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Chapter 4: The Uninvited Variable

The glow from my phone screen felt like a spotlight in the dark car, illuminating my guilt. Vivaan’s texts burned into my retinas. Your favorite disruption particle. My heart was doing a frantic, hummingbird beat against my ribs.

“Who is it, beta?” my mother asked, peering at me from the front seat. “Is it Jia? Tell her the good news! But tell her not to tell anyone yet, it’s not final!”

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Laila Ali

"I believe in slow burns, stolen glances, and happy endings."