If you've been following my story thus far, you might have noticed that I frequently reflect on the many memories that have shaped my life up to this point. I don't do this because I'm a melancholic or heartbroken woman without hope for the future - although that's open to debate at times. Instead, I do it because I genuinely enjoy reminiscing about the moments that have made me laugh, cry, shout, sing, dance, scheme, dream, and so on.To me, memories hold a special place in my heart, regardless of whether they brought happiness or sadness at the time. After all, sometimes we find ourselves laughing when recalling the days we once cried, and conversely, shedding tears when remembering the days we laughed. That's the essence of life.One of those cherished memories happens to be the day I graduated from college with my best friend, surrounded by our families cheering us on. However, the week that followed was the perfect ending to an already incredible month.…Me: Just wanted to infor
Did I mention that it started raining at some point? Talk about having sex in a rainforest!"You know, I got that from all the begging you did earlier," he says, caressing my back as his knuckles run up and down my spine."Smartass," I mumble, looking up at him as he chuckles. At that moment, our eyes meet, and I don't even mind the fact that we're probably lost in the jungle. Getting lost in his eyes all over again is worth it."What?" Max asks me after a while, a cute smirk on his face."Your eyes," I simply tell him. "I've told you this many times before, but they will always be my favorite feature of yours.""Yeah, well," he responds, pulling me closer so that my face is near his, "yours remind me of something I read recently.""And what's that?"He places his hand behind my neck, bringing my face even closer to his. But just when I think he's about to initiate another passionate round of sex, he looks at my lips and then refocuses on my eyes."Brown eyes are just brown eyes, unti
Not all of mine and Max's memories involved sex. Surprisingly, some of my favorites were the more vulnerable moments, like when he discovered that I was hiding my period from him.…"So, how's it been with Max home for the holidays?" Avery asks during our FaceTime call."Good," I reply, hoping she won't ask for more details. But then again, she's my best friend."Just good?""It's been great," I offer, wincing internally as another sharp cramp hits me. Meanwhile, Avery raises an eyebrow at me."Isabella, is everything-Oh," she starts, then stops before hitting the nail on the head. "You're on your period, aren't you?""Is it that obvious?" I wince again as the throbbing continues."And you've been hiding it from Max," she states knowingly, ignoring my previous comment."Of course I have, Avery," I admit. "You know how he is. He would drop everything at the office to be here for me. He's already arranged to be home for the holidays, and making him think he needs to comfort me would be
I'm not sure how wise it is for me to share this fond memory right before discussing what I've always referred to as 'my living nightmare' over the years, but I've decided to do it anyway. I've been postponing it, trying to spare myself the chest-pounding pain that still haunts me to this day. However, since you've all been with me for so long, you deserve to know how everything went up in flames. It's possible that it might be as baffling to you as it was to me back then and still is now. Even though three years have passed since the incident, I still can't fully wrap my head around it. I'm not sure if I'll ever find the right words to describe the emotions I felt then and what I understand now.I know this confession of mine might sound somewhat crazy. But if it doesn't make sense by the end of these flashbacks, I promise it will when I share the rest of the story. Until then......Just one month after Max's latest book release,My film crew and I have just finished shooting the fi
The party had been fantastic, and the food even better. However, the highlight of the evening was when Max and I discreetly left the gathering to continue our celebration in private. Despite what transpired later at the club we decided to visit on the other side of LA, it had been an enjoyable night."How upset do you think your team will be when they discover I've stolen you for myself tonight?" Max grinned triumphantly at me, and my laughter in response quickly turned into a broad smile."They're practically drowning in alcohol and cocktail weenies. I doubt they'll even notice I'm gone," I replied, chuckling. He planted a gentle kiss on my neck."I'll fetch the next round of drinks while you set up the next game," he offered. I nodded, smiling as he headed toward the bar while I made my way to the pool table.We had played four games so far, with him winning the first and third, and I taking the other two. This final game would decide who would come out on top tonight. With that ent
The Next Day"Have you got everything you need?" I inquire of Max as he finishes packing his belongings."Everything except my jacket and passport, but those can wait. This, on the other hand, can't." He takes my hand and draws me closer for a heartfelt 'see you later' kiss. He then teases, "Although," as our lips part, "I'm still a bit salty that you think it's okay to just take my favorite hoodie." Playfully, he flicks the strings of the hoodie in my face. "Did you think I brought it here just for you to keep?" I let out a soft chuckle as his smirk transforms into an endearing smile."Please, you act as if you weren't planning to 'accidentally' leave it behind. I've learned all your tricks by now, Blackwell.""Yeah?" He raises an eyebrow, his hands lifting the hoodie to cup my bare backside. "First, my heart. Then, my clothes. What's next, my last name?" His words widen my eyes, and I playfully smack his shoulder in response, making him laugh at my flustered reaction."You goofball,
Three Years Later-Summer of 2024"Do you still wear that?" Alex inquires, nodding toward the ring on my finger. It's amusing how I've retained this one while flinging the other one back at him without a second thought.I glance up at my brother and give him a single nod."Now, if only I knew why," I respond with a faint smile, followed by a sigh. "Just how pitiful does that make me?""Want the truth?""And only the truth," I reply, continuing to slice the ingredients for our evening salad. I barely manage to halve the next tomato before Alex's hand covers mine.I look up into the eyes of my role model, the one man in my life I've always known I could rely on, even when others let me down."The truth is," he says, squeezing my hand for reassurance – a gesture he's made many times before, and it's likely not the last since I heard the latest news, "you're the only person I know who's bold enough to still wear a ring their ex gave them nearly seven years ago." Alex tilts my head up when
"Wow, you're quite something, aren't you?" I reply, rolling my eyes as he grins broadly. I neatly fold the map and tuck it into my purse. "You mentioned a maximum of one week, right?" He nods. "But what if I finish early? Can I leave sooner?""Absolutely, Isabella." We come to a stop right in front of our adjacent suites. He sighs, turning to face me. "I can't guarantee this will work, but as your publicist and friend, my duty is to make your job as easy as possible. This was the best idea I could come up with. If it helps you complete that project sooner, then let's do it. The sooner you send it to the editor, the better."Internally sighing, I insert my key card into the slot on the door and nod in agreement."Okay then," I tell him, finally opening the door. "But Beth?""Yes, Isabella?" He responds, his triumphant smile impossible to hide."If you come up with any more crazy ideas while we're here," I caution, "I swear on my life.""Yes, yes, yes!" He cheers, dismissing my warning