I HID MY WEALTHY FAMILY TO TEST MY BOYFRIEND’S LOYALTY, BUT HE CHOSE HIS EX OVER ME, SO I RETURNED AS A BILLIONAIRE HEIRESS AND…

“How about another question?”

“No,” Logan insisted, shaking his head.

“No guesses do not count. So say it yourself. Yeah, do not leave us hanging. If you cannot say it, we will just have to assume that it is not Aria. It is someone else. Come on. Those are the rules man. Say it. Say it.”

The entire room started chanting.

“OK. OK. I will,” Chase said loudly, raising his hands in defeat.

“The person I lost it to is Serena.”

The room went completely dead silent. The music seemed to fade into the background.

“Oh my god,” a girl whispered near the couch.

“Chase, you are awful. Saying that while Aria is sitting right there.”

“Oh but it is OK,” Serena smiled sweetly, leaning her head against Chase’s shoulder.

“Aria is not that petty. I mean what is wrong with giving your first love to someone you actually loved?”

“Trust, I thought to myself, feeling my heart crack in my chest. Do you remember what you told me? How could you lie to me?”

“Sorry,” I said, standing up quickly and brushing my jeans off.

“I am not feeling great. I am leaving you guys in fun.”

“Aria,” Chase called out, stumbling after me into the dimly lit hallway.

“I swear I didn’t mean to lie to you. I will give you an answer that makes sense. Just not here.”

“You feel like a stranger now,” I told him, looking into his bloodshot eyes.

“So nice. So sweet. Or maybe this is the real you. But it only shows around Serena.”

“Are you here?” Serena called out, running into the hallway behind us.

“I am here. Ow. Ow. Chase, my head. My head.”

“I had Serena,” Chase said instantly, rushing past me to grab her before she could fall.

“Are you OK? I will call an ambulance.”

“No. No. It is OK,” Serena whimpered softly, clutching her forehead.

“I think it is just I ow I had too much to drink. Just stay with me. All right?”

“That is it for tonight,” Logan announced, stepping into the hall and waving his arms.

“Everyone has had enough. Let us wrap it up. What is what bro?”

“Aria,” Logan said, turning to me with a slight look of pity.

“We know asking that was seriously out of line. You put everyone on the spot. Chase, we all know that you love Serena. Aria isn’t even in the same league, man. We were just trying to help, that is all. Yeah. Serena is the total package. Aria is like just a frickin bookworm.”

“My life isn’t your project,” Chase snapped at Logan, tightening his grip on Serena.

“Do not ever pull that again. Aria, I am sorry about my first time. I never meant to lie to you. I know your first time meant the world to you. I just didn’t want the truth to hurt you or come between us. Please do not be mad.”

“You still smell like last night,” I said coldly, stepping backward toward the door.

“How about sleep it off?”

“Yes,” Chase sighed heavily.

“Yeah. Oh well, let us run check lunch. OK? No practice today. We said we would hit Lover’s Peak at sunset. But the weather has been trash. How about that haunted house today? Then we catch that sunset in a few days.”

“You are actually asking me to hang out?” I asked in pure disbelief.

“What? You do not want to go on a date with me?”

Three years and he has never asked first. Fine. My last time before I leave.

“Hey guys,” the haunted house employee announced enthusiastically when we arrived at the theme park later that afternoon.

“Anniversary promo today. Couples photos are half off. Do you guys want one?”

“Aria,” Chase said, looking around the lobby.

“We do not even have a single photo together.”

Yeah, I thought bitterly. And you have got a thousand with Serena.

“Let us get one,” I said.

“Something to remember these three years by.”

“Ready you two?” the photographer asked, lifting his camera.

“Three. Two.”

“Oh sorry I am late,” a familiar voice called out over the crowd.

“Oh no. Oh my god,” Chase said, dropping my hand immediately.

“What are the odds I would run into you here?”

“Serena, what are you doing here?” I asked, crossing my arms.

“Oh, they are having a discount so I made some plans,” Serena smiled innocently, twirling a strand of hair.

“And when I saw you I thought you were him.”

“Him who?” Chase demanded, his body suddenly tense and rigid.

“Do I know the guy? And why is he asking you out the second you are back in Los Angeles?”

“Leon Davis,” Serena said coyly.

“The captain of the high school football team. When I was at HMS Group he really looked out for me.”

“Serena,” Chase said, his voice rising in anger.

“Ask me if you want to hang out. I have heard things about Leon. He is not exactly the safest guy. He tries anything, I would be worried.”

“First time I have seen you jealous,” I murmured quietly.

“If it were me I could get harassed a hundred times and you wouldn’t even blink.”

“Done up,” Serena said, looking down at her phone screen.

