Page 12 of When Forever Falls Apart

“God, no. Why is the moment ruined?” I complain, then attempt to swallow before continuing with, “I take it back. I miss France.”

Aston shakes his head. “It’s New York City. Anything is possible.”

In a city so big, where dreams are made, and anyone can be who they want to be, I’m a small fish. Without my billionaire father’s support, and no job since I selfishly left it to travel Europe…

I have nothing.

I have no place to live since my former apartment was shared with Myles.

There’s no income to support my independent lifestyle, aside from some shares I’d invested in thanks to my father. I wouldn’t even know how to cash them in, if that’s a thing you do with shares.

And more importantly, no idea of what I truly want. The canvas is completely blank. It should be thrilling to live on the edge, but the truth is, I’m scared.

My phone pings in my purse, and I check the message.

Eva

You’re staying in my apartment in Cinnamon Springs, which, let’s be honest, is practically yours anyway since you took up half mycloset with your denim phase. Honestly, your Britney era wasn’t your best. Elliot will need some help at the café if you’re keen to pick up some shifts for extra cash. I know it’s not Broadway, and your stupid pride won’t allow your brother to help you, so I’m stepping in as part of my best friend duty.

I reread the message. I’d forgotten all about Eva’s brother, Elliot, taking over the café while she traveled with Aston. I haven’t seen him since he left for college a long time ago. The few times he visited Cinnamon Springs, I was away traveling, so our paths never crossed.

Still, working with Elliot can’t be that bad. It will be the same as hanging out with Aston—just like a big brother.

A gentle wave of calm washes over me. My shoulders ease and my lips lift into a soft smile. I glance over at Aston, and he tilts his head, eyes shimmering with intrigue.

“I have the most awesome bestie in the world,” I tell him proudly.

“Yeah…” He smirks in return. “She ain’t so bad. Fantastic in bed.”

I smack his arm, scowling. We laugh in unison until the drunk man comes back, and my PTSD comes roaring to life. “I love the city, but I think I’m ready for small-town life again. At least I can eat my lunch in peace.”

“You and me both,” Aston mutters, then stands up from the bench. “Ready?”

I take a deep breath, straightening my posture as if I’m Clark Kent about to step out of a phone booth and save the damn world.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

CHAPTER 4Madelina

A pileup on the interstate derails my plans to head back to Cinnamon Springs the next day.

I take it as a sign.

Aston and Eva sit across from me, their laughter bubbling over an inside joke that I can’t quite grasp. I release a loud exhale, a dramatic reminder that I’m perched at the breakfast bar, and any inappropriate antics should definitely be kept between themselves.

As I lazily glance around the apartment with growing boredom, I can’t help but think about how much life has changed since I called off my wedding.

Aston’s life took an unexpected turn. It was enough for my father to reveal the truth of Aston’s paternity. A secret he’d selfishly kept to protect his reputation. My mother had an affair with some man, and for all his life, my father pretended Aston was his son.

My father had reigned over everything, but Aston, with his sharp instincts, saw the writing on the wall.

Aston channeled his earnings into smart investments during his time working for my father. So much so, he could stand on his own two feet without my father’s assistance.He swapped his opulent penthouse for this quaint apartment, a space that is less than half the size of his former place.

This bespoke loft, inviting and warm, carries a charm that stands out amid the bustling streets of Greenwich Village. The combined living and dining area has an L-shaped brown leather sofa, paired with a velvet olive-colored armchair. The couch is so comfortable, I fell asleep on it last night while watching reruns ofThe Office. At one point, I think I was laughing in my sleep when Michael burned his foot on a George Foreman grill while making bacon in bed.

A giant flat-screen television dominates the main wall, which doesn’t surprise me since Aston is obsessed with sports. Watching anything sports-related is my least favorite thing to do, unless, of course, it’s hockey. The players stretching and warming up before a game does things to me I didn’t think were possible.

A round dining table is situated near the large window, opening onto a small terrace. The morning sun shines through the apartment windows, illuminating the space and reminding me it will be another hot day in the city. On a beach in France, the heat is welcome. In a city with over eight million people, it’s just downright uncomfortable.