MORE THAN A FEELING

The Thorne estate was glowing under the golden sunset, but Cassian didn't care about the view. He was leaning against the balcony, swirling a glass of expensive sparkling cider, feeling restless. His parents, Victor and Eleanor, had been acting strange all day. "A very special guest is coming for dinner," his mother had said with a mysterious sparkle in her eyes. "A visitor you’ve missed very much." Cassian sighed. He only missed one person. And she hadn't spoken to him in months. After her heart was shattered by that guy at her old school, she had locked herself away. She didn't answer his texts. She didn't return his calls. She had disappeared without even saying goodbye, leaving a hole in Cassian’s chest that felt like a physical wound. "Cassian! They’re here!" his father called out from the grand foyer. Cassian trudged down the marble staircase, adjusted his silk shirt, and stopped dead in his tracks. The massive front doors were wide open. Standing there, flanked by the towering, handsome figures of Silas and Dante, was Aria. She looked like a porcelain doll beautiful, expensive, and fragile. Her eyes met his, and for a second, the world stopped spinning. "Surprise!" Eleanor Thorne cried out, rushing forward to pull Aria into a massive hug. "Oh, our sweet princess is back!" The reunion was a whirlwind of expensive perfume and laughter. The Rosemonts and Thornes collided like one big, happy family. Silas shook Cassian’s hand firmly, and Dante gave him a playful shove. Even Cassian’s little sister, Margo, was squealing with joy, clinging to Aria’s arm. But Cassian stayed frozen. He was hurt. He was angry that she had left him in the dark for so long. But more than anything? He was completely mesmerized. He couldn't stop staring at her. Even though she looked colder and quieter than before, she was still the only girl who mattered. "We have more news," Arthur Rosemont announced, placing a hand on Aria’s shoulder. He looked at Cassian. "Aria isn't just visiting for dinner. Her bags are already being moved into her new dorm. As of tomorrow, she is a student at Royal Oak Academy. With you, Cassian." Cassian’s heart did a somersault. She’s staying? She’s going to be near me every single day? The joy hit him like a wave, washing away the anger. He looked at Aria, searching for a reaction. She was looking at him too, her lips pressed together in a thin line. She looked like she wanted to say something maybe an apology, maybe a greeting but the words wouldn't come. Throughout the entire dinner, Cassian was a goner. While the parents talked about wine shipments and fashion weeks, Cassian’s eyes never left Aria. He watched the way she tucked a stray hair behind her ear. He watched how she barely touched her food. He wanted to reach across the table, grab her hand, and ask, "Why did you leave me without a word?" But he didn't. Instead, he just sat there, his heart racing with a "More Than a Feeling" intensity. She was back. She was broken. And he had a strange, burning feeling that he was the only one who could put her pieces back together.