Prologue
Ella Jane had never been the type to believe in fairytales. Love, in her world, was a fragile thing—easily promised, easily broken. After too many heartbreaks and too many nights spent questioning if real connection even existed, she made a decision.
She would let an algorithm decide.
A swipe, a click, a perfectly curated profile—online dating was supposed to be easy. It was supposed to take the guesswork out of love, to match her with someone who fit just right. But what no one warned her about was the uncertainty, the thrill, and the quiet ache of waiting for a response that might never come.
As the screen glowed in the dark of her apartment, Ella hesitated over a message from someone new. His words were charming, his profile picture inviting. Was this another disappointment waiting to happen, or could this be something real?
She took a deep breath and typed her reply.
It was only the beginning.
