Se connecter(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
I shook my head sadly as my eyes welled up with tears. “Woah, honey. It’s okay,” my mother said soothingly as she sat beside me on the sofa and took me in her arms. “You’re okay. Do you want to talk about it?” she asked softly. “It’s all just so overwhelming,” I began. I narrated everything that h
(JARED’S POV) “I hope I’ve made myself clear? Because I won’t be as nice the next time!” Arielle’s mother hissed through gritted teeth. One look at the fire in her eyes and I knew right away that she wasn’t joking about her threat. The spot where her palm has struck my cheek stung like it had be
(ARIELLE’S POV) After the awkward interview with Stephen Stone — which Rebecca and Ashley didn’t stop teasing me for, I stepped out of the restaurant to get Maverick from school. If traffic and the weather were forgiving I’d make it just in time to redeem myself for picking him up late. I hurri
JARED’S POV) I killed the engine of my car and sat still, deep in thought. There was a battle raging in my head as I sat in the car space. I stole a glance at my reflection in the rearview mirror. Arielle’s mother’s fingers were still clearly imprinted on my face like an awful tattoo born from the







