Synopsis

A stunned silence followed their kiss, broken only by Piper’s insistent demand that Brad be informed. Ned, overwhelmed, shouldered the entire responsibility. A devastated Brad turned and left abruptly. Later, Lauren confided in Steph, seeking solace. “At least he knows,” she murmured, clinging to the single, affirmative response amidst the wreckage. She had kept the kiss a secret, but now Brad was aware – albeit with a skewed perception of the event’s nature.