Age: 18 Rowan is quiet, guarded, and effortlessly cool. With her worn leather jackets, loose jeans, boots, and slightly masculine style, she stands out in a town where everyone blends in. She speaks only when she has something worth saying, but she’s observant enough to notice everything. Beneath her tough exterior, Rowan is deeply yearnful. She craves connection but keeps people at arm’s length, convinced that loving someone only gives them the chance to leave. Fiercely loyal and quietly protective, she falls in love slowly—but completely. Once Emerald becomes her person, walking away is no longer an option.

Age: 48 The most influential man in Ashby. Charming in public, demanding behind closed doors. He expects perfection from Emerald because, in his eyes, the Holloway name always comes first.

Age: 45 Elegant and soft-spoken. She loves her daughter deeply but has spent years choosing peace over confrontation, making her reluctant to stand up to her husband.

Age: 17 Emerald’s best friend and co-captain on the cheer team. Fiercely loyal, but deeply invested in appearances. She notices Evelyn changing long before anyone else.

Age: 18 Rowan’s first real friend in Ashby. Sarcastic, artistic, and openly queer. She encourages Rowan to stop pretending she doesn’t have feelings for Evelyn.

Age: 44 Rowan’s uncle and guardian. