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
“What the hell do you want from me, Jared?” I snapped sharply. Standing alone with him, I felt a myriad of emotions, some of which I was certain I shouldn’t feel. But my chest was constantly constricting with an undeniable ache. Was it jealousy? I waved it off and squared my shoulders, my chin hig
(ARIELLE'S POV) As I approached my car, I couldn't help but scan my surroundings, half–expecting to see Ashley lingering nearby. But she was nowhere to be found, and I didn't blame her. With her encounter with Jared earlier, staying back was not exactly a good option. As I slipped into the driver'
“Well of course I’d need a little favor in return,” she began. “And believe me, it is nothing excessively demanding,” she was quick to add. I exchanged skeptical glances with Ashley and turned to listen to her. “I know things haven’t been exactly all sweet honey and pancakes between us.. But we’ve
“Your marriage to my son failed those many years ago, and believe me, I have my regrets. I don’t say this to placate you or anything whatsoever. But I’m not stupid. I know without telling, that the chances of you and Jared ever starting over are slimmer than a camel learning to speak Chinese. So I h







