Aurelia Lombardi had always been captivating. In high school, everyone had been drawn to her, boys and girls alike. It wasn't just her beauty that caught the eye. But rather the way she seemed to light up a room without trying. Tonight was no different. Even in the bar's dim atmosphere, she was glowing, her presence magnetic, pulling gazes toward her. "It's so good to see you, Tom! I can't believe it's been three years!"...

The sound of dishes clinking in the kitchen pulled me from a fitful sleep. I blinked against the morning light streaming through the half-drawn curtains, the familiar ache in my neck reminding me I’d spent another night on Marco Nunes’ too-short couch. After a quick shower, I dragged my weary body to the kitchen and found him there. “Morning, man. Ready for your first day at work?” His bright grin was almost annoying. He...

The morning had started awkwardly. Marco was sheepish, trying to laugh off his drunken antics from the night before. Meanwhile, Bela hovered around, offering lingering glances and playful nudges that made my chest tighten with guilt. She deserved better than being a temporary distraction, but that’s exactly how I had treated her. As I sat in my cubicle, pretending to focus on the client file before me, my mind drifted bac...

I was surprised by how quickly I'd settled into my new routine: work during the day, evenings spent checking out apartments, hitting a bar with Marco's friends, or running with Nat and Aurelia. And most nights ended in Bela's bed. Sleeping together was a welcome distraction. Though I could tell her interest was starting to fade. She admitted she used to have a teenage crush on me, a confession that had caught me off guard...

Aurelia and I never spoke of that night again. I woke up alone on Marco’s couch, the pillow still warm and her scent faint on the fabric. I figured that was it. That I’d never see her again. But a few hours later, she showed up at my new place, hair tidy, blouse buttoned, glasses on. Back to her neat, picture-perfect girlfriend impression. She had the check for the deposit. And when the landlady insisted, she even agreed...

Whatever greeting I expected from Aurelia when she opened the door, it wasn’t the tight hug and giddy kiss she planted on my lips. “Uh... hi,” I said, off-balance. Aurelia rolled her eyes, pulling back with a light chuckle. “Screw you. I’m allowed to be happy to see you. It’s been forever.” “It’s been two weeks,” I muttered, before shooting a feverish glance over her shoulder at the empty living room. “Finn’s not here?” T...