Things That Break Us

De: Michelle Heard

Some happily ever afters begin in tragedy.

I’m an actor who hates the limelight. Everyone wants Easton Rowe’s attention—my money, my fame. It’s impossible to have a real relationship with a woman, so I don’t even try.

But then there’s Nova. My sister’s best friend. She’s been there our whole lives, and she’s here now to help us when we need her most. When I need her most.

I should keep my guard up, focus on my dying sister and her daughter. But I can’t ignore Nova. Not with the way she carries this grief with me. The way she flinches when I move too fast, the ghost of something lurking in her eyes. The way she blushes when I get too close, making me wonder how close I can get.

For once, I don’t want to keep my distance. Nova thinks she has nothing to give, but all I need is a chance. I know we can take our broken pieces and make something whole.

©2026 by Michelle Heard. (P)2026 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.