We passed by my classroom, where Mrs. Hinkle was already teaching, and headed straight for John Paterson’s office. I knocked three times, with Cole standing right behind me, following my lead. “Who is it?” Paterson’s voice came from the other side, sounding bored and disinterested. “It’s Nicola,”
“Might what?” I snapped, my voice laced with sarcasm, “Might want to run off with you? You seriously thought that was an option? You thought you could offer me something better? You’re so pathetic and delusional.” Cole said coldly, his eyes narrowing as he stared down Paterson. “She doesn’t need yo
Nicola Taylor After a long, exhausting call with my sister Rose, I was officially wiped out. Three hours of back-and-forth, catching up on life, gossip, and me spilling my guts about everything Cole-related had left me feeling drained. But that’s what happens when you talk to someone who knows you
Oh, he wasn’t going to let me off that easy. “Nicola?” Cole called after me, and I stopped, turning to face him with a mock-innocent look on my face. “Yes, dear?” I sang out sweetly, leaning against the wall with exaggerated patience. “You’re telling me that she—” he hesitated for a second, “hate
Nicola Taylor I stood by the front door, my heart fluttering with excitement. It had been so long since I'd seen my sister, and the anticipation was making me giddy. Arabella was just as energetic, bouncing around the foyer like a wind-up toy. Her wide grin and excited squeals made me laugh as I wa
Rose flashed him a tight smile, sipping her coffee. “Yes, it is. I’m really looking forward to it.” Her tone was polite but clipped, and I could sense the tension rising beneath the surface. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for whatever was coming next. But before Rose could say anything more
Cole’s eyes flickered with a mix of frustration and something else—maybe guilt, maybe shame. “You’re right,” he conceded after a beat. “Nicola does deserve better. I’ve been… working through things, but that doesn’t excuse how I’ve treated her. I’m not trying to make excuses. I just—” “Stop ‘workin
Nicola Taylor The week with Rose around had been crazy. Arabella adored her, and we had fun, even though I could feel the tension in the air whenever Cole joined us for breakfast or dinner. He was civil, polite even, but distant—more distant than ever before. He didn’t argue or snap back at Rose,