We were destined

Six years after walking out of rehab, Carter West is still struggling to find his footing. Jobless, restless, and constantly shadowed by the fear of relapse, he feels the pull of old demons creeping closer with every rejection and unanswered call. Just when the darkness threatens to consume him again, he sees her—Aishwariya Patel—the girl he met all those years ago on the rehab rooftop. Back then, she was just a mystery with sad eyes and a gentle voice, visiting her uncle. They never exchanged names, only quiet words and fleeting comfort. Now, she's back, and everything has changed. Aishwariya is beautiful, poised, and trapped in a life she didn't choose—engaged to a manipulative man and suffocated by her conservative family's expectations. She has forgotten who she is. Forgotten how to live. But Carter remembers the spark he once saw in her, and she sees the pain he tries so hard to hide. Drawn to each other by something they can't explain, Carter and Aishwariya begin to rediscover themselves through stolen moments, fragile truths, and the belief that even the most broken people can find a way back to life. Together, they just might become whole again. Welcome to the second book in the With You series. While this is a standalone story that can be read on its own, I highly recommend reading To Start Over first. That's where Carter West's journey truly begins—his struggles, his past, and the relationships that shaped him. Several characters from To Start Over will also make their way into this book, adding deeper layers and emotional continuity. This story is about second chances, quiet strength, and the unexpected ways people can find each other when they need it most. Dialogues will be changed here from what Olivia and Sebastian have talked with Carter because it's from Carter's POV if you want to read Olivia and Sebastian's POV, you could read To Start Over