LOGINNicola Taylor I sat in the car, gripping the steering wheel tightly, staring at the entrance of Cole’s office building. I felt utterly defeated. Six years ago, my life had crumbled in his absence. And now, here I was again, stuck in an endless loop, except this time, I wasn’t competing with the
Cole Harrington I watched Nicola walk off, her retreating figure stirring something uneasy in my chest. The weight of the day’s events pressed down on me like a storm cloud refusing to dissipate. I felt suffocated, torn between what was happening and what I was inadvertently doing to the woman I c
Nicola Taylor The weight of her words hit like a tidal wave. I felt my chest tighten as I realized what she’d sacrificed, and I could see the shift in Cole’s expression. The anger in his eyes dimmed, replaced by something closer to heartbreak. “And you just… agreed to that?” he asked, his voice b
“Because I knew you wouldn’t let me go,” she said simply. “You would’ve fought him, and he would’ve come after you too. After Arabella. I couldn’t risk it. I couldn’t let him hurt you the way he wanted to hurt me.” The three of us stood in silence, the weight of Courtney’s confession hanging heavy
Nicola Taylor Arabella went back inside, her small figure disappearing into the house with a frustrated sigh. The heavy front door creaked as it closed, leaving just the three of us standing in the cool morning air. Silence settled over the driveway, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves i
Nicola Taylor The night was a restless blur. Aaron’s small, trembling body pressed against mine as he cried himself to sleep, his tears soaking through my shirt. I stayed with him, stroking his hair and whispering soft reassurances until his breathing evened out. Even then, I couldn’t bring myself
Nicola Taylor As I stood in line at my favorite café, the familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and pastries enveloped me, providing me with comfort. I was there to pick up my usual—an indulgent caramel macchiato—and the drinks for my family: Cole’s strong, black coffee and Arabella’s sweet straw
I raised an eyebrow, tilting my head slightly as I considered her words. “What are you talking about, Jessica?” I asked, genuinely perplexed. I changed schools because my father got a better job. I have no idea what she was referring to. Jessica’s smirk deepened, clearly relishing the moment. “Oh
“You did,” I said sincerely, meaning it. Cole’s actions, his kindness, and his flaws all pointed to the fact that he had been raised with love and care. But that didn’t make things easier. If anything, it made the situation even more complicated. Sienna sipped her coffee, her eyes never leaving min
Nicola Taylor I came home very late, the clock already ticking past 9 PM as I unlocked the door and stepped inside. Exhaustion weighed on my shoulders after a long day of back-to-back classes, but a strange, persistent noise pulled me out of my weary daze. It sounded like construction—hammering, d