“Oh my god. Leon cancelled on me.”

“Told you he is flaky,” Chase said quickly, a visible wave of relief washing over him.

“No shows are kind of his brand. But hey. No problem. Come hang with us.”

“Oh my god I would love that,” Serena beamed brightly.

“But won’t Aria get jealous? Girls our age get really insecure over those things.”

“Do not worry about me,” I said flatly.

“I will be fine.”

“Let us just play,” Chase said, ushering us toward the entrance. “The more the merrier. Perfect.”

Tearing out the top of this list, I thought to myself. What would my vote even change?

“Couple photos half off. Is that true?” Serena asked the photographer, walking right up to the lens.

“Couple photos are half off, absolutely ma’am,” he nodded.

“Oh yes,” Serena smiled, pulling Chase by the arm.

“Then please take one of us.”

“Serena what are you doing?” Chase asked, though he didn’t move away from her grasp.

“Relax, I am kidding. OK?” Serena laughed, lightly hitting his chest.

“You need to loosen up. Just having some fun. OK? OK. I will stop. So the pathetic stand in doesn’t pitch a fit.”

“Hmm. Here we go,” Chase said as we entered the pitch black corridor of the haunted house.

“Have fun.”

“Chase,” Serena whimpered loudly, clutching onto his jacket.

“This game is meant to be really scary.”

“If you are that scared, maybe do not come,” I pointed out, walking ahead of them.

“So you are afraid of zombies huh?” Chase asked her softly, wrapping a protective arm around her shoulder.

“You are OK. I got you.”

Soon like muscle memory. But he has done that with Serena a hundred times. Jesus, you know I scare easily too. But the only person you are protecting is Serena.

“Exercise one,” the loud speaker boomed from the ceiling.

“Man and woman must kiss to unlock truth. Those who do not share food with us will be eaten by zombies.”

“What? No. No. No way. OK? I am scared,” Serena squealed, pressing herself entirely against Chase.

“Hey. Hey. You wouldn’t mind helping me get out of this competition right? Do not bother anyone else. I have got you, Jace.”

You never kiss me first, I thought, watching them from the shadows. Sometimes even when I make the first move, you still pull away.

“Congratulations,” the speaker announced loudly.

“You survived your test.”

“Serena, you are scared,” Chase said, turning back to me.

“You go first. Aria, Serena spooks easy. I do not want her spiraling into a panic.”

“So that is it?” I yelled down the dark corridor.

“You are just leaving me here? Get back here.”

Not even a trace standing next to your first love. I do not exist.

“Oh my god I just blew our cover in there,” Serena laughed loudly on the other side of the partition wall, perfectly audible in the quiet room.

“Jace, you were way, way too impulsive in there. I know you were worried about me, but kissing me in front of your girlfriend like that, she is going to flip.”

“I wasn’t thinking,” Chase said, his voice echoing back.

“I mean how is Aria going to get out of there without a key? I mean, you do not think she will even lean in and kiss that guy, do you?”

“No she won’t. Are you sure?” Serena laughed maliciously.

“Wow, you have a lot of faith in Aria.”

“Yeah, Aria really loves me,” Chase said confidently.

“She puts up with all my crap. She would never pull that on me.”

So you do know, I whispered to the dark room, tears stinging my eyes. You know how hopelessly I love you. So you take that love for granted and do whatever you want.

“Ah. How are you? How did you get out?”

Chase stammered nervously when I finally walked through the exit door into the bright lobby.

“Wait, do not tell me you kissed the guy in there.”

“But he said yes,” I replied coldly, staring right through him.

“It was easy. You quit, and the staff walks you out. Like quitting you, Chase. This ridiculous game between us ends here.”

“Oh my god,” Chase panicked, stepping forward.

“I didn’t even realize quitting was an option. Gosh. So that means that that kiss… Serena, I am sorry. I was just worried about you.”

“I am fine. I am fine,” Serena smiled brightly, adjusting her jacket.

“Just as long as Aria doesn’t mind. What is the big deal? We have played house since we were kids. We practice kissing. Do not be mad Aria. I mean, lips are just so soft.”

“Why would you do that, Aria?” Chase turned on me, his face red with frustration.

“I just apologized to you. Aria, what are you doing?”

“She was baiting me on purpose,” I snapped, pointing a finger at Serena.

“You didn’t see that?”

“It is just a game,” Chase groaned loudly.

“Why are you taking it so seriously?”

“Seriously?” I demanded, my voice echoing in the empty lobby.

“You kiss Serena right in front of me and she bragged about it, and I am not supposed to get mad? Not supposed to take it seriously?”

“Serena was just trying to calm you down,” Chase argued aggressively.

