LOGIN(ARIELLE'S POV) They say graduation is a milestone. Personally, I think they just want an excuse to make six-year-olds wear polyester caps and parents panic over gift baskets. At least, that’s what I kept telling myself while burning my fingers on the tiny iron-on badge that said “Class of the Yea
The words barely left my lips before the tears did—slipping down my cheeks faster than I could stop them. Jared stood quickly, his hand reaching for my face. “Why are you crying?” I laughed—choked and shaky. “It’s nothing. Sorry. I didn’t mean to…” My fingers trembled as I tried to wave it off
(ARIELLE’S POV) The celebration downstairs had barely ended when the crowd began to surge. Voices surrounded me—some calling my name with admiration, others offering business cards, invitations, flattery. Reporters waved microphones; investors hinted at million-dollar offers. Somewhere, someone
He approached her side quietly. "You look comfortable being the brightest star in the room, Miss Meyers," he murmured. She rolled her eyes, amused. "Don’t start. I already got three reporters asking if I’m the future Mrs. Smith. What’s funny is—I could’ve just said yes. I mean, technically, I am M
(AUTHOR'S POV) Another year had passed. Jared wasn’t the only one who forgot everything quickly. The whole world did the same thing. Just over a year ago, Jared Smith was still the unshakable CEO of the Smith Group—a name that once carried weight in every financial headline and luxury gala invita
(JARED'S POV) In the days that followed, I no longer recognized anyone or anything. There was just a feeling of emptiness and numbness that hung deeply inside of me. But there was a particular pretty woman who always visited. I wake up to find her in my room most mornings, and most nights she sits
He paused, his eyes locking with mine. And suddenly, it all clicked. I understood why Dwayne kept so much to himself. Why he hid behind walls of silence and secrets. Why he created a world so separate from everyone else. He’d called Jared a kid, but when I did the math, I realized Dwayne had been b
And most importantly, the part I just couldn’t get out of my head—Jared meant Dwayne was the one who sent Maverick back to my house?! I glanced down at Maverick, who was staring up at all this drama with big, confused eyes. I wanted to say something comforting, but honestly? What could I say? ‘It
(ARIELLE'S POV) The rest of the dinner passed in an uneasy silence, heavy and suffocating. I focused on my plate, determined to avoid Jared’s gaze and suppress the memories threatening to rise. It was the scene—the warmth of a family dinner, the kind of moment I’d once dreamed of—that had unrave
(ARIELLE'S POV) The next day was a Saturday, and Maverick was not going to school. I woke up early, feeling a mix of anxiety and uncertainty. It would be my first time leaving Jared alone with Maverick for the day, and I couldn’t shake the nagging worry that he might—well, not exactly cause troub







