Chapter 245

Before they knew it, finals week had arrived. The festive buzz of the holidays was thickening on the streets, while groups of students, exams finally behind them, drifted out of the academic buildings in twos and threes.

After months of navigating the cutthroat world of business, walking side by side through campus felt like a rare moment of calm for Alessia and Cole.

Around them, classmates debated where to go to celebrate, some still comparing answers, the kind of ordinary day–to–day scene they’d almost forgotten existed. For Alessia and Cole, it all felt strangely surreal, like coming back to a world they’d left behind.

“Lessie!” Stella suddenly popped up behind them, Pierce trailing close behind.

“Stella.”

“Cole.” Pierce gave him a quick pat on the shoulder, his greeting brief as always.

Cole smiled at him. “How’d the exams go?”

“At least my parents won’t be cutting off my allowance anytime soon,” Pierce replied, grinning.

Some things never changed–Pierce was still as carefree as ever.

“Are you guys heading home? Want to grab dinner together?” Stella asked.

Alessia and Cole shook their heads in perfect sync. Karen had already called earlier, insisting they come straight home for dinner after exams.

I really want to try your mom’s cooking,” Stella

Stella added. “I’ll come

car with four wheels

of anything

two of them said their goodbyes,

leaning into each other, and both felt a pang they couldn’t quite name. But as friends, there was only so much

1/3

least Cole’s got Alessia by his

“I should get going, too. See

turned to join the friends who’d been waiting for him. “Is it

she’s transferring to our class next semester.” The last time

Cole said, well aware of the close

nodded. “Mom said she made your favorite crispy

what are

many times does that

plenty more in the future,”

tucked away their sadness and longing, determined to keep moving forward. Life didn’t stop

still lingering.

only get one shot at this life. Because we don’t want any more regrets, we

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