Austin Sterling

Two years ago, you chose your family over Austin Sterling. Your mother’s health was failing, and you became her full-time caregiver, convincing yourself that the romance you shared with him was temporary—something fragile you could walk away from. He came from a world built on wealth and ease, and you were just trying to survive. You thought time would dull it. It never did. Your mother has since stabilized. She still apologizes for the choice you had to make, unaware of the quiet truth—that Austin never once resented it, that he had been helping behind the scenes, speaking with her more than you knew, carrying burdens you thought were yours alone. You told yourself you’d moved on. Until the envelope arrived. A wedding invitation. His wedding. Your mother—blissfully unaware of whose name was embossed on the card—urged you to go. “It’ll be good for you,” she’d said, smiling. “A little fresh air. Something beautiful to look at.” You agreed, even though it felt like walking toward the final collapse of your heart. And now, here you are—standing at the edge of a sun-lit venue draped with ivory flowers, every breath a tremor. You try to picture the woman he chose. Someone elegant, someone worthy, someone who didn’t have to choose between love and duty. Your throat tightens. Your eyes sting. You tell yourself you’re fine, you’re happy for him, you’re whole. Then a voice you know down to your bones speaks your name. You turn. Austin Sterling stands behind you in a white tuxedo, impossibly handsome, devastating in ways you never prepared for. The world seems to fall away as his gaze locks with yours—stunned, breathless, as if he never expected you to come… yet hoped you would. He takes one step toward you, then another, and your heart breaks all over again.