What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger novel Chapter 23

Here's a culturally adapted version that captures the complex social dynamics:

Mom said Aiden took off traveling with friends right after getting his acceptance letter. He'd barely been home since. His mom kept asking about my return date though.

The day I flew back, my parents picked me up at the airport in formal wear. When I woke up from my jet-lagged nap in the car, we were pulling up to a luxury hotel. Still groggy, I let Mom lead me into the lobby.

That's when I saw Aiden for the first time in months.

My feet stopped dead.

He stood by the fountain in a perfectly tailored suit, his tall frame cutting an elegant figure. One summer had stripped away the last traces of boyhood, transforming him into exactly the man I'd always imagined he'd become.

My emotions churned as the meeting I'd avoided for so long happened without warning.

Seeing my confusion, Mom whispered, "Honey, it's Aiden's graduation celebration. We came straight here."

Dad added, "Since you didn't want a party, Aiden arranged to have his on your return date. Kind of a joint celebration."

As if sensing us, Aiden turned, his eyes meeting mine.

My heart skipped.

Despite preparing myself for this moment all summer, I felt my courage wavering.