LOGIN(ARIELLE'S POV) They say graduation is a milestone. Personally, I think they just want an excuse to make six-year-olds wear polyester caps and parents panic over gift baskets. At least, that’s what I kept telling myself while burning my fingers on the tiny iron-on badge that said “Class of the Yea
The words barely left my lips before the tears did—slipping down my cheeks faster than I could stop them. Jared stood quickly, his hand reaching for my face. “Why are you crying?” I laughed—choked and shaky. “It’s nothing. Sorry. I didn’t mean to…” My fingers trembled as I tried to wave it off
(ARIELLE’S POV) The celebration downstairs had barely ended when the crowd began to surge. Voices surrounded me—some calling my name with admiration, others offering business cards, invitations, flattery. Reporters waved microphones; investors hinted at million-dollar offers. Somewhere, someone
He approached her side quietly. "You look comfortable being the brightest star in the room, Miss Meyers," he murmured. She rolled her eyes, amused. "Don’t start. I already got three reporters asking if I’m the future Mrs. Smith. What’s funny is—I could’ve just said yes. I mean, technically, I am M
(AUTHOR'S POV) Another year had passed. Jared wasn’t the only one who forgot everything quickly. The whole world did the same thing. Just over a year ago, Jared Smith was still the unshakable CEO of the Smith Group—a name that once carried weight in every financial headline and luxury gala invita
(JARED'S POV) In the days that followed, I no longer recognized anyone or anything. There was just a feeling of emptiness and numbness that hung deeply inside of me. But there was a particular pretty woman who always visited. I wake up to find her in my room most mornings, and most nights she sits
Jared was caught off guard, his eyes briefly flicking to me before he turned them back to the road, his jaw tightening. He hadn't been ready for that. He hesitated, his voice almost pleading as he spoke. "Can I stay a little longer?" he asked, his tone soft, almost fragile. "Maverick's gotten used
(ARIELLE'S POV) Exhausted from the day’s chaos, I pushed open the front door, desperate for the comfort of solitude. Between the rival restaurant’s sabotage and Stephen and Rebecca’s antics, my nerves were frayed. All I wanted was to collapse in peace. But the sight that greeted me was nothing sho
(ARIELLE'S POV) As I watched Jared and Maverick walk ahead, Jared's suitcases rolling behind him, I decided that now was not the time to be overwhelmed. This was temporary. I had to brace up and tough if I wanted to scale through this. Maverick’s chatter filled the hallway as he beamed up at Jared
(ARIELLE'S POV) The rest of the dinner passed in an uneasy silence, heavy and suffocating. I focused on my plate, determined to avoid Jared’s gaze and suppress the memories threatening to rise. It was the scene—the warmth of a family dinner, the kind of moment I’d once dreamed of—that had unrave







