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
He shrugged, unruffled. "I'm just saying, it's convenient how you always seem to know exactly what to do to stay ahead. Maybe our grandma is giving you some, you know, pointers." I exhaled sharply, fighting hard for self-control. I can't be caught on camera throwing fists at my half-brother a few m
JARED'S POV As I walked, Arielle's cabin my destination, the weight of the conversation I had with Mrs Meyers settled heavily on my shoulders. I couldn't imagine how hard it must have been for Mrs. Meyers to bear such a secret all these years if it was this hard for me. Indeed, some secrets were be
His tone was calm, but the undercurrent of concern was unmistakable. I opened my mouth to insist again, but my words felt too heavy. I didn’t have the strength to argue with him, and—honestly—I didn’t want to. I collapsed back into the pillows, the weight of exhaustion sinking into my bones. For a
After parting with Jared, I returned to my cabin and fell into a deep sleep. When I woke up, sunlight was streaming through the window. A glance at the clock made me gasp—noon already? Stretching, I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, still groggy but gradually waking up. A soft knock sounded, and be







