AURORA When I opened my eyes, the first thing I noticed was that Ethan wasn’t beside me. The sheets were cold, his side of the bed empty, as though he’d never been there at all. A pang of disappointment crept in, and I felt a flush of embarrassment as I replayed the events of last night. I’d let myself believe, just for a moment, that maybe there was something real between us. But now, lying alone in the morning light, it was hard not to feel foolish. I tried to not have expectations, but it was hard when he held me in his arms like he did last night. I got up, trying to shake the feeling of vulnerability that lingered. I washed up and dressed, mentally reminding myself that this was just an arrangement, nothing more. What had happened between us was part of our agreement, a way to fulfill the contract, and nothing else. As I stepped outside, I spotted Sarah, Ethan’s sister, walking toward me, her usual bright smile in place. She waved, and I forced a smile, trying to bury the disap
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