“I know her better than you do. She is not what you think.”

“I kissed Chase,” Serena chimed in, pretending to look apologetic.

“I even leaned in and apologized. Chase, your girlfriend, she is just a little petty. Who do you believe? Me or her?”

“Aria,” Chase sighed heavily, rubbing his temples.

“Could you try to be more like Serena for once? Be mature. Stop blowing things up. Got it? Aria?”

What was I expecting? I thought, feeling a cold numbness wash over me. Of course he backs his first love. I am just a pathetic stand in.

“Jace. Jace,” Serena suddenly shrieked, tripping over the flat carpet and falling onto her knees.

“Are you OK?”

“Oh my god,” Chase yelled, dropping to his knees beside her instantly.

“Yeah. Yeah. I am fine.”

“Aria is not usually like that,” Chase told her, stroking her arm.

“I will go talk to her and make sure she apologizes.”

“No. No. I do not mind. OK?” Serena sniffled, wiping away fake tears.

“I just hate seeing you take the hit like that. I mean, she is your girlfriend and she should trust you. Come on. Do not go out there. It is pouring. So if you want to talk, let me hear you.”

“No Serena,” Chase said softly, helping her stand.

“I am sorry about what happened. Please do not be mad. I won’t leave you like that ever again. Hey, rain is coming down hard. You will get sick. Let us get you dry then I will take you to your favorite steak place.”

“No,” Serena demanded sharply.

“Get me a hospital bed and a chart for a sprained ankle. Now.”

“This looks so good,” Chase said a few days later when we were eating out at an expensive restaurant.

“Been wanting to try this place forever but kept putting it off for training. Aria, you like New York? Yeah, I will be there soon.”

“Wait,” I said, looking up from my plate.

“That is the surprise? You know I love New York. Are you saying holiday trip? The two of us? New York?”

“I was going to take you home,” Chase smiled, reaching across the table.

“Introduce you to my parents. That was the plan till now.”

Then his phone buzzed loudly on the table. He picked it up immediately.

“Chase, I was in a car accident,” Serena sobbed hysterically through the speaker.

“Sorry, something came up,” Chase said instantly, standing up and dropping his napkin on his half eaten food.

“I gotta go. Can you finish without me?”

He said whenever I need him he will drop everything to be with me. You want me then leave me. You always love like that. Cool. Unfair. One phone call from her outweighs the thousands of times I showed up with my whole heart for you.

Busy with a part time job, Bella is gone most nights now. Feels like there is no one left to talk to in this massive city.

“Aria,” a classmate asked me the next day on campus.

“I cannot reach Chase. Today is the last day for HMS Group’s college athlete fashion ambassador sign ups. He really wanted this. Can you check if he can make it? OK?”

“Director Smith, I will ask him,” I nodded.

I dialed his number. He answered after four rings.

“Hey, when are you coming back to campus?” I asked.

“Aria, I cannot get back right now. I…”

“Jace, I am craving mango,” Serena’s voice echoed loudly in the background.

“Feed me please.”

“You are impossible,” Chase laughed at her warmly.

“Mango tastes so much sweeter when you feed it to me,” Serena giggled.

“Aria, I cannot make it back right now because of Serena,” Chase finally answered me, his tone shifting completely.

“She was in an accident. They are keeping her here for observation. She spooks easy. Hates pain. So someone needs to be there. And I just… if I had driven her home this wouldn’t have happened. I feel responsible. I want to stay with her a couple of days.”

Not a drop of blood. Is it really that serious? Or is it just that if Serena says it, you take it as gospel?

“Sorry,” Chase said, sensing my silence.

“Once she is better I will come back and be with you.”

“Director Smith has been asking for you,” I told him, keeping my voice emotionless.

“The HMS fashion ambassador sign ups. Today is the last day.”

“She cannot swim my campus,” Chase dismissed it quickly.

“Forget it. Serena needs me next time.”

Big hero Chase. For Serena you will toss your future away. Or maybe that ambassador gig only mattered because Serena works at HMS.

Three days left. Then our girl Aria is off to New York. Go kill it. OK? To Aria. To Aria.

“Where is Chase?” my friend asked at my going away dinner at the local diner. “Do not tell me he still doesn’t know you are leaving.”

“He is busy playing nurse at the hospital. Why would he show?” I said, poking at my fries.

“Jace, he is just swamped. True. I mean with his training schedule it is kind of fair that he couldn’t make it. Your family is all in New York. That means if you leave this time, you are probably not coming back to Los Angeles, right?”

“Yeah. They want me to build a life there,” I said.

“Oh come on,” my friend pouted, leaning on the table.

