love, unfortunately

Ariana Alonzo never meant to break Samira Santiago's heart.

When Sam confessed, Ari turned her down as gently as she could. She wanted to keep their friendship-the late-night study sessions, coffee runs, inside jokes, and the comfort of having someone who always chose her.

But loving someone from a distance has an expiration date.

When Sam finally walks away, Ari does the one thing she never should've done: she asks her to stay... as her girlfriend.

What starts as a relationship built on fear slowly turns into a life filled with secrets, guilt, and choices neither of them can take back. While Sam falls deeper in love with the future they're building together, Ari finds herself trapped between obligation and the truth she's too afraid to admit.

Sometimes the cruelest thing you can do isn't falling out of love.

It's saying yes when your heart has already whispered no.