ELOISEWe entered the living room where Adam’s family had gathered. His siblings, whom I had only seen in magazines and on the internet, were there, looking like GQ magazine cover models. Sitting at the forefront was a man in his late fifties who was still well-built and handsome despite his age; he must be Benjamin Sebastian, their father.On his right was Rafael, a younger version of his father, and his refined but approachable wife, Savannah. On the other side were Julian and his wife, Anya, who looked young with a baby face and seemed sweet and shy. According to my research, they each had one child who was probably in their respective bedrooms.Carter, the only Sebastian I had met at the party, stood behind their father.“Please, Adam Eloise, sit beside me,” Rachel invited, seated in front of a long semi-circular couch.“Thank you, and good evening everyone,” I greeted as I sat down. A maid automatically placed a glass of orange juice, water, and various muffins, biscuits, and chi

ADAMThere was a moment of silence in Zoey’s line.“Hello?”“You never apologize,” she sobbed, her voice husky.I never did, did I?“I don’t...” I trailed off, at a loss for words.“So don’t, sir. I’m sorry. It was my fault you chose her. What should I do to make this right? I can’t... I can’t lose you like this.”How long has it been since we played the game? She didn’t mind if I had an occasional fling with someone else during those years because she was also involved with Chase. But I simply didn’t have the energy to be that kind of person for Eloise. When I met her, I never wanted anyone else.“I won’t apologize. It’s my fault,” I said, looking up at the sky. The atmosphere remained surprisingly serene. I almost thought I saw a shooting star. Was it because I acknowledged my mistake and released Zoey from the pain I caused her? She shouldn’t forgive me.Why was she blaming herself? Ah, I see. It’s because I taught her to think that way. I was really an asshole.“We should inform C

ELOISEMy lips trembled. This painful information was coming to me at once, and I suddenly felt overwhelmed and tight in my stomach.“Is that why this man… I mean, this Christopher, so antagonistic towards you?”Adam looked away for a moment before continuing. “His wife cheated on him with a Sebastian. Why or how it happened, I wouldn’t know. The Jacksons, Waldorfs, and Sebastians were longtime friends, so connections are inevitable.”“So, Christopher blamed you for everything?”He shrugged. “Well, their affair created a lot of bad blood. Of course, I didn’t know any of that growing up. I was left in the dark until I was old enough to understand, but even now, I barely understand. It all seems so chaotic to me.”“Your parents didn’t tell you?” I asked. If so, he probably learned it from Christopher.“I’m sure they intended to keep it a secret forever, but every secret is meant to be discovered.”“That’s... a lot,” I said. My throat suddenly felt dry. I immediately wanted to comfort hi

ELOISEAdam and I came down the staircase, but as we were expecting to find his family gathered for breakfast, we were surprised to see the room empty.“Where is everyone?” Adam wondered aloud, then glanced at a male attendant who passed by.The attendant smiled. “Mrs. Sebastian, your mother, requested breakfast be served outdoors on the back porch by the beach.”“Thank you,” Adam said, taking my hand. “Let’s head out there.”We stepped onto the back porch, and the salty ocean air and the calming rhythm of the waves in the background instantly welcomed me.The scene before us was picturesque, and I'm definitely in awe. The Long Island beach stretched out in a mesmerizing expanse of blue, and a large table had been set up under a canopy laden with an assortment of breakfast foods. The family was scattered around, some playing volleyball, others relaxing.The first person to greet us was Rachel, her face lighting up with a warm smile. “Good morning, my love birds!” She hooked her arm th