They say unrequited love hurts the most.
They have no idea.
Ten years. Ten years of stealing glances at Caspian Brooks across training pools, memorizing the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed, treasuring every casual touch like it was made of gold. Ten years of pretending friendship was enough while my heart bled every time he looked through me like I was invisible.
I thought if I was good enough, fast enough, loyal enough—maybe he'd see me. Really see me.
Then she walked in.
Anastasia Nova. Blonde hair like spun silk, accent like velvet, presence that could command a room with a single breath. I watched my best friend—the boy I'd loved since I was eight years old—transform into a stranger the moment she said his name. Watched him light up for her in ways he never had for me.
Five minutes. It took her five minutes to unravel ten years of my foolish, desperate hope.
But heartbreak was just the beginning......