Chapter 4

The string lights twinkled above the lake house deck like fallen stars, casting a golden glow over Jessica Hayes's graduation party. I stood by the railing, watching the sunset paint the water in shades of amber and rose. For a moment, I could almost forget the ache in my chest—the hollow space where Nathan used to be.

"Emma! You came!" Jessica's voice cut through my thoughts as she rushed over, red Solo cup in hand. "I wasn't sure you would, after... well, you know."

After Nathan publicly humiliated me at Sunset Ridge. After everyone saw him choose Isabella.

"I needed…