The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 425

"When do you think it'll snow this year?" she asked.

Jasper glanced over at her instinctively. "Probably soon."

"I want to build a snowman and have a snowball fight," Nicole said. "I want to go skiing, too."

"Whatever you want," he promised.

Nicole leaned into him, her voice dropping to a soft murmur. "What do you want to do for your nineteenth birthday?"

"Whatever makes you happy," Jasper replied.

"Don't you have any other wishes?"

"I have one."

She tilted her head back, her soulful eyes searching his. "What is it?"

Jasper leaned down and captured her lips, kissing her tenderly. "You," he whispered.

"What?"

"Hurry up and grow up, babe," Jasper said. "I'm running out of patience."

A deep flush crept across Nicole's face. She opened her mouth to speak, but her ears were already burning so hot the words wouldn't come out.

"Once you graduate," Jasper pressed, "will you grant me my wish?"

"Okay," she whispered.

At her answer, Jasper pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her as if he wanted to pull her into his very soul and make her a part of him.

Time flew by, and junior year came to an end.

Nicole and Jasper were heading out of the library after returning some books when they stumbled upon a confession in progress.

"Amelia, I love you. Will you be my girlfriend?"

Evan Brooks, a fellow student who had served on the student union with Amelia, stood there holding a bouquet of flowers. His voice wavered with nerves; he was about to graduate and didn't want to leave with any regrets.

Amelia was caught completely off guard as a crowd began to gather. Jaron and Tiffany were also watching from a distance, a cold smirk playing on Tiffany's lips.

Over the past two years, Jaron had poured himself into his startup. He had nearly severed ties with the Wellington family for Tiffany's sake and worked tirelessly to keep the Collins family afloat. But despite his efforts, they felt less and less like a couple. He had tried to break up with her several times over the last six months, but she always dodged the conversation, using her overwhelming thesis work as a shield.

Now, she decided it was time to move things along.

"Don't you think they look great together, Jaron?" Tiffany asked.

Without a word, Jaron started walking toward them, his long strides eating up the distance.

Amelia stepped toward Evan and spoke softly. "I'm sorry, Evan, but I'm not ready for a relationship right now. I can walk out of here with you, though—if you want to take my hand. And thank you for everything."

A bitter smile touched Evan's face.

He had expected this, but he didn't regret trying.

Alone together?

Did she turn him down?

Panic began to set in for Tiffany. She rushed over and tried to take Jaron's arm, but he shook her off.

"Jaron, what's wrong?" Tiffany looked up at him, her eyes brimming with tears, her face a mask of confusion and hurt.

"Tiffany, I'm sorry," Jaron said.

"You have nothing to be sorry for," she insisted.

"I should have told you sooner," Jaron continued. "I admit I had feelings for you once, but it wasn't love. For the last two years, I've been too busy fighting my father and trying to save the Collins family to realize that."

Tiffany clung to his arm. "No! Don't let go, Jaron. Please, I'm begging you."

"Tiffany, I think I finally understand my own heart," Jaron said. "I'm sorry, but we're over."

"No, I won't break up! I love you, Jaron. I really love you. Please, don't do this, I'm begging you!"

As he tried to pry her hands away, Tiffany sank to the ground, wrapping her arms around his legs to keep him from leaving. She had fought so hard to get to this point; she couldn't give up now.

"Is it something I did? Just tell me, and I'll change. I'll be whoever you want me to be! Just don't leave me, please. I can't live without you, Jaron. I won't survive!"

Jaron hesitated. He remembered her suicide attempt, and he knew his father had only targeted the Collins family because of him. The guilt weighed heavily on him, but he realized he couldn't just stand by and watch Amelia be with someone else.

"I'm sorry," he repeated.

"No! We aren't breaking up! Jaron, I love you! I can't live without you!"

"Don't do anything reckless," Jaron warned, finally pulling himself free. Tiffany was left sitting on the ground, sobbing hysterically.