Se connecter(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
“Hey wait up!” Jared called out and broke into a run. “Hey,” Ashley said as we got to the car. Her eyes were lit up with amusement. “Hi, Ashley!” Maverick beamed in excitement. “What’s up, little man?” Ashley leaned over for a fist bump. I sighed in relief. “Thanks for coming, Ash.” I glanced ov
(ARIELLE’S POV) After what felt like an eternity, dinner finally ended. I thanked Nana Jean and Jared’s mother with my best polite smile, though I was practically vibrating with the urge to bolt. As I rose from the table, Jared was already at my side, like a shadow that had been waiting for its c
(Arielle’s POV) After exchanging cheesy lines, we both grew shy, embarrassed by our emotional outburst. Then Ashley, ever the opportunist, brightened up. “I’ve got the perfect therapy for today’s drama—a movie night!” she declared, practically glowing. “I can’t Ash. I’ve got to finish this thing I
“Easy for you to say,” I shot back, “You spin lies and secrets like it’s second nature.” My voice cracked, and I buried my head in my hands. For a moment, the only sound was the rustle of leaves in the cool night breeze. Dwayne shifted closer, his grip on my hand firm but not forceful. “Sorry I’ve







