Chapter 18

“Our house is too quiet mind if we join your game?” Mrs. Carter asked with her usual warmth.

We’d always spent New Year’s Eve together before everything happened. This year, Mom had politely declined their dinner invitation, but you can’t exactly turn away guests at your door.

Aiden naturally gravitated to the seat next to mine, watching me play poker. My cousins, oblivious to our history, kept making those classic “when’s the wedding?” jokes. I laughed them off smoothly while Aiden’s jaw tightened more with each comment.

At midnight, when everyone headed outside for fireworks, he caught my arm, clearly wanting to talk. That’s when my phone rang.

Blushing slightly, I pulled away from him to answer. It was Jake from my photography club back at Stanford – a local California guy with an infectious laugh. He wasn’t the brooding type like Aiden; instead, he was the kind of guy who could make anyone smile, always ready with a terrible pun or a ridiculous

story.

celebrate alone.

is, I just wanted to be the

a few more minutes. When I

clearly heard everything.

His voice

honestly, after considering it.

stayed quiet for what felt

head back inside to rejoin the poker game, he spoke again: “Long–distance relationships rarely work out. You should find someone closer

do. I’ll take my time deciding. Thanks

seemed to hit a nerve.

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