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
“Isn’t it?” he replied with a slight raise of his brows. I stood there, frozen for a moment, the weight of his words sinking in. What was he really asking me? Was this about more than just helping Ashley? I didn't know how to respond, didn't know how to articulate the swirling emotions inside of me
For a moment confusion clouded my mind, before I suddenly remembered everything. I’d been so carried away with the events of the previous night to remember I had better things to worry about. Things concerning the people who genuinely mattered to and cared about me. I chastised myself and tapped aw
All eyes turned to me. Jared’s head snapped in my direction, his face paling as his gaze locked onto mine. My whole body felt ice-cold, the blood draining from my face until I was certain I looked like a ghost. My heart clenched painfully as his words replayed in my head. He said it didn’t matter
“Good night, ostrich,” he said softly and walked out of the room. I let out a long sigh and stared up at the ceiling, the hours blending together in a haze. My thoughts were a tangled mess, each one spinning faster than the last. For a moment, I imagined there were tiny dots on the ceiling and the







