.
What if I hate it? Or if they hate me? What if I fall into the ocean and get eaten by sharks?
But then another thought crept in.
What if I enjoy it?
I exhaled and closed the suitcase. “Here’s to running away.”
I wasn’t running away. I was running toward something.
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***
The island greeted me with a warm breeze and the rhythmic sound of ocean waves crashing against the shore. For a moment, I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, letting the salty air fill my lungs.
This is exactly what I needed.
But the peace didn’t last. As I approached the retreat, the serenity of the island was replaced by loud music and bursts of laughter. People mostly in their 20s and 30s lounged on brightly colored beanbags, holding drinks that seemed more umbrella than liquid.
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“Well, this isn’t exactly a monastery,” I muttered under my breath.
A group near the pool burst into laughter so loud it startled a bird from a nearby tree. I sighed.
Creative breakthroughs, huh, Lana?
Before I could retreat into the shadows, Lana appeared, her sunhat tilted at a jaunty angle and a margarita in hand.
“Thea!” she shouted, as though we hadn’t emailed just yesterday. “You made it!”
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“Regretting it already,” I murmured but plastered on a smile.
“Oh, stop,” she said, waving a hand. “This is where the magic happens! Trust me, you’ll love it.”
“I was hoping for something… quieter,” I said, raising an eyebrow.
“Nonsense! You need to meet people and soak in the energy! Speaking of which,” she grabbed my arm, “I have someone you must meet.”
Before I could protest, she dragged me through the crowd. I felt like a frumpy mother at a high school party, trying not to trip over discarded flip-flops.
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We stopped in front of a man who, I kid you not, looked like he belonged on the cover of GQ. Sun-kissed skin, a relaxed smile, and a white linen shirt unbuttoned just enough to be suggestive but not sleazy.
“Thea, meet Eric,” Lana said with excitement.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Thea,” he said, his voice as smooth as the ocean breeze.
“Likewise,” I said, hoping my nervousness didn’t show.
Lana beamed as if she’d just set up a royal engagement. “Eric’s a writer, too. He’s been dying to meet you since I told him about your novel.”
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My cheeks flushed. “Oh, it’s not finished.”
“Doesn’t matter,” Eric said. “The fact that you’ve poured yourself into it for two years… that’s incredible! I’d love to hear about it.”
Lana smirked and backed away. “You two talk. I’ll find more margaritas!”
I glared after her. But in a few minutes, whether it was Eric’s undeniable charisma or the enchanting ocean breeze playing tricks on me, I found myself agreeing to a walk.
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“Give me a moment,” I said, surprising even myself.
Back in my room, I rummaged through my suitcase and pulled out my most flattering sundress.
Why not? If I’m going to be dragged around, I might as well look good doing it.
When I stepped outside, Eric was waiting. “Ready?”
I nodded, trying to act casual, even as my stomach did an uncharacteristic flutter. “Lead the way.”
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Eric showed me parts of the island that seemed untouched by the chaos of the “retreat.” A secluded beach with a swing hanging from a palm tree, a hidden trail leading to a cliff with a breathtaking view—places that weren’t in any guidebook.
“You’re good at this,” I said, laughing.
“Good at what?” he asked, sitting on the sand nearby.
“Making someone forget they’re wildly out of place.”
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His smile widened. “Maybe you’re not as out of place as you think.”
As we talked, I laughed more than I had in months. He shared stories of his travels and love for literature, which matched mine. His admiration for my novel felt sincere, and when he joked about framing my autograph one day, I felt a warmth I hadn’t in a long time.
But beneath the laughter, something tugged at the edge of my thoughts. A faint unease I couldn’t explain. He seemed perfect, too perfect.
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***
The next morning started on a high note. I stretched, my mind buzzing with ideas for the next chapter of my novel.
“Today’s the day,” I murmured, reaching for my laptop.
My fingers flew over the keyboard as I woke it up. But when the desktop appeared, my heart stopped. The folder where my novel had lived—two years of blood, sweat, and sleepless nights—was gone. I searched every corner of the hard drive, hoping I had misplaced it. Nothing.
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“That’s odd,” I said to myself.
My laptop was there, but the most important part of my life’s work had disappeared without a trace.
“Okay, don’t freak out,” I whispered, clutching the edge of the desk. “You probably just misplaced it.”
But I knew I hadn’t. I bolted out of the room and headed straight to Lana. As I passed the hallway, muffled voices caught my attention. I froze, my heart pounding. Slowly, I moved toward the sound. The door to the next room was slightly ajar.
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“We just need to pitch it to the right publisher?” he said.
