"Iâm the lucky one,â he replied, leaning in to kiss me softly. The kiss was sweet, full of promises, and for a moment, I managed to lose myself in it, setting aside the doubts Max had planted. But even as we exchanged caresses, my thoughts wandered. Maxâs words kept haunting me: âYou know Gideonâs
Lindsay POV The night was calm, the kind of calm that felt like a gift after a day so full of emotions. I had spent the afternoon telling my friends, during a lively brunch, that Matt and I were getting married. Their reactions were a mix of joyful screams, tight hugs, and tears â especially from M
Lindsay sighed, her shoulders slumping. âIâm not rushing. Iâve thought this through. Matt loves me, and I care about him. Iâm building a future for my family. Gideon⊠heâs my past. Let it go.â I wanted to argue, to shake her until she admitted the truth, but the look in her eyes stopped me. She was
Max POV The brunch at Lindsayâs place was one of those affairs that felt like a performanceâeveryone smiling, clinking glasses, pretending the world wasnât a mess. I sat at the long table in her airy dining room, the kind of place that screamed tasteful wealth with its white walls and curated art
Annie POV I nearly fell over when I saw Peter calling me. My mom, who was watching me from the corner of her eye, clearly knowing something she shouldnât, as always, asked who it was. âItâs just Summer, Mom,â I replied reluctantly, standing up and heading to the balcony. I loved my mom, but she ha
Laura POV âI love the outfit you chose to wear today. Youâre absolutely stunning, my love,â I said, praising my daughter while gently caressing her arm. This weekend had been tough for Annie. Sheâd had the freshman ball on Friday night, and today, Sunday, she had to accompany me to this brunch at L
Annie POV That night, we fell asleep curled up together, still reveling in each otherâs bodies. It was simply impossible to describe. A mix of longing, nostalgia, and satisfaction at having him there again, feeling his body under my fingers, his kisses, his gaze, running my hand through his silky
Annie POV Peter Mortonâs face was just inches from mine, staring at me. The electric blue of his eyes was so close I could see his irises dilating and contracting. âYou okay, Lady Ann?â he asked. I sighed with a small smile, half in delight. âItâs been a while since anyone called me that.â Actual
Annie POV The masked boyâwho I didnât want to admit was Peterâtook me to an upscale, comfortable hotel where I could spend the night safely, away from everything, and try to regain my composure and figure out what to do next. âYou can stay here,â he said calmly, though his voice still carried a hi