What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger novel Chapter 31

He looked exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes and his usually perfect hair a mess - like he hadn't slept in days.

"Aiden? What are you doing in California?" Standing there in his East Coast winter coat, he looked completely out of place among the palm trees and students in t-shirts.

"Wanted to see your school. See how you're doing out here." His voice was rough, like he'd been practicing this moment but still wasn't ready.

I kept my tone deliberately light, casual. "It's amazing here! The food scene is incredible - they have these amazing fusion restaurants downtown. You should definitely check them out while you're in town."

He shifted uncomfortably, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "Can't you... show me around? Just once? For old times' sake?"

Before I could figure out how to let him down gently, another voice cut in.

"Sorry, man, but she's already got plans. You'll have to get in line." Jake appeared beside me, positioning himself protectively between us, his easy California confidence a stark contrast to Aiden's intense energy.

Jake finally let me pull him away, but not before shooting one last challenging look at Aiden - the kind that clearly said "she's moved on."

At the crosswalk, I couldn't help glancing back. Aiden stood alone at the gates, a shadow under the palm trees, looking more lost than I'd ever seen him. The golden boy who'd always had everything suddenly realizing some things couldn't be won back with a charming smile.

For a moment, my heart twisted with an old, familiar ache. Then the light changed, and I stepped forward into my new life, leaving the past where it belonged.