My blood ran cold. Eric’s voice was unmistakable. Peeking through the gap, I saw Lana leaning in, her voice a low hum of conspiracy.
“Her manuscript is brilliant,” Lana said, her tone syrupy. “We’ll figure out how to position it as mine. She’ll never know what hit her.”
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My stomach churned with anger and betrayal, but also something worse—disappointment. Eric, who’d made me laugh, listened to me, and who I’d started to trust, was part of that.
I turned away before they could see me and headed to my room. I slammed my suitcase shut, stuffing clothes into it haphazardly.
“This was supposed to be my fresh start,” I whispered bitterly.
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My vision blurred, but I refused to cry. Crying was for someone who still believed in second chances, and I was done with that.
By the time I left the island, the bright sunshine felt like a cruel joke. I kept my gaze ahead, refusing to look back. I didn’t need to.
***
Months later, the bookstore was buzzing with excitement. Rows of seats were filled, and the air hummed with conversation. I stood at the podium, holding a copy of my novel, and tried to focus on the faces smiling back at me.
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“Thank you all for being here tonight,” I said, my voice steady despite the swirl of emotions beneath the surface. “This book is the result of years of work and… a journey I never expected to take.”
The applause was warm, yet I felt an ache deep in my chest as I looked out over the crowd. The novel was my pride, yes, but the road to its success had been anything but smooth. The betrayal still lingered in my mind.
After the signing line dwindled and the last guest left, I sank into a chair at the corner of the store, exhausted. That’s when I saw it—a small folded note on the table.
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“You owe me an autograph. Café around the corner when you’re free.”
The handwriting was unmistakable. My heart skipped a beat. Eric.
I stared at the note, my emotions a confusing mix of curiosity, irritation, and something else I wasn’t ready to name.
For a moment, I considered crumpling it up and walking away. But instead, I sighed, grabbed my coat, and headed for the café. I spotted him immediately.
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“You’re bold, leaving me a note like that,” I said, sliding into the seat across from him.
“Bold or desperate?” he replied with a wry smile. “I wasn’t sure you’d come.”
“Neither was I,” I admitted.
“Thea, I need to explain. What happened on the island… At first, I didn’t realize Lana’s true motives. She convinced me it was all to help you. But the moment I discovered what she was really planning, I took the flash drive and sent it to you.”
I stayed silent.
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“When Lana involved me, she said you were too modest to publish your novel yourself,” Eric continued. “She claimed you didn’t believe in your talent and needed someone to surprise you, to push it forward. I thought I was helping.”
“A surprise?” I shot back. “You mean taking my work behind my back?”
“That’s what I thought at first. The moment she told me the truth, I grabbed the flash drive and went to find you, but you were already gone.”
“So, what I overheard wasn’t what it seemed?”
“It wasn’t. Thea, I chose you the second I understood the truth.”
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I let the silence settle, waiting for the familiar anger to surface. But it wasn’t there anymore. Lana’s manipulations were in the past, and the novel had been published on my terms.
“She always envied you, you know,” Eric said quietly, breaking the silence. “Even back in university, she felt overshadowed. This time, she saw an opportunity and used both our trust to try and take what wasn’t hers.”
“And now?”
“She’s gone. Disappeared from every circle I know. She couldn’t face the fallout after I refused to back her lies.”
“You made the right choice. That counts for something.”
“Does that mean you’ll give me another chance?”
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“One date,” I said, holding up a finger. “Don’t mess it up.”
His grin widened. “Deal.”
As we left the café, I caught myself smiling. That one date turned into another and then another. Before I knew it, I fell in love. And that time, it wasn’t one-sided. What started with betrayal had blossomed into a relationship built on understanding, forgiveness, and, yes, love.
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BRAD PITT’S NEW LOVE LOOKS JUST LIKE ANGELINA JOLIE – SEE THE STUNNING SIMILARITIES
Brad Pitt’s new relationship with Ines de Ramon has caught public attention because she looks similar to his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie. People online have noticed the similarities between the two women.
Even though Ines and Angelina are different people, many discussions compare them. Brad Pitt is currently dating Ines de Ramon. He was previously married to Jennifer Aniston from 2000 to 2005 and to Angelina Jolie from 2014 to 2019. Before dating Ines, Brad was linked to Emily Ratajkowski after her split from Sebastian Bear-McClard.
Brad Pitt’s relationship with Ines de Ramon is causing a buzz online because people are comparing her to his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie. The couple has been seen together in public a few times, sparking interest and discussion about their similarities.
The pair were photographed backstage at a Bono concert at Los Angeles’ Orpheum Theatre in November 2022. Ines de Ramon, who is a jewelry designer, was dressed casually, just like Pitt, as they attended the event.
