"I... I don't know, Jordan. I thought I did, but now... I just don't know," Jordan nods understandingly. "You've been through a lot, Chase. Buying an engagement ring but not proposing... that's a big step. What's holding you back?" Chase shrugs, his shoulders sagging. "I don't know, man. Maybe
Ariel, now 29, watched as her 5-year-old twins, Moon and Star, excitedly ran to her, eager to share their day at school. Moon, her little princess, loved playing with dolls and laughing, while Star, her observant son, had a curious mind, just like his father. Despite never meeting their father, Chas
"Hey, Mommy?" Star says, looking up at me with curious eyes. "Are we going to see Daddy soon?" I hesitate, unsure of how to answer. "We'll see, sweetie," I say finally. "But no matter what, we'll always be together, okay?" Star nods, seeming to understand. But I know that soon, I'll have to face
ARIEL LOPEZ I flung open the door to my penthouse, beaming with excitement as my parents walked in. It had been too long since we'd last seen each other, and I couldn't wait to catch up. My stepmom enveloped me in a warm hug, tears welling up in her eyes, while my dad smiled broadly, his eyes crink
ARIEL As I walked into the boardroom, my heart raced with anticipation and nerves. I had rehearsed this moment countless times, but nothing could have prepared me for the intensity of Chase’s gaze. Our eyes met, and a flurry of emotions swirled in my head. I hadn’t seen him in years, and the memor
*** CHASE COLES I sat in my car, the silence deafening as I tried to process the events of the past hour. Ariel, my ex-wife, had just walked into the boardroom, looking like a completely different person. She was confident, poised, and beautiful. I couldn’t help but wonder where she had been all
CHASE I woke up with a start, my heart racing, as I saw Ariel’s face looming over me. Her smile was menacing, and the pillow in her hand made me fear for my life. But just as she was about to suffocate me, Austin’s voice called out from afar, “Dad, wake up!” I jolted upright, realizing it was ju
Ariel smiled, her eyes sparkling with determination. “I'm more than ready, Chase. Let's get down to business." I handed her the contract, trying not to make eye contact for too long. I couldn't afford to show any weakness today. As she began to read through the documents, I took my seat, my mind