Chapter 17 I hadnt expected to see Adrian Chase at the charity auction , let alone watch him bid fifteen million for my jewelry collection I kept my response professional : Thank you for your contribution to the childrens fund , Mr. His eyes reddened at the sight of me , years of carefully maintained composure cracking . He gripped my hand like a lifeline , forcing us to retreat to the hallway away from whispers and stares . I never stopped looking for you . His eyes never left me , as if memorizing every change six years had carved into my face . Why did you leave ? The reasons hardly matter now . I pulled my hand away . My indifference shattered his control . Was it the tattoo ? Your birthday ? Or … his voice caught , giving Sophia your mothers earring and making you apologize ? He yanked down his collar . Look I had your name redone . And the bracelet I spent days reviewing security footage , tracking down that boy in the snow . Ive worn it every day since … His voice trailed off as he caught my knowing smile . He could recite every wound by heart hed just chosen to ignore them when it mattered . Adrian , I said softly , eyes lingering on Riley etched across his collarbone , I dont go by Riley anymore . Im Aurelia now . The symbolism wasnt subtle . Riley the rain soaked girl whod pulled him from wreckage , whod lived under the shadows of his making . Aurelia golden , radiant , summer incarnate . Like my mother had been , like shed always dreamed for me . Id transformed from storm clouds to sunlight , from waiting in shadows to creating my own brilliance . Adult conversations are best kept brief . No need to twist the knife . I wasnt that girl whod haunted the edges of his racing world anymore . Id found my own spotlight , and there was no reverse gear for this particular race . Chapter 17 As I turned from his defeated figure , I caught sight of a familiar face by the door . My smile genuine , warm , golden broke across my face as I moved toward waiting arms . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!