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
(JARED'S POV) Sitting by the window in the VIP waiting lounge of the airport, I gazed out at the relentless drizzle that had begun almost an hour again and had refused to let up. This slight delay of my flight due to the rain shouldn't have bothered me as it had already been announced by the weat
After we were done, I took a few minutes to review the event itinerary. As I scanned through the list of participants, sponsors, and judges, one name caught my eyes. Micheal Langley, Tiana’s brother, was listed as the financial backer of Red velvet restaurant. My head grew foggy and as I tried to a
I was instantly filled with anxiety as the realization dawned on me that I was in some serious danger. “You son of a…,” I cursed through gritted teeth. “Let me out of this car, now!” Denzel chuckled in amusement and shook his head. “You’ve not been paying attention, ma’am. I have the upper hand wh
(ARIELLE’S POV.)My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, spiraling faster than I could control. My body functioned on autopilot, but inside, I was unraveling.I couldn’t help but worry. Worry that I could lose everything I’d worked so hard to raise from scratch. Worried that I could go to prison for a







