Aaron cursed the day he met Lacy Knighton. He tolerated her for a few years; she was the least annoying person in their social circle, preferable to those who spent money without earning it. He only lunched with anyone—at his father's behest—to forge useful connections. Lacy was useless, his downfall. His father saw it differently: after Lacy eliminated Aaron's most valued asset, business boomed. Aaron measured success differently. Countless times, he wished he'd trade his empire for a single day with Keeley, to apologize and confess his love.
He awoke in his high school bedroom shortly before New Year's, weeks before meeting Keeley for the first time. He was surprised not to see her at the basketball game but dismissed it, knowing the seating chart was changing. The thought of meeting Keeley stopped him from strangling Lacy, who sat across from him on his first day back at school.
Obviously, things with Keeley hadn't gone as planned. He still sought answers, but they were making progress. Keeley had even rebuked Lacy on his behalf! He was slowly wearing Lacy down; it was a grueling uphill battle, one he wasn't sure he'd win before graduation.
In his previous life, he'd only had suspicions. He'd believed keeping Keeley away from Lacy would keep her safe. By the time he realized Lacy and his father were conspiring against his wife, his inaction had dire consequences. He'd played along, trying to thwart them, and played right into their hands.
Aaron wouldn't repeat his mistakes. He wouldn't humor Lacy for a second. He wanted to destroy her, but lacked the evidence and resources. Her father was powerful, and within a couple of years, she'd have his father on her side. He needed to expose her before then. The angrier he made her, the more likely she'd make a mistake, giving him his chance.
Perhaps he'd been too rash. If she told his father about Keeley…if he learned too soon… everything would be lost. He had too much to do and not enough power.
Reaching out to old business contacts early might help him usurp his father sooner and live peacefully with Keeley. After humiliating Lacy in front of her perceived inferiors, he doubted she'd approach him again soon.
The same couldn't be said for Keeley. He sensed her obsession was brewing something, but he didn't know what. Things were different this time. Lacy had pulled petty high school pranks when Aaron and Keeley were just friends. Now, witnessing their kiss, she knew the truth.
Aaron had concealed their relationship well; Lacy only learned of it via a wedding invitation from the Hales' social circle. She became more aggressive afterward. He feared she'd act out before graduation, and he could only watch and wait.
Watching and waiting had ruined everything before! He had to protect Keeley. It would be easier if she were always by his side, but her resistance persisted. After a day at the spa, she'd started pushing him away again.
He had only a few days left of their lunch deal, and he didn't want their progress to regress, so he wouldn't resort to threats, even though he knew she'd flee at the first opportunity.
Aaron watched Keeley from the hallway. She retrieved items from her locker, smiled brightly at a classmate, and practically skipped out of the building. What made her so happy? Why didn't she show him such joy anymore?
He sometimes questioned his actions. Keeley seemed tired, angry, scared, or upset around him—a stark contrast to her high school self. He missed her. He saw her daily, but missed her old self, the one who cherished even a moment of his time. She'd loved him, and he'd ruined it.
"do you have a date yet?"
"Yeah, Daniel from science class asked me last week. I still need to find a dress and schedule hair and nails. They'll be booked for prom, I know it!"
A conversation between students caught his attention: prom. His parents forced him to attend with the daughter of a business partner, but he didn't care; Keeley wouldn't be there. It was another business obligation without her.
Prom fell on Keeley's birthday. Since her friends had dates (and wouldn't miss prom), she celebrated with her father. He'd rather celebrate with her, but even if she allowed it, his parents wouldn't. He had to endure their demands until he had the power to make his own decisions.
If he couldn't spend her birthday with her, he needed to show he cared.