The sun was setting over the island, painting the sky with hues of pink and gold — the perfect backdrop for what I hoped would be a normal evening. Spoiler: it wasn't.
Jason and I were finally alone, sitting on the soft grass near the beach, sharing a bottle of chilled fruit punch. He looked nervous but determined, like he was about to confess the secret of the century.
Jason:"Ari, there's something I need to tell you…"
Me (heart racing):"Spill."
He took a deep breath.
Jason:"Remember that pen pal I was talking about? The one I said was someone from my past?"
Me:"Yeah…"
Jason:"That pen pal was… me. But that's not all."
He hesitated, then blurted out:
Jason:"I'm actually your cousin."
I blinked.
Me:"Wait. What??"
Jason:"Yeah. My mom and your aunt are sisters. We never knew because of family drama, but I found out recently."
Me:"So… you're family?"
Jason:"Technically, yes."
I felt my cheeks flush — a mix of shock, embarrassment, and something else… disappointment? No, wait — relief? My brain was doing gymnastics.
Plot Twist #1: Forbidden Romance?
The truth was complicated. Jason and I had fallen for each other hard, but this revelation threw everything into question.
Ivy (bursting out of nowhere):"Did someone say forbidden love? Dramaaaaaaa!"
Jason groaned.
Jason:"Not you too."
But Ivy was right — it was drama, but also a test. Could we still be us knowing this?
Plot Twist #2: The Surprise Guest
Before I could process, the bushes rustled, and out stepped… Caleb.
Caleb:"Hey Ari. Thought you might want to know — your ex-boyfriend's back in town."
Me:"Ex? You mean Nate?"
Caleb:"Yeah. He's waiting at the pier. Looking… intense."
Jason looked ready to throw a punch.
Jason:"Looks like tonight just got messier."
Plot Twist #3: Stolen Kiss & Confession
As Caleb left, Jason grabbed my hand. His eyes were intense.
Jason:"No matter what happens, I'm here for you. Family or not."
Before I could answer, he leaned in and kissed me — soft, slow, electric.
My heart hammered.
Me (breathless):"What… was that?"
Jason:"Exactly what it was supposed to be."
Plot Twist #4: The Pier Showdown
Curiosity and drama pulled me toward the pier, where Nate was pacing, looking like he'd just swallowed a lemon.
Nate:"Ari, we need to talk."
Me:"We do. But not here."
Suddenly, Ivy appeared with a goofy grin and a large beach umbrella.
Ivy:"I brought backup. And snacks."
Final Moments:
The night ended with us sitting together — Jason, Nate, Ivy, and me — sharing stories, laughter, and maybe a few tears.
Despite all the secrets and surprises, something felt right.
Love wasn't perfect, messy, or easy. But maybe, just maybe, it was worth all the chaos.
Chapter 20 teaser:
Nate's big apology and secret revealed.
Jason's family mystery deepens.
Ivy's matchmaking plans go wild.
Lucifer gets involved — again.
And a surprise visitor shakes everything up.