Keeley's guilt lingered throughout the next few days. This was evident in her remaining in bed until 2 PM on Sunday, with no intention of rising.

She'd thought she'd cried all her tears over Aaron Hale, but she was wrong. Saying goodbye proved harder than anticipated. It was fortunate she'd ended things before becoming more attached.

As expected, Jennica was engaged and packing to move permanently to Cameron's house, joyfully singing show tunes as she worked. The music was a stark contrast to Keeley's somber mood.

Keeley pulled the comforter over her head, startling Molly, who was sitting on it. As she hid under the covers, the doorbell rang. Jennica answered, as Valentina was on hospital rotation.

A minute later, Jennica knocked on the bedroom door. "Keeley? Someone's here to see you."

"Tell them to go away," Keeley mumbled. She wasn't in the mood for visitors, and she felt awful.

"Um…it's Aaron Hale. Like, the vice president of one of the biggest corporations in the country Aaron Hale? I don't think you can afford to offend him."

Why was he here? Keeley almost sat up, but pulled the blanket tighter. No. She had to be firm.

"I already offended him," she said muffled. "Tell him I'm sick."

"You want me to lie to Aaron Hale? He's Cam's boss!"

"Fine, then don't say I'm sick. Tell him I don't want to see him. I'm sure that will go over better," Keeley said sarcastically.

"Okay, okay, I'll say you're sick."

Five minutes later, Jennica knocked again and entered without asking. She sat on the bed's edge, waiting for Keeley to emerge.

"So. When were you going to tell me that Aaron Hale is your ex-boyfriend?"

This caught Keeley's attention. She threw back the covers. "How did you—"

Jennica pointed accusingly. "So I was right! Why on earth did you two break up? Don't you know how crazy in love with you he is?"

"What?" Keeley exclaimed. Her roommate was clueless! "No, he isn't. How do you even know him?"

Jennica sighed and shook her head. "Girl, he paid me to be his fake date last summer because his parents were pressuring him to marry, and he needed someone disinterested. He made me sign an NDA so the woman he loved wouldn't find out…but I don't think he'll sue me now because of Cam."

Seeing Keeley's confusion, she elaborated. "He told me he wouldn't listen to his parents; they couldn't take away his happiness this time. He said he didn't care about high society and would leave it all behind to protect the one he loved, giving her the normal life she wanted. That psycho girl…Lacy, right? The one who bullied you for liking her crush? Aaron said she was dangerous but that he would protect his woman from her. Was he the guy? Is that how you know him?"

"I met him in high school, but none of this makes sense! Aaron shouldn't know about Lacy bullying me!" Keeley protested.

Nothing Jennica said aligned with Keeley's understanding. Keeley was certain Aaron only developed feelings after they reconnected…but if Jennica was right, Aaron had been deeply in love with her beforehand.

If he'd loved her before…that explained his persistence in high school, despite her dislike. Was it love at first sight? That didn't seem like Aaron.

Most perplexing was Lacy. How would Aaron know Lacy was targeting Keeley? Keeley had once told him to control his girlfriend, but that was all. Why would he consider Lacy dangerous?

Then, the phrase "couldn't take away his happiness this time" clicked. This time. Meaning they'd succeeded before.

The puzzle pieces were there, but wouldn't quite fit. This time…give up high society…this time…protect her…this time…a normal life…this time…this time…this time…

Keeley leaped out of bed as the final piece clicked, nearly frightening Jennica. "What is it?!"

"HE'S DEAD, THAT'S WHAT!" Keeley roared, grabbing boots and a coat, and running out the door in her pajamas.

Aaron was gone, but Keeley knew where to find him. She garnered stares at the subway station, but was too furious to notice. Reaching his apartment building was paramount.

"Tell Aaron Hale in the penthouse that his ex-wife is here," she told the doorman frostily. "Those exact words."

"Right away, ma'am."

The doorman summoned the penthouse elevator and wished her a nice day. Ha. Nothing about this day was nice.

Aaron was waiting, somber. "You know?"

"Know. What." Keeley demanded. She needed to hear it from him.

"That both of us were reborn our senior year of high school and remember everything."

That was all she needed. She launched into a furious tirade, screaming, pounding his chest, and kicking. "You filthy hypocrite! You know what you put me through and you still had the nerve to come back? How dare you!"

She eventually collapsed, tears streaming, as Aaron held her wrists.

"I know," he said heavily. "I'm so sorry, Keeley."

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