Chapter 8: Letters from the Future

8

Time passed slowly as both families prepared for the weddings.

Maybe out of guilt, Derek found excuses to visit often these days.

He’d show up with Starbucks or flowers, making small talk about the weather, but I could see the uncertainty in his eyes. Like he sensed something was shifting, but didn’t know what.

But I always found reasons to avoid him.

Only Aubrey dressed up for him every time, and the two of them chatted happily whenever they met.

I suppose the two of them will be very happy together.

That day, I received a letter from Caleb at the base.

The day Aubrey agreed to swap marriages, I’d already sent an email explaining everything to Caleb.

After all, swapping marriages involved both families. I didn’t want to end up in a miserable marriage, so I had to let him know in advance.

I opened the letter.

There was only one word on the paper, written in bold, confident handwriting.

Yes.

The ink bled a little, but the certainty in that single word made my heart settle. For the first time in months, I felt the possibility of a fresh start—one that belonged to me, and no one else.

I pressed the letter to my chest, heart pounding. For once, my future was mine—and for the first time, I wasn’t afraid to claim it.