[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":10},["ShallowReactive",2],{"viewer-data-260322F482CA-349":3},{"id":4,"number":5,"name":6,"content":7,"isLocked":8,"price":9,"hasRead":8},349,1,"Chapter 1: The Onionless Plate","\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Blue skies and fluffy clouds hung over the rolling mountains, framing a view that looked like a postcard.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">It was a shame no one was actually looking at it.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The air inside the car was suffocating. Arianna Stone sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window, her expression as blank as a screen. Her knuckles, however, were white where she gripped her phone.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Didn't I tell you already?\" Cameron Hughes glanced at her, brow furrowed with annoyance. \"She was just messing around. Can’t you just let it go?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Messing around?\" Arianna repeated, her voice steady. \"Who 'messes around' by sending bikini selfies to someone else's boyfriend?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Cameron choked on his own retort and went silent.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Thirty minutes ago, while Arianna had been using his phone to play a game, she’d seen a notification pop up on his iMessage.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*Sorry, sorry, that was meant for someone else…*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Curiosity had gotten the better of her. She’d opened it.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">It was a high-resolution, scandalous bikini shot. A woman lounging on a beach chair, wearing almost nothing, her skin glowing, hair tousled by the sea breeze. She was looking right at the camera with a brilliant, predatory smile.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna might have even liked the photo, had it not been sent to her boyfriend.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They reached the camping site on the ridge. Being the weekend, it was packed. It took Cameron a long time to maneuver his SUV into a tight parking spot. Once the engine died, he turned to Arianna.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She was still staring out the window, refusing to acknowledge him.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Cameron’s irritation flickered, but as his eyes lingered on her face, his anger softened. Arianna was undeniably stunning. She wore a simple summer dress that hugged her frame, her shoulders bare and porcelain-pale. Beneath long, thick lashes, her dark eyes were usually clear and piercing, but when she looked at you, they seemed to shimmer like moonlight on water.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He cleared his throat, trying to smooth things over. \"Alexis is just like that, Arianna. You know how she is, right?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Alexis. The woman who’d sent the photo.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna looked out the window. *Oh, I know exactly how she is,* she thought.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She didn't say a word, which Cameron took as a sign of surrender. \"When she gets here, I'll tell her off, alright? I’ll make sure she stops sending stuff like that. Happy now?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna paused. \"She’s coming, too?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Cameron nodded. \"Yeah, why?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You told me it was just going to be the two of us today.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Cameron rubbed his nose guiltily, letting out a forced laugh. \"Well, once the guys heard about the camping trip, they all started clamoring to join. They’re my boys; I couldn't really say no, right? We’ll all just hang out together.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Is she one of your 'boys' too?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Cameron didn't catch the edge in her voice. He smirked. \"Actually, yeah. Alexis is a total tomboy. None of us even think of her as a woman.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna just offered a thin, polite smile.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Soon, a string of luxury cars pulled in, drawing envious stares from other campers. Cameron stood by the car, lighting a cigarette, the flame of his lighter illuminating his sharp features. He exhaled a cloud of smoke, his expression effortlessly arrogant.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Alexis stepped out of her car and saw him there. Her eyes went soft. Then, she looked at the woman sitting in his SUV.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She genuinely couldn't understand what Cameron—a wealthy heir to a sprawling family estate—saw in Arianna. He chased her like she was some goddess, acting like a servant terrified of displeasing her.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">In terms of status, Arianna wasn't even in his league. In terms of looks, the city was full of girls like her.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Cameron crushed his cigarette in the bin and walked back, tapping on the window. \"They're here. Let's go.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna gave a soft \"mhm\" and stepped out of the car.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Alexis immediately smoothed her expression, beaming as she walked toward them. \"Arianna! Long time no see. You're looking radiant.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Thanks,\" Arianna said coolly. \"You, too.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Alexis nudged Cameron with her shoulder, laughing. \"You’re a lucky man. We all thought you’d end up a bachelor for life.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Cameron shrugged, his tone dismissive. \"Whatever.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Miles Young, one of their friends, chimed in with a lit cigarette dangling from his lips. \"What, Alexis? Jealous?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Sure,\" she giggled, eyes darting to Cameron. \"If I ever find a boyfriend, I’ll want someone as gentle and attentive as Arianna, though I doubt I'll ever be that domestic.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The group erupted into raucous laughter.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Alexis, are you even a girl?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"She's a dude in a dress, don't mind her.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Amidst the banter, Alexis shoved one of them playfully. She turned to Cameron and tilted her chin. \"Come on, help me grab the rest of the supplies. Miles brought way too much food.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Cameron looked at Arianna. \"Stay here for a sec? I'll be right back.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Go ahead,\" Arianna said.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Cameron, seriously? You have to check in with your girlfriend for a five-minute walk?\" Alexis looped her arm through his, pulling him toward her car. \"Let’s go! I’m starving, and if we wait much longer, the sun’s going to set before we get the grill going!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She dragged him away, waving back at Arianna with a look of smug triumph.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna didn't respond. She just watched the way Cameron didn't even try to pull his arm away.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Alexis seemed to sense Arianna’s gaze and tightened her grip, resting her head on Cameron’s shoulder. \"So, why didn't you text me back last night? You owe me an explanation.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Was busy,\" Cameron replied, laughing softly. \"Didn't check my phone.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Liar,\" Alexis teased. \"You replied to Miles!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna stood in the silence of the campsite, watching them. *They really do look like a couple,* she thought. *They’re perfect for each other.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Miles leaned over to Arianna, trying to be friendly. \"Don't mind them, sister-in-law. They've always been like this. We’re used to it.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna smiled gently. \"Always like this?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Her face was soft, lacking any hint of aggression, so no one heard the ice beneath her words.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Oh, yeah,\" someone else piped up. \"Last time we went hiking, Alexis got tired halfway up and forced Cameron to piggyback her. He carried her the rest of the way.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious. \"And he did it?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Of course,\" the guy said. \"It’s nothing. We don't see Alexis as a woman, and Cameron definitely doesn't either.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*Right,* Arianna thought. *Of course.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The campsite was beautiful—triangular tents, portable stoves, the smell of grilling meat, and a sea of green stretching toward the hazy, mist-covered mountain peaks.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna sat in her chair, trying to enjoy the view, but the constant noise was grating.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Miles, pass me the lamb,\" Alexis shouted. \"Cameron, where's the beef? I thought you were in charge of the beef?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Forgot,\" Cameron replied lazily.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Alexis pouted. \"You really are a whipped, love-sick dog, aren't you? Forget your friends the second you get a girlfriend.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna had heard enough. She stood up. \"You guys keep eating. I'm going to take a walk.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Cameron started to stand up, too. \"Where to? I'll come with you.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"No,\" Alexis snapped, gripping his arm. \"You're staying. You promised to help with the skewers. You can't just eat and do nothing, Cameron.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna curved her lips into a faint, serene smile. \"I'm just going for a wander. Don't worry about me.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She turned and walked away.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She was a sweet-looking woman, and when she walked away, her eyes—usually as warm as the stars—held a look of quiet clarity. It was enough to make Alexis shiver, a strange feeling that Arianna saw everything, that she was just choosing not to speak.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She wandered past the tents, toward the open lawn at the back of the base.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Unexpectedly, a man was standing under a tree.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He wore a black T-shirt and slim-fit trousers. He was tall, nearly six-foot-two, with a cold, imposing presence. He was staring at his phone, his face bathed in the soft, pale light of the screen, making him look distant and unreachable.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna stopped, thinking about turning back, but the man had already locked eyes with her.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He extinguished his screen, looked up, and stared straight at her. His gaze carried a weight she couldn't quite name.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna froze. \"Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The man looked her up and down, a faint spark of amusement in his eyes. \"Don't remember me?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna blinked. \"I'm sorry, have we met?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They were too far apart for her to see his face clearly, but she noticed the warmth in his eyes vanish the moment she spoke. He looked genuinely annoyed.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna felt a pang of insecurity. She had always been like this—constantly searching for flaws within herself, overthinking, apologizing for existing. She was trying to change, but old habits died hard.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Just as she was about to bow her head and retreat, the man walked over and stopped right in front of her.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He stood in the shadows, silhouetted by the distant campsite lights. \"My mistake,\" he said softly.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Pardon?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I thought you were someone else,\" he said, the corners of his mouth twitching upward. \"You look quite like a friend of mine. My apologies.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna exhaled. \"Oh. No worries.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Could you help me with one thing?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Sure.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I,\" he hesitated, sounding almost embarrassed, \"I’m a bit directionally challenged. I’m completely lost. You’re heading back toward the camp, right? Could I walk with you?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna stared at him, bewildered. \"You’ve been standing here this whole time... because you were lost?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He nodded with total, deadpan seriousness.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Alright,\" Arianna said, sighing. \"Let's go.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Thank you,\" he replied.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">They walked back together, their steps clicking against the stone path.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Are you here for the sunrise tomorrow?\" he asked casually.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Yes,\" Arianna replied, keeping her guard up.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"With friends?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Yes.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Suddenly, the lights at the restaurant went out, plunging the path into near-total darkness. Arianna stumbled, her heel catching on the edge of a stone. She tipped, instinctively reaching for a nearby tree.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She didn't see the hand the man had thrust out to shield her, his fingers twitching in the air, desperate to steady her but holding back.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The lights buzzed back to life a moment later.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Are you alright?\" he asked, his voice cool and detached.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I'm fine,\" Arianna breathed.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">When they reached the edge of the picnic area, Arianna stopped. \"This is the BBQ zone. I'm sure you can find your way from here.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">He looked at her, his gaze lingering with an intensity that felt almost hungry. \"Understood. Thank you for the company.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"No problem. See you around.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna walked away, disappearing into the crowd.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The man watched her until she was gone, his voice dropping to a whisper. \"See you again.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">*I hope I see you again.*\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Back at the tent, the group was rowdy. Alexis was sitting right next to Cameron, their shoulders brushing.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna sat in the empty chair next to Miles, ignoring them.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Remember that time at the orchard?\" Alexis was laughing loudly, grabbing Cameron's arm. \"Miles was being such an idiot, running from that dog! Oh my god, it was hilarious!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Cameron glanced at Arianna guiltily, then back at Alexis. \"I remember.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Miles groaned. \"Can we talk about something else?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I'm just saying!\" Alexis laughed, then turned her focus to Arianna. \"By the way, Arianna, I saw you put on sunscreen earlier. You put on like, five layers. I looked at that and just felt exhausted. I could never do that.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The table chuckled.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna didn't get angry. She just looked at Alexis. \"Do you not wear sunscreen?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Never,\" Alexis said, picking up a skewer. \"It feels too sticky. I hate it.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna stared at her skin for a long moment.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Finally, she smiled. \"Oh. That explains... so much.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Alexis froze. \"Explains what?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Nothing,\" Arianna said softly.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Alexis felt her blood pressure spike. She wasn't used to Arianna fighting back.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Don't worry about her,\" Cameron said, though he didn't really defend Arianna. \"Just eat your meat.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Alexis snatched a skewer from Miles’s plate. \"Mine!\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"You're stingy,\" Miles grumbled.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"I'm not stingy,\" Alexis laughed, leaning into Cameron. \"Cameron’s my brother. What's his is mine, and what's mine is his.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The table whooped in amusement, completely ignoring the fact that Arianna was still sitting right there.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna looked at Cameron. He was drinking, his face flushed and arrogant, looking like a man who didn't have a care in the world.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Alexis leaned over and handed him another beer. \"Drink slow. If you pass out, I’m not carrying you.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"Don't worry,\" Cameron chuckled.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna leaned back and started to laugh.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She couldn't stop. It was just so absurd. She wondered how she had ever been blind enough to think this was love.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Alexis, sensing the shift in the air, decided to go for the kill. \"By the way, Arianna, I heard you were upset about that photo I sent. I meant to send that to Noah.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Noah tossed his phone to Miles. \"Take a look.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Miles looked at the screen, eyes widening. \"Wow. I didn't know you had a side like that, Alexis.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">\"It was just a casual shot,\" Alexis said, waving a hand. \"I wasn't even wearing makeup. I just sent it to Noah to give him some eye candy since he’s single. It was an accident that Cameron got it. You don't mind, do you?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She leaned against Cameron again. \"We’ve been close since we were kids. If anything were going to happen between us, it would have happened years ago. We’re not like that. Right, Cameron?\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Before Cameron could speak, Arianna stood up.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">She tucked her phone into her bag and looked down at Alexis. \"Actually,\" she said calmly, \"I do mind.\"\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">The table went dead silent.\u003C/p>\u003Cp class=\"chapter-paragraph\">Arianna looked at Cameron one last time, her expression indifferent. \"But it doesn't matter anymore. Send whatever you want, Alexis. Cameron... isn't my boyfriend anymore.\"\u003C/p>",false,0,1774272904480]