MATHEW

A heavy silence filled the air, thick with the weight of Ariana’s declaration. I exchanged a glance with Ethan, who looked as if he had been struck by lightning. His expression morphed from surprise to outright disbelief, and I could feel my heart drop into my stomach.

“What?” Ethan blurted, his voice laced with disbelief. “Are you serious?”

Ariana remained composed, but there was a defiance in her posture that I hadn’t seen before. “I am serious. We’re back together, and I’m going back to the USA with him.” Her tone was steady, the confidence in her voice contrasting sharply with the disbelief etched on our faces.

Before I...