A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

There was no way I could turn down Aster’s offer—if he was serious.

“You… mean it?” A spark of hope flickered inside me.

“Yes… I wouldn’t joke about something I know matters so much to you.”

“But…”

“Manu, I’m offering you the job you’ve always wanted—four years after you ditched me like some stray dog left without an owner.” He clutched his chest dramatically, pretending I’d shattered his heart.

“Oh… we weren’t even that close for ...