“How am I supposed to survive missing you? So this makes you and Chase long distance. Long distance is fine. Not like we will be talking after this anyway. Hey do not sweat long distance. If it is real love beats everything. It crosses mountains. Oceans. All of it.”

Yeah, real love can. His cannot. Chase, tonight is my last night here.

“Surprise. Happy birthday Aria,” Chase said brightly, appearing at my apartment later that night holding a small box.

“He actually remembered. Thank you, Jace. Weren’t you at the hospital with Serena?”

“It is your birthday. Of course I had to come celebrate with you. Mango. Your favorite. Do you remember what else today is besides my birthday?”

“Uh. What?” he asked, looking genuinely confused.

“Our three year anniversary,” I said quietly, looking at the mango cake.

“Nothing. Make a wish. Fine. One last moment that is ours before I go.”

“Jace, I hope you end up with the person you really love,” I said, blowing out the single candle.

“What kind of wish is that?” Chase laughed loudly, cutting a slice. “I am already with you.”

His phone rang abruptly. He looked at the caller ID and sighed.

“What? Serena won’t eat at the hospital?” Chase sighed into the phone. “Go handle it. I will be right back.”

“Wait, Chase,” I said clearly, standing up from the table. “I am leaving tonight for good. We might not ever see each other again.”

“What was that? What did you say? I didn’t catch that. So be careful on your way to the hospital. OK?” he spoke into the phone rapidly, entirely ignoring me.

“Serena is the one who loves mango,” I said softly to the empty room as the door slammed shut. “I am allergic. And what I really wanted to say is I am leaving you tonight for good. I tried my best. I hope you end up with the person you really love. Chase, we are done.”

“Ariel, I am sorry. I just got back,” Chase texted hours later in the middle of the night. “It took forever for Serena to get to sleep. No response. Great. She is mad again. All right. Peace offering time. That always works. Aria, I am back. Let us do your birthday right.”

“Aria, you hear?” Chase called Bella frantically the next morning. “She moved out. I step out for a minute and she packs the room. Dramatic much. Declined. Ariel where are you? This isn’t funny. Keep this up and I am gonna be pissed. Seriously, we are adults. Do not ghost me like this. Grow up a bit. Yeah, I told you nothing happened with Serena. You are always reading into things. Aria knock it off. If you do not answer me I am gonna… my girlfriend. Chase we are done. No. No. No way. Ariel wouldn’t break up with me. She wouldn’t. Still off. Damn it. No response either. Are you where are you? You just left without a word right? Bella. Her roommate Bella will know.”

“Bella, do you know where Aria is?” Chase demanded over the phone.

“Wait, nobody told you?” Bella asked in shock. “Aria already left for New York. I figured she told you ages ago.”

“New York?” Chase stammered. “She didn’t tell me anything.”

“Three days ago we threw her a going away dinner. I was wondering why you didn’t show. Aria said you were busy.”

“Serena needs me next time,” Chase remembered aloud. “I really missed something that important because I was taking care of Serena? Aria, you are the one who said you loved me. You do not get to end things without me. Not like this.”

“Serena,” Chase called, pacing the empty apartment. “I need to get to New York. It is late. Everything is sold out. But I know you have got that VIP concierges line. Can you get me on a red eye?”

“Misery is here. Everyone to the entrance please,” the household staff announced uniformly as I walked into the grand marble foyer of my family’s estate in New York. “You are the only thing that is better fit for me. Welcome home Miss Aria. You are the only one.”

“Dad. Mom.”

“Mom, I missed you so much,” I smiled, hugging her tightly.

“Baby, I missed you more,” she cried softly.

“Dad.”

“Oh my girl. Oh, now that you are home, no one lays a finger on you. Not ever again,” my father said proudly.

“My god this is so good. It tastes like home,” I sighed at dinner, eating a massive plate of roast.

“You got so skinny in Los Angeles. Eat whatever you want whenever you want baby girl. When you were in the shower this Chase called. What a dozen times. And he blew up your phone with texts. Who is he?” my dad asked, his brow furrowed.

“He is my ex,” I said calmly, taking a sip of water.

“We were together for three years. We just broke up.”

“Good,” my dad declared, slamming his hand on the table.

“Make a clean break of it. Blowing up your phone like that, that is harassment. Total creep. Block that guy. Exactly. A guy like that doesn’t deserve our baby girl. Here, take that. If you are not in the mood to work or study, take all the time you need. Whenever you are ready, you have a place in the company.”

“No Dad, I do not want the shortcut. I want to learn the business from the ground up. Step by step. That is how you go farther.”

“That is my girl. Exactly how I was at your age.”

“Aria, you finally picked up. It is me Chase,” his voice echoed desperately over the line later that evening.

Chase. Chase and Serena on the same call makes sense. Without me nothing is in their way.

