**A Promise Written on the Rusted Edge of Time by Dael Rowan Sire**
**Chapter 27**
The first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room, and it was my cousin Riley’s enthusiastic voice that jolted me awake.
“Hey, there’s some guy on the phone for you. Says he’s your hot childhood sweetheart,” she said, a teasing lilt in her voice.
Riley thrust her phone into my hands, and I squinted at the screen, still battling the remnants of sleep. As I rubbed my eyes, the familiar voice of Damien crackled through the receiver, pulling me into a reality I wasn’t quite ready for.
“Nova, where are you? Everyone’s here except you! We board in thirty minutes!” His tone was urgent, almost frantic.
“Why are you screening my calls again? Your mom said you were staying with Riley. Did she fly out to visit you?” I replied, my voice thick with sleep.
There was a noticeable edge of tension in Damien’s voice. “Cut the bullshit. You were literally at home yesterday. Just get over here—we can still make the night.”
I felt a rush of irritation. “I told you I wasn’t coming. Stop wasting time waiting for me.”
Silence enveloped the line for a moment, and I could almost hear his frustration boiling over. Then I caught a faint voice in the background, a girl’s voice, unmistakably Madison’s. “Damien, Nova really did go to Miami. Look, this is from her Instagram last night. My friend showed me…”
A wave of realization washed over me. If Madison hadn’t mentioned it, I would have completely forgotten that Damien could no longer see my posts.
“Believe me now?” I asked, my heart racing.
Damien’s anger was palpable, rendering him momentarily speechless. Just before I hung up, I caught his words, strained and full of resentment: “Nova, you’re gonna regret this.”
**Chapter 27**
He was undeniably right. Regret loomed over me like a dark cloud, a constant reminder that I was missing out on something significant.
I was going to regret not seizing this vacation opportunity years ago.
Under the vibrant Miami sun, all the stress and exhaustion from my senior year began to dissipate. Days melted into one another, filled with sun-soaked beach outings, refreshing coconut drinks, and mouthwatering cuisine that danced on my palate.
Riley, upon discovering the latest drama with Damien, transformed into my personal cheerleader, ready to wage war on my behalf. “I’ll introduce you to hot guys!” she declared, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “We’re going out every single day!”
The summer was blissfully uncrowded, the weather just right for our adventures.
Miami was alive with possibilities—beachcombing, spontaneous photo shoots, snorkeling in the azure waters, deep-sea fishing, thrilling water parks, and even bungee jumping over the ocean. Each day was packed with excitement, leaving me so exhausted that I’d collapse into bed as soon as I returned, my mind blissfully free from any thoughts of sadness.
Meanwhile, I couldn’t help but notice that Damien’s group seemed to be enjoying their own slice of paradise. The girls in their group chat bombarded me with updates and photos from their trip, and I had made a conscious effort to avoid looking at them.
But one day, after Riley insisted we take a breather from our hectic schedule, I found myself mindlessly scrolling through my phone. I accidentally clicked on the group chat and was instantly bombarded with images of Damien and his friends at stunning locations.
Every photo showcased their youthful exuberance, their smiles radiant against breathtaking backdrops. Yet, amidst the scenic beauty, I couldn’t ignore the recurring images of Damien and Madison together, always front and center in her Instagram feed, their chemistry undeniable.
It felt like a dagger to my heart. All those breathtaking mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes, and majestic snow-capped peaks—they were places I had dreamt of visiting, places Damien and I had promised to explore together. Now, they were tainted with memories of him and someone else.
The realization hit me hard: no one is truly irreplaceable.


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