Adrein.
I genuinely could not believe it.
Out of everyone in the room, I had somehow managed to pick him.
The realization settled heavily in my chest, and my mood instantly soured.
A wave of frustration washed over me as I stared at the folded piece of paper, wishing I could somehow change what had already been decided.
Why Him?
Of all people, why did fate have to choose him?
I clenched my jaw and looked away.
The truth was painfully simple–I wanted to be the one.
The thought of seeing Maria again had consumed my mind from the very moment Noah revealed she was here.
I missed her, more than I cared to admit and more than I should.
The ache of her absence had lingered for so long that I had almost grown used to carrying it around.
But now that I knew she was close—close enough to speak to, close enough to see—every emotion I had been suppressing came rushing back with frightening force.
