“Vlad, if it involves me, then you need to tell me. I deserve to know the truth.” I lifted both of my hands and cupped his face, forcing him to look at me. “Who was it?”

He didn’t say anything, but an image flashed in my mind. It was a face I knew all too well.

Adrian.

Acknowledgments

First of all, I would like to thank God for letting me have that dream when I was thirteen years old and then again ten years later. Thank you for being with me every step of the way; that’s what sustains me through the years.

Loads of love for my family for being so understanding when I suddenly paused while walking—or doing anything really—fished my phone out, and started typing rapidly. My dad, Joe, who let me dream and follow my dreams. I realize now that it’s such a privilege. I thank my mum, who’s the strongest person I know. Mom, you always push me to do my best and honestly, I owe it to you. I’m lucky to be able to call you Mom and Dad. For my sister Elizabeth, who dragged me out to get food—I’m alive because of you; and my youngest sister, Sandhra, for being an inspiration and force to be reckoned with. My dear aunt and godmother, Intan—you once told me when I was ten to never leave any task incomplete and to always do my best to achieve my goals. I have taken that with me since. I managed to finish Entwined because of you. My brother Steven for simply being him, you’re amazing, bruh!—I’m pretty sure he’d laugh if he heard I said bruh in my nonexistent accent. Also, I want to thank my generous cousin Ariel Yoe for giving me his phone in the most dire situation during the writing of this story when my five-year-old phone died in the most inconvenient way possible—Man, you honestly saved Entwined.

I’d like to thank my first readers who had to go through very rough drafts back in 2017: Cinderella Pharaon, Clara Quezado, Damini Thakur, Daniella R., Daniella Irewole-ojo, Donna Fieldhouse, Fatima Rafiq, Fernanda Lemos, Gia Hunter, Hafsah Nadeem, Jovana Mrdalj, Krissy Ash, Maggie, Mariam, Marsela, Mlaika Nadeem, Muhammad Rizqi Fadlillah, Nwezeh Joyce Chiamaka, Priya Chauhan, Sanskriti, and Zeinab Faour. You gave Entwined a chance even when it had no reads and fame whatsoever. Your constant support, enthusiasm, and love are something I will cherish forever. Also, the fact that this book is now getting published means that I have indeed lost the bet. Pizza on me, fam!

To my English teachers: M. M. Wahyu Utami and Stefanie Nike N. Since that day you gave me the chance to join the storytelling contest, I found confidence in showing my story to others, so thank you! I hope you’ll continue to inspire and nurture our young generations.