LOGINWhen we step into the theater, it’s dim but not crowded, that perfect in-between where it feels like the world has stepped aside just for us. Adrian gestures toward the center.“I picked the best seats,” he says quietly. “Middle row, dead center. You get the perfect view with no neck strain.”“Look
He smiles, eyes on the road. “You’ll see.”I narrow my eyes. “I don’t really like surprises.”“That’s unfortunate,” he chuckles. “Because I like giving them.”“I don’t have that kind of patience,” I warn.He laughs, the sound warm and easy. “I’ve noticed and I find that so cute.”I look down, using
Adrian arrives exactly on time.I know this because I’ve checked the clock three times already, pacing from the living room to the hallway and back again like I’m waiting for an exam result instead of a date. When his car finally pulls up outside, headlights briefly washing over the front of my hous
A soft chuckle escapes me. “Well… technically, we’ve only been on one date, but we talk every day, and he told me he wants to build something more with me.”The sadness and despair on her face vanish, replaced by a huge smile that lights her up.“Please tell me you’re not lying, just so I can finall
The picture shows my back, with Noah’s hand resting on my lower spine. It was probably taken while I was admiring the necklace, but what I don’t remember is his hand being there at all.Was I so absorbed that I didn’t even notice where he’d placed it?“So,” Mom says sharply, her eyes burning with an
“I don’t think I heard you right,” Mom says, staring at me like I should be booking a psychiatry appointment. “There must be a mistake.”I get her. I really do. Noah is the last person anyone would ever imagine I’d have a child with, yet here we are and the proof is the very obvious baby bump stretc
I stay frozen in place, my body refusing to move, my mind caught somewhere between the Director’s call and the flood of memories I just unleashed.Closing my eyes, I draw in a long breath, then another, repeating the action until it anchors me to the present.There’s nothing to be afraid of, I tell
Mom’s words echo in my head, chilling me to the bone. Maybe I’m overthinking. Maybe it’s just her words planting fear in my mind. Either way, I can’t shake the feeling off no matter how much I try.Forcing it down, I get into my car and head to the grocery store. I know I was supposed to go straight
“Hey.”Lilly’s voice pulls me back, her hand warm over mine, grounding me in the present. “You’re scaring me. Should I call the doctor?”My vision clears slowly, the sterile white walls of the hospital room replacing the foggy garden from my dream. I take shaky breaths, trying to calm the frantic rh
I’m still rattled, even minutes after the accident. I sit slumped in one of the reception chairs, heart racing, hands trembling, my mind heavy with the weight of what almost happened.“Hey, you’re okay,” Carl says gently. “You’re safe.”The words should be comforting, but the fear clings to me like






