Ariana (POV)
The days after our intense talk about Stacy and our dreams settled into a comfortable rhythm. It felt like we were a genuine family now, each of us defined by our goals .And for me, the primary motive was studying. The final exams were looming, and the scholarship felt like the key to the future I’d just declared.
My study buddy quickly became Noah. Eli was often out late dealing with duties and networking for his business goals, and Alex, true to his word, decided his time was better spent honing his 'star power'—which mostly involved elaborate skincare routines, working outs and watching old movie reels.
So, it was Noah and me, bent over textbooks at the dining table every afternoon.
Noah was a fantastic study partner. He was precise, focused, and patient. But lately, I
