Late July 2029 bathed Montclair, New Jersey, in golden light as I stood in my apartment, boxes stacked around me, my nurse’s scrubs folded on a chair after a hospital shift. Days had passed since Lila walked in on Justin and me in my bedroom, her shocked Oh, God! still ringing in my ears, followed by TMZ’s relentless headline: Kayla Reed and Justin Drake Caught in Montclair Love Nest! My jet-black hair was tied in a practical bob, my plus-sized curves in a loose T-shirt and jeans, a silver bracelet my only adornment. The sapphire engagement ring sat on my nightstand, the necklace locked in a jewelry box—no tokens of Justin adorned me, a choice to guard my heart despite our rekindled love. After the Hamptons, Claire’s exit, and Lila’s teasing support, Justin had asked me to move in together
