Mattheo Riddle

I grew up in Thornhill Heights, a neighborhood so luxurious it was like a giant shop window. Huge houses, important neighbors, elegant parties… Many people loved living there. I didn't.

But there was one reason why that place didn't completely overwhelm me: Jade.

She was the only one who wasn't afraid of me, my last name, or the reputation everyone seemed to be building behind my back. With her, I could be myself. Without masks. Without the Riddle name weighing on my shoulders.

That's why, when he left, I felt like the whole neighborhood became even colder.

I don't blame her. She was offered a scholarship in another city, one of those opportunities you can't refuse. I… I didn't know what to say to her. I didn't know how to admit I didn't want her to leave. So I stayed quiet, like an idiot, watching her walk away while I swallowed everything I never said to her.

Years passed. I became quieter, more reserved, more… distant. Some said it was a problem. Perhaps it was. Or perhaps I was simply missing the one person who could balance my chaos.

And then, today, while walking down the main avenue, I saw her.

She.

Jade stood in front of her old house, observing the neighborhood as if she were seeing it for the first time. She looked different, more mature, stronger… but she was still her. The same Jade who knew me better than anyone.

My name escaped my lips before I could stop it.

-Jade…

She turned around, and when our eyes met, I felt like the years had vanished in an instant.

—Mattheo—she said, with that voice she hadn't realized how much she'd missed until now—. I'm back.

I approached, trying to maintain my composure. I wasn't going to show him that my heart was pounding like crazy.

"You took so long," was the first thing I said. It wasn't what I meant, but it's what came out. What it really meant was, "You have no idea how much I missed you."

She smiled. That damned smile that made the world feel lighter.

—I know —he replied—.