LOGINARIELLA I exhaled. “Okay.” “I’ll see you later,” he said. “Don’t be late for dinner,” I responded. “I want a promise.” A small smile slipped into his voice. “Okay. I promise.” “I love you.” I couldn't help myself. “I love you too.” The call ended and I stayed there for a moment longer, star
ARIELLA The truth was… maybe I did. Maybe I had seen them before. Maybe I had grown up around them. But I didn’t actually know who had died. “I don’t know,” I said honestly. “Maybe.” Leon frowned again. “Then why didn’t you go to the funeral?” I hesitated. “I guess I should have,” I admitted
ARIELLA After breakfast, I tried to keep the morning as normal as possible. For Leon, and most importantly…For myself. “Mom,” Leon said, looking up at me, “should we go and prepare my study room? You told me that I could help.” “Of course,” I said. But before we walked out, I turned toward Marg
ARIELLA I held his gaze. “I can’t survive without you,” I said again. “You won’t have to,” he replied quietly. “I’m going to be okay. I’ll come back. I have to. You and Leon are waiting for me. I won’t break that promise.” He lifted my chin gently so I had no choice but to look at him. “I just
ARIELLA I woke up to feel light kisses on my face. I opened my eyes to find Asher hovering over me, pressing soft kisses against my skin. I let out a small laugh as he brushed his lips against mine before straightening. He was already dressed. Tie in place. Hair perfectly styled. Everything about
ARIELLA When Asher is finally, fully seated inside me, the bed groans beneath our combined weight. He pulls back out just as slowly, and the friction is enough to make my head swim. He’s doing this on purpose; I can see the intent in his eyes. He’s paying me back for every stolen glance and silen
ASHER For a long time, there was only silence between us. I could feel her watching me. I could feel her presence behind my back like a weight I couldn’t escape, but she didn’t move or speak. The quiet stretched, almost unbearable, until finally, she broke it. Her voice was quiet, so quiet I could
ASHER When I went back home that night, I was drunk and angry. Those were the only feelings I could manage....rage burning through the alcohol and alcohol burning through the rage. I wanted to fight. I needed to fight. I even called Luca back, dared him to show up so I could land the blows that wer
ARIELLA It had been a few weeks since Asher had appeared at the house, abrupt, asking questions about five years ago. A month since I’d told him everything.....the truth. A month since he’d left me that letter, the promise that he was going to come back and take us on, take us towards our rightful
ASHER After what felt like forever, her thoughts began to quiet, leaving only soft hiccups. I gently plucked at her hair, whispering, “It’s okay, dear Ariella. I’m here. You’re not alone. It’s okay. I’m here. I’m so sorry.” She tilted her head toward me, looking through swollen red eyes. “I didn







