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
(ARIELLE'S POV) When I arrived at the club nearly 40 minutes later, Dwayne's subordinate, Claire, was already waiting for me at the entrance. As usual, she was imposing and had a stern expression on her face. "This way, please," she said politely, but firmly. Safely guiding me through the crowd
(ARIELLE’S POV) Ashley leaned over the partition between the drivers side and passengers side, crooning her neck so he could hear her. "Excuse me, I'm sorry, but we'll have to reverse and take Margaux home, first." "Alright, Ma," the driver said, and immediately put the car in reverse. As we sped
I checked on the pasta—it was cooked perfectly—and then pulled the chicken out of the oven. As I did, I made a mental note to bring up Jared with Dwayne again, and this time, I wasn’t letting him bail out on me. Minutes later, I was done cooking, and I set the table, after which I sat back to wait
(ARIELLE'S POV) 7pm, the Grand Imperial Hotel. "You’ve got to pull yourself together," I said to myself, splashing cold water on my face. The afternoon had passed in a blur—probably because my mind kept drifting. Stephen had handled everything, and I arrived 20 minutes early. Now, I found myself