In December 2022, Brad Pitt took Ines de Ramon to the Los Angeles premiere of his film *Babylon*. At the event, they were seen mingling with guests and sharing affectionate moments, marking their first public appearance together after dating for a few months.
The couple has also been spotted on vacation together. In January 2023, they were seen enjoying a trip to Cabo. Pitt was photographed shirtless by the pool, while de Ramon was sunbathing without her bikini top.
In November 2023, Pitt and de Ramon went to the LACMA’s 12th annual Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles. A source at the event said they were “super loving” and seemed to be having a great time together.
Their good times continued into December 2023, when Pitt turned 60. The couple celebrated with a romantic trip to Paris, staying at the luxurious Bulgari Hotel.
While in Paris, Pitt and de Ramon enjoyed a private dinner prepared by a chef and went to an Asaf Avidan concert at Théatre du Chatelet. They came back to Los Angeles just in time to celebrate de Ramon’s 32nd birthday.
Online users commented on the photos of Pitt and de Ramon’s Paris trip, noting that de Ramon resembled Jolie. One user asked, “Why do all the women he dates look very similar to Angelina?”
Some people agreed that de Ramon looks a bit like Jolie. One user mentioned, “The ‘type’ is familiar,” and another joked, “Angelina Jolie look alike… better have a prenup.” They noticed that both de Ramon and Jolie are brunettes.
However, not everyone agreed. Some people said de Ramon doesn’t look like Jolie. One person commented, “She is no Angie!” while another added, “She doesn’t look like Angelina!” Some users even compared Jolie to Jennifer Aniston, but one person strongly disagreed, saying, “Don’t ever put Jen and Angie in the same sentence. Ever.”
Angelina Jolie, who is an actress and director, met her ex-husband Brad Pitt when she was 28 years old on the set of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” in 2003. Brad Pitt and Ines de Ramon started dating around 2022 when she was about 30 years old. Before her relationship with Pitt, de Ramon had separated from her ex-husband, Paul Wesley, who starred in “The Vampire Diaries,” earlier in 2022.
Paul Wesley, who was featured in People’s 2020 Sexiest Man Alive edition, had previously enjoyed relaxing at home with de Ramon and their dog Greg during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brad Pitt, who was named Sexiest Man Alive by People twice, in 1995 and 2000, has since moved on to his relationship with Ines de Ramon.
In 2022, a representative confirmed that Paul Wesley and Ines de Ramon had been living apart for several months before they decided to separate. They were married for over three years.
Before Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie was married to actor Billy Bob Thornton. Thornton reminisced about his time with Jolie, saying, “That was a great time. Angie is still a friend of mine and she’s a great person and she’s done so much.” He praised Jolie for her commitment to making meaningful movies, regardless of their success or failure. Thornton also noted that while they had different lifestyles, he will always respect her for staying true to herself.
Angelina Jolie is a well-known actress who won an Academy Award for her role in “Girl, Interrupted” in 1999. She has also starred in movies like “Maleficent,” “Salt,” and “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” which featured her alongside Brad Pitt.
Jolie is deeply involved in international charity work, especially with refugee causes. She has a very public Instagram account with over 15 million followers, where she shares her work as a filmmaker, humanitarian, and mother of six children with Pitt.
In contrast, Ines de Ramon has a private Instagram account with 91,000 followers and follows only a few people. Her account is not as publicly focused as Jolie’s.
In 2023, people started speculating about Ines de Ramon and Angelina Jolie due to their connections with Brad Pitt. In August 2023, de Ramon was seen wearing a necklace with a “B” charm, which led to rumors. Some wondered if the charm was a tribute to Pitt, whose first name starts with the same letter.
Around the same time, Angelina Jolie got new tattoos on both her middle fingers. The tattoo artist, Mr. K, posted a picture on Instagram and asked fans to guess what the tattoos were. Some people thought the tattoos might be related to Brad Pitt, but Mr. K quickly clarified that the tattoos had nothing to do with Pitt.
Mr. K explained that the tattoos were “two daggers in a geometric abstract way” and had no religious meaning or connection to crosses. He apologized to Jolie for any stress caused by the speculation.
Both Jolie and Ines de Ramon are multilingual. De Ramon speaks French, Italian, Spanish, English, and German. She mentioned that she has French roots from her mother’s side, though she hasn’t explored them much. Her children also speak French and other languages besides English.
Brad Pitt’s relationship with Ines de Ramon has sparked interest due to her similarities to his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie. While both women have their own unique identities, they share several common traits: they have both dated Pitt, speak multiple languages, have similar physical features, and were in a similar age range when they first dated him.
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