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
“Arielle? I didn’t say you could answer,” Jared said as he turned to me. “What’s the big deal? You’re the one who said your time is valuable, so why don’t we just get to it?” I replied, keeping my tone light. He gave a small, knowing smile, but the atmosphere shifted slightly. He leaned back, cros
(ARIELLE'S POV)"Mommy, you seem really happy about work lately," Maverick said, his voice filled with curiosity. "What's going on?" I blinked, taken aback by his sudden observation. We were in the car, on the way to school, and I hadn’t expected such an out-of-the-blue question from him. I hadn
(ARIELLE’S POV.) The air around grew awkwardly thin and very silent. Neither of us knew how best to react to the situation. I looked around the parking lot for no reason in particular, marking the time until it was okay for me to leave without looking any silly than I felt for walking up to their
The call ended, and I let out a sharp breath, my chest practically buzzing with excitement—and a pinch of nerves. Contracting a dinner on a ship wasn’t exactly uncharted territory for me. I’d learned all about it during my time in Italy: you have to contact the cruise line or ship operator, hammer







