Seven Years of Love Seven Minutes of Truth

Chapter 22

Chapter 11

Here's a culturally adapted version that captures the complex social dynamics:

Mom said Aiden took off traveling with friends right after getting his acceptance letter. He'd barely been home

since. His mom kept asking about my return date though.

The day | flew back, my parents pickedup at the airport in formal wear. When | woke up from my jet-lagged

nap in the car, we were pulling up to a luxury hotel. Still groggy, | let Mom leadinto the lobby.

That's when | saw Aiden for the first tin months.

My feet stopped dead.

He stood by the fountain in a perfectly tailored suit, his tall frcutting an elegant figure. One summer had

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stripped away the last traces of boyhood, transforming him into exactly the man I'd always imagined

he'd become.

My emotions churned as the meeting I'd avoided for so long happened without warning.

Seeing my confusion, Mom whispered, “Honey, it’s Aiden’s graduation celebration. We cstraight

here.”

Dad added, “Since you didn’t want a party, Aiden arranged to have his on your return date. Kind of a joint

celebration.”

As if sensing us, Aiden turned, his eyes meeting mine.

My heart skipped.

Despite preparing myself for this moment all summer, | felt my courage wavering.

Aiden started toward us, but Madison appeared, sliding her arm through his.

“Brooklyn! You're back! I'm so glad we can finally meet properly. | always saw you two together, but never got

the chance to introduce myself even though we shared so many classes.”

Her politeness demanded a response. | managed a tight smile and a nod.

Aiden looked uncomfortable. “She’s nothing special,” he said stiffly. “Just a stubborn kid. Thought she might stay

hidden in Boston forever.”

| stayed silent, words failing me.

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Seven Years of Love, Seven Minutes af Truth

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Chapter 11

Madison's silver evening gown sparkled with every movement, making her glow. She looked perfect

beside him.

I glanced down at my travel outfit - white tee, jeans, sneakers, messy hair - looking like I'd just rolled out

of bed for a coffee run.

Mom leaned in, whispering, “I brought you a dress - you can change in the powder room.”

| shook my head. What was the point? This wasn’t my celebration.

Aiden kept watching me, his expression unreadable. Madison's eyes darted between us. An awkward silence fell.

Thankfully, more guests arrived. Madison pulled Aiden away to greet them, every inch the perfect

hostess.

| quickly dragged Mom toward the ballroom, eager to escape.