Chapter 7
Over casual dinner conversation with Charles and Eleanor, I finally learned the truth behind Madison’s car accident.
C
“It wasn’t an accident,” Eleanor said, shaking her head. “Her ex set her up. Turns out she saw through his façade–pretending to be rich, the whole act–and dumped him. He didn’t take it well, so he made sure she’d crash.”
She let out a humorless laugh. “Karma’s a real thing. She survived, sure, but she’s not doing great. Word around town is she got exposed as someone’s mistress and got the life beaten out of her by the guy’s wife. Now? No one in Cresthaven wants anything to do with her.”
I sighed, nodding as Charles added, What
goes around comes around.”
Just then, the doorbell rang. I got up to answer it–and there he was.
Logan stood on the porch, wearing a soft smile, his eyes warm. “Long time no see, Emily.”
The sight of him sparked a memory I didn’t expect.
A week ago, our department announced that professors could apply for a rare opening at the
prestigious Cresthaven Research Institute. It was one of the most coveted positions in
academia–and as the youngest rising star in the department, I was the obvious frontrunner.
But just days before the final list was released, a new rule disqualified candidates under
thirty–five. I was furious, venting to Logan in passing, never expecting him to do anything
about it.
But then the list came out–and my name was on it.
I found him at a quiet coffee shop and asked, “Did you pull strings for me? What did it cost?”
He shrugged like it was nothing. “Just gave up some shares. No big deal. You’re worth it.”
I almost laughed. No big deal? Giving up shares without board approval was reckless–classic
Logan.
“It’s really not a big deal,” he insisted. “As long as you’re happy. That’s all I care about. You’re the most important person in my life.”
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The most important person?
I stared at him. His ears turned pink, and he coughed, trying to change the subject. “Saw you
liked that flower garden post the other day. I’ve got something planned tonight–a little
surprise-”
“Logan,” I interrupted softly, my tone shifting.
He paused, caught off guard. “Not into flowers? That’s fine–I can change it. Fireworks? A fountain show? Just name it.”
The nervous hope in his voice reminded me of my younger self–desperate, always trying to
win his heart.
“You don’t have to do this,” I said gently. “We’re not going to be together–not now, not
ever.”
Logan’s expression fell. A flicker of pain passed through his eyes, followed by something stubborn. “You loved me once–so fiercely. I know I screwed it up, but I just can’t believe that kind of love disappears overnight. Emily… look me in the eye and tell me there’s nothing left. Not even a spark.”
His hands were on my shoulders now, eyes locked on mine, searching.
No spark? How could it be?
I slowly closed my eyes.
There was something left–but not enough. Not enough to risk another lifetime of heartbreak. The fire that once burned for him had long since gone out, extinguished over a decade of
silence and sorrow in that other life.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “It’s over.”
He looked down, devastated. Then, after a long pause, he forced a smile. “Fair enough. Being your big brother’s not so bad either.”
Eleanor’s voice pulled me back to the present.
We were all seated around the dining room table. My gaze drifted toward Logan. Gone was the impulsive thirty–three–year–old from my past. In his place sat a man who was calm,
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composed, and kind–quiet strength wrapped in warmth.
I still couldn’t believe it. He was alive. Everything had changed.
Charles raised his glass, grinning at me. “Emily, how about a toast for the birthday boy?”
I blinked, then smiled as I lifted my glass. “To peace, joy, and a life where every wish comes
true,”
Logan paused, his eyes meeting mine with quiet emotion. He gently tapped his glass to mine. “Right back at you, Emily. I’ll always be here, your big brother, watching out for
you.”
As the glasses clinked, I felt it–the love I’d clung to for over ten years slipping away at last.
Dinner was warm. Laughter came easily.
With all three hurdles finally behind me, the heavy weight on my chest lifted for good.
From this moment forward, may life be calm, and may happiness come easy.
Chapter 7
