A week had passed since Cassie’s unexpected return. Aubrey found herself immersed in her work, trying her best to remain focused and ignore the lingering presence of Evan in her thoughts. Deep down, she knew that Evan’s heart still belonged to Cassie, their high school sweetheart. Together, they had been an iconic couple, the envy of their peers. Aubrey had …

Fifteen years had passed since that fateful day when Aubrey, a mere five-year-old girl, experienced a life-altering event. Clutching tightly onto her small bag of groceries, she trudged homeward with her mother, their routine trip from the store taking an unexpected turn. Out of nowhere, a stray ball struck Aubrey on the head, causing her to stumble and drop the …

Under the radiant noon sky, Aubrey immersed herself in her work, diligently attending to her tasks. Suddenly, the mellifluous ring of the telephone resounded through the air, instantly capturing her attention. In the household, only Aubrey and her grandmother resided, making her the sole recipient of the call. As she hurriedly reached for the phone, Aubrey’s voice resonated with warmth …

“Aubrey,” “Ouch” she exclaimed, her voice filled with both astonishment and pain, as she gingerly examined her burnt finger. Startled by a sudden shout, she had unintentionally touched the scorching hot pot while preparing breakfast for everyone. Without hesitation, she abandoned her cooking and hurriedly rushed out of the kitchen. Outside, Aubrey’s gaze fell upon Grandma, Mrs. Cooper, the matriarch …