“Are you where are you?” Chase begged. “I need to see you. You broke up without even giving me a reason. I do not accept that.”

“A reason?” I asked coldly. “You know exactly why. And no. No meeting. I am making it official. We are done. Let us leave it clean.”

“No. Once we are breaking up, we say it face to face. Drop me an address.”

“I am not in Los Angeles. I am in New York. Chase, let it go. We are done.”

“I am in New York. Give me your address.”

“You are in New York? Still, forget it. There is no reason to meet. No Chase.”

“Do not be sad OK?” Serena told him in the background. “Aria just she doesn’t love you anymore.”

“No, that is not her. She just hasn’t seen me in a while. Once she sees me she will forgive me.”

“Chase, Aria is gone OK? You should be happy. We can finally be together now. Jace I love you,” Serena pleaded.

“Serena, the past is the past,” Chase said firmly. “I do not feel anything for you anymore. When Aria left, I finally realized it has always been her. She is the one I loved.”

“Welcome to HMS HQ. The world’s largest fashion group,” the corporate guide announced the next morning in the towering glass lobby. “You have been down recently. Consider this a resite.”

“Thanks Serena,” Chase muttered, looking around the massive building. “I used to dream about signing here. Crazy how I finally make it in the door and feel nothing.”

“If I could work here I could die happy,” Logan said, gazing at the ceiling. “Serena, you are a manager here? That is insane.”

“Miss Alden, you are back from your trip,” a junior employee greeted Serena respectfully.

“Yes, and I figured I would show a few friends around,” Serena bragged loudly. Once he sees I outclass Ariel that bottom feeder, he will fall for me again.

“Dude come on, chin up,” Logan nudged Chase hard.

“Serena brought us here for you. Honestly you should just get back with her already. And then if you want that HMS endorsement all you gotta do is snap your fingers.”

“Writer knock it off. I was into her past tense.”

“Aria? I finally found you,” Chase yelled across the lobby, rushing toward me as I carried a stack of files.

“What are you doing here? Working? What did I crash your date with Serena? No that is not what this is. There is nothing between me and Serena.”

“Yeah pretty sure you did see. Chase was just mid romantic speech. It was beautiful,” I said sarcastically.

“Aria, you work at HMS? That is really cute. You look like you are entry level,” Serena mocked, walking over with her arms crossed.

“Serena, she is a manager,” Logan sneered.

“Hmm, an intern. Hmm, thought you were somebody. We burn through your type by the hundreds every year. What, you want your dog collar back? Then get on your knees and beg for it.”

“Serena what the hell are you doing?” Chase yelled, stepping between us.

“Are you OK?”

“I am fine thanks,” I said calmly.

“Lay a hand on me again, and next time it won’t stop at one slap.”

“You bitch,” Serena gasped, holding her cheek in shock.

“You think you can lay a hand on me? Get on your knees and apologize now. I will make you kneel.”

“You making me kneel and apologize?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes I can. I am the manager. You are an intern. You do not apologize, I will get you fired with one email. What I do not get is where a small town intern like you gets this much attitude. You landed a job at HMS Group, the best thing that has ever happened to you, and instead of being grateful you lay a hand on me? You are done today. Seriously.”

“Aria,” Logan warned aggressively.

“Serena is your boss’s boss. If you do not apologize in this whole job that you crawled your way into, it is gone. Yeah, this isn’t high school anymore sweetheart. You piss off Serena, she has got a thousand ways to show you the door.”

“Chase, you really disappoint me. She didn’t mean to hit you. Please. Please do not fire her,” Logan begged Serena.

“Not happening. That bitch is getting on her knees and apologizing. Your begging means nothing. Kneel and apologize. Do it now,” Serena commanded.

“I do not need a shield,” I said stepping forward.

“And I am not scared of them. Still putting on a show. Wrap her. Make her kneel and apologize. I am done being nice.”

“Who is telling my daughter to get on her knees?” a deep, furious voice boomed across the lobby.

“Good afternoon Mr Rowan. Good afternoon Mr Rowan. Mr Rowan, Chairman,” the surrounding staff immediately bowed their heads.

“Aria is the Chairman’s daughter?” Logan whispered in terror.

“Aria, the Chairman’s daughter,” Chase muttered, staring at me.

“So she really loved me for me. Not for anything else.”

“I asked a question,” my father repeated, his eyes locking onto Serena like a predator.

“Which one of you just ordered my daughter to kneel?”

“Mr Rowan,” Serena stammered, her face completely draining of color.

“This was simply a joke between me and Aria. A joke.”

“Looks to me like you are treating this company like your living room. Bullying whoever you want. Where did all that swagger go?”

“Mistaken. Truly. Aria and I were close. We even did a haunted house together. Just friends teasing friends. I simply forgot we were on work grounds and made an inappropriate comment. That is on me. But I will apologize to Miss Aria.”

“A minute ago, you were telling my daughter to get on her knees,” my father said coldly.

“That right? You know exactly what to do now. Hmm?”

“No way,” someone whispered nearby.

“She is about to kneel to Aria. Biggest headline of the year.”

“No. Shut up Aria. Can you please not make this ugly?” Chase pleaded, looking at me.

“What? Still running interference for her?” I asked.

“Newsflash, we are over. One more word from you, and I will have you kicked out of HMS too.”

“So she is the Chairman’s daughter,” Chase muttered.

“Clock the face. I am keeping my distance. Great, so much for lying low. I wanted to do this like a normal hire.”

“Do not get up,” my father commanded as Serena tried to stand from her shaking knees.

“You are sure you do not want her to kneel and apologize?”

“Yes Mr Rowan. I am just an intern. I do not want to derail anyone’s work or cause a circus.”

“Wait Mr Rowan. So she is she is not your daughter?” Serena asked, a glimmer of nasty hope in her eye.

“Cough, cough. Right. She isn’t. I must have been mistaken. OK Aria play me like that huh. You are done.”

“Maybe it is better if you stay ordinary,” Chase sighed.

“Then getting back together would be simpler.”

“Serena,” my father barked, ending the delusion instantly.

“You are the manager and you just tried to bully an intern on our lobby floor. That damages the company name. Apologize to Aria now. And if she doesn’t accept it, pack your desk.”

“Mister Rowan, I… I will apologize to Aria right now. OK Aria please forgive me. Let us just let it go. I do not want to push it any further.”

“Fine,” I said coolly, turning away.

“Aria is dropping it. Everyone back to work.”

“Aria can we talk?” Chase begged as the crowd dispersed rapidly.

“Say it. What do you want Ariel? Why are you breaking up with me? What did I do that was so wrong?”

“I fell out of love. That happens. So I am leaving.”

“You are lying. You loved me so much. I do not believe that feelings like that just disappear overnight.”

“So you know exactly. Because I loved you, I refused to be a replacement for your first love.”

“This is on me. I liked Serena before. OK? I got with you thinking I would forget her. Yeah. But then I actually fell for you. I love you. You are the one Aria. You are not just a stand in. You do not love me. You are just not used to the girl who always says yes finally walking away. That cling that is not love.”

“No that is not true. If I cut Serena off completely, will you take me back?”

“If you had said that sooner, maybe. But you cannot unring that bell. I do not love you anymore. We are done. I hope you find the person you truly love. Goodbye Chase.”

“You are lying. I do not buy that. I do not. There is no way you do not love me. How sad is this. The first time you kiss me first, and it is also the last. So love has run its course Aria. We have been together for three years. Are you seriously just throwing us away?”

“Three years?” I laughed bitterly, looking him straight in the eyes. “You remember the number. Great. Do we even have a single photo together? Meanwhile, you have got a thousand with Serena. Aria, I… now answer me this. If I mattered, how could you kiss Serena right in front of me? And then when she talked to me about it, you took her aside. You made me the damn joke. His lips are just so soft, aren’t they?”

“Aria, what are you doing?”

“Another question. Do you even know that I am allergic to mangoes? You brought Serena’s favorite mango cake for my birthday, figuring I would love it. What was your plan? Watch me choke so you two could be together?”

“Aria I was wrong. I was so wrong. I am sorry. I am so, so sorry.”

“I do not need your apology. For years you used me as Serena’s stand in. But I am nobody’s shadow. I am me.”

“Aria, I blew it. You kept giving me chances and I wouldn’t take them. Aria please give me one more chance. I swear I won’t let it slip away.”

“Miss Rowan, welcome home,” the university president said warmly three years later.

“On behalf of our students and faculty, thank you for representing HMS Group with a one billion dollar donation for our anniversary. We are deeply grateful.”

“It is my Alma mater,” I smiled, adjusting my suit jacket.

“It shaped me. This is my way of giving back.”

“Oh thank you. We still have a little time before Founder’s Day kicks off. Mind if I take a walk alone?”

“Oh of course. Anything you need just say the word.”

Three years, I whispered to myself, walking the green quad. Place hasn’t changed much. Only the people have.

“You OK Arya? Are you OK?”

“You are the one who saved me five years ago,” I said, looking up at the handsome man smiling down at me. Caleb.

“Yeah. I didn’t think you would remember. Come on. Let us go sit. I uh I looked for you after you graduated but couldn’t find you.”

“You were looking for me? Why?”

“Truth? I kind of liked you back then. But I was guest coaching the swim team. You were a student, and I didn’t want to ruin your focus. And so I told myself I would ask you out after you graduated. But then you kind of vanished. Sorry. Overshare.”

“No. I moved to New York. I meant to thank you in person. I just couldn’t track you down.”

“Founder’s Day is starting. I have to get over there. Let me take you. HMS Group is giving a one billion dollar check to the school, and I am leading the remarks. Wow. That is huge. You are kind of incredible.”

“Serena, bro, this is your chance to tell Serena how you feel. Yeah. I mean women like that do not come around twice. OK Aria, I have missed you for three years. Did you ever miss me? That is it. Get a question. Yeah. Good video gone. I am probably just seeing things. Wanting to see her so bad I made it up. Chase, you good? I am fine.”

“Three years and still no progress,” Logan muttered to Chase nearby on the campus lawn. “Boys antsy. Three years he has got to be over Aria by now. I have never made a move, and half the world wants him. It is better if I just say it straight.”

“Chase, I love you,” Serena practically screamed across the courtyard, marching up to him in front of the crowd.

“And I know you love me too. Let us get back together. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Say yes. Say yes. Say yes. You got to take that deal. That is a fabulous deal.”

“Sorry I cannot.”

“What? I thought you said that you were into Serena.”

“I was. Past tense. Since Aria and I split three years ago, I figured it out. I am in love with her. Every time I got drunk, every time I broke down, it was because of her. I am sorry I cannot say yes.”

“Chase Jonathan. I have waited for you three years. My patience has its limit. You really wanna reject me?”

“I am sorry Serena.”

“Do not forget your endorsement from HMS Group was because of me. That was mine to give you. I can make you. I can make you and I can bury you.”

“Oh my god, Chase, you have completely lost it. Isori is a small town little nobody. OK? Back then, three years ago, you used her as my stand in to try and get over me. Fine. Fine. I am ready to get back together now, and you are going to refuse me? Hmm? We were legends back in high school. The perfect pair, weren’t we?”

“That was then. Leave it there. And Aria isn’t anyone’s stand in. I cannot let her go because I love her. What are you even saying?”

“OK. Serena is amazing. How could you treat her like this man? What? You mad that she made you wait? This is like payback or something? You are turning her down to get a rise out of her.”

“I am not playing games with anyone. I am being honest. You cannot force feelings. And with Serena, it is just friendship. Nothing more. My heart is still with Aria. And I will wait till she comes back to me.”

“She is not coming back to you. Arya. You are back. Chase, you and Arya are over. Be a gentleman. Back off. Who is this guy? And why has he got his hand on you? He looks mad familiar. How would I see him? Oh got it. He used the Olympic swimming chair.”

“Formal intro. Caleb Blake,” Caleb smiled smoothly, wrapping an arm around my waist. “I am pursuing Aria now. I plan to be her boyfriend soon.”

“No way. Campus heartthrob Chase dumped by Aria, and an Olympic champ into her. Damn, it is her secret.”

“I do not care what medals you have got. I am not letting go. I have waited for Aria for three years. You do not love her like I do.”

“I know your history,” Caleb said, his voice dropping into a dangerous calm. “You do not get to lecture anyone about love. Three years ago you didn’t cherish her. You hurt her. I loved Arya long before you did. She was my student. I kept my distance. But now, do not you dare get near her and try to hurt her again. Move.”

“Enough. I told you we are done. There is no us. Not now. Not ever.”

“Campus heartthrob swimmer Chase Donovan gets rejected. Who is the mystery woman? My daughter. Always the headline. Step on it. I want eyes in the field in ten minutes. I am not missing this show.”

“Aria. You nobody. How dare you steal my spotlight. You are nothing but my stand in. What makes you think you are worth two all stars fighting over you? President Brown. President Brown, where are you? What is going on? This woman is trying to hijack my moment on Founder’s Day. Kick her out now. Understood.”

“No President Brown, are you confused? No Miss Olden, please leave. Miss Rowen is our most respected guest today. Way beyond your pay grade to antagonize. Or what? Most respected guest? Miss Rowen is an honored alum. Our commencement speaker today. Are you most honored? Based on what? She is also here representing HMS please. Three years ago Aria was an intern. Now that she is full time big whoop. What makes her an HMS rep?”

“Aria, you already hired actors to pretend to be Chairman. Stop cosplaying. Give me a break. I am the HM rep. But she is a total imposter. Serena is an actual manager at HM. You little bitch. You just love headlines, don’t you? Well luckily I am about to rip off that mask on camera. So everyone can see how fake you are. Phones up everyone. I am about to make Aria drop to her knees and beg.”

