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) I reeled back in shock as he was the last person I expected, but at the same time, I was grateful for the interruption. Why he was here or how he got into my meeting room didn't matter, all that did was the fact that I was going to get a breather from the pervert seated a few meter
(ARIELLE'S POV) I felt my face heat up. Before Dwayne could notice, I quickly said, louder than necessary, "Okay, so much for this. I really need to go, or Maverick and I will be late." I stepped forward, ready to make my escape. Dwayne nodded, as calm as ever. "Of course." I nodded back and st
(ARIELLE’S POV) I watched Dwayne’s eyes grow dark with a hatred I couldn’t describe. It sent a wave of goosebumps sprouting up along my arms and on the ridge of my neck. I felt my eyes tear up and I had to exercise restraint to make sure I didn’t cry in front of him. “There must’ve been a reason…
(JARED'S POV) My world seemed to shatter in that instant, as I stared at Dwayne's extended hand. Except that, I was not just staring at the hand; a myriad of thoughts were fighting a war in my head, too. My father—the man I’d always admired, revered as wise, disciplined, and morally steadfast—had