“Serena, you truly not know who Aria is? She is bottom rung at HMS Group. One phone call and I can have her fired. And if you try and shield her President Brown, I will pull my donation. Imagine the scandal that would cause. You really think you would keep your job? Three years ago I warned you. Stop the bullying. You learn nothing. HMS has no place for you. Serena, on behalf of the board of directors, you are fired.”

“Fire me? You? A small town nobody? On what planet do you think you can fire me? Why? Because you think your daddy is the Chairman? Not think. No. My dad is the Chairman.”

“Great. Listen up everyone. It is witness time. If the Chairman shows up and doesn’t claim you as his daughter, I will have my men break your legs and throw you in the river for chum. Aria. Go. Once the Chairman gets here, you won’t have a chance to slip out. You never believed me. Not then. Not now. Whatever it is I believe you.”

“President Brown, if you want that donation to stand then have your men break this bitch’s legs now. Or I am pulling my billion dollar donation.”

“Who just threatened my daughter?” my dad roared, striding up the steps with his security detail. “Done. Finally made it. You just love to put on a show don’t you bitch. Dad.”

“What makes you think you have the right to call Chairman dad? Mr Rowan, this bitch has been impersonating your daughter. Not to worry, I have already handled her. Hand off. Mmhmm. So should I be rewarding you then?”

“No. No. No. It is my duty to protect HMS at all costs. But if you insist on a reward, I would suggest bumping me up to regional manager.”

“Dad, you hear this? She hit me and then asked for a promotion.”

“Oh I heard it baby girl. Wait. So Aria really is your your daughter? What the fuck. I am done. You laid hands on my daughter right in front of me? You got a death wish? Take her. That is good talking. You abused your authority and bullied staff. You are fired effective immediately. I will audit every account you touched. And if a single dollar is missing, enjoy the rest of your life in bars. Get her out of my sight. Wait. Wait. No. No. No.”

“So, not bad kid,” my dad said, turning to Caleb. “You took my daughter at her word. No hesitation. You are already miles ahead of some people. You have got my blessing to marry her.”

“Dad slow down,” I blushed furiously. “I haven’t even agreed to be his girlfriend yet.”

“Oh you will sweetie. I will spend the rest of my life making sure that nothing bad ever happens to you. You two are inevitable. Trust me. I have been around the block. I know these things.”

“Dude,” Logan nudged Chase. “If you do not make a move like right now, the actual Arya is about to get snatched up. Yeah man, marry Arya and we can ride shotgun on her rise to the top.”

“Both of you shut it. Back then you trashed Aria every chance you got. Now you see who she is, and all of a sudden I should be chasing her? You are shameless. I am done calling you friends.”

“Oh please Mr High Ground. You never got over Serena, and you still dated Aria. You deserve to be dumped. Yeah. Karma. You froze Aria out when she was right there for you. Now you find out she is the real deal and you want to rewind. Too late. Aria is out of your league. And your time is up.”

“I know I am an honorary instructor,” Caleb spoke to the President. “But I have witnessed students worship money, bullying other classmates. Said this is against your company’s policy. Please step in. He is right. We donate so this place produces people who help society, not rot it from the inside.”

“You two. Your enrollment is revoked effective immediately. What President Brown, I was wrong. I was so wrong. No hey look, I was pushing people around. I promise I swear please President Brown. No. No. No. Please just hear me out President Brown. No my god no.”

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the President announced into the microphone. “Please welcome our distinguished alumna and HMS representative, Miss Aria Rowan.”

“Good day everyone. Thank you so much for joining us, and I am so happy to present this check for one billion dollars.”

“Aria Rowan,” Serena screamed, breaking free from security and charging the stage with a knife. “You ruined everything. I am gonna kill you. Jace. Jace.”

I watched in horror as Chase threw himself in front of me, taking the blade directly to his shoulder.

“Aria, forgive me.”

“Chase. You are awake. I will get the doctor. Please do not go Aria. Please. You got hurt saving me. I will find someone to look after you. Just focus on getting better OK? I am heading out. I will get better, and I will wait for you to come back to me.”

“You beat me by a step,” Caleb smiled as I walked into the hallway. “I will admit it. One layup was supposed to be me.”

“You too. Aria hasn’t agreed to be my girlfriend yet, but I am not giving up.”

“Hey, you heal up fast huh? Aria. When I am better, do we still have a chance then? Are we friends?”

“I guess so. Just rest OK? Sunset. It is Saturday. We said we would catch the sunset at Lover’s Peak. Uh, actually I kinda got called in last minute. Coach needs me. Cannot make that sunset. We said we would hit Lover’s Peak at sunset, but the weather has been trash. How about that haunted house today? Then we catch that sunset in a few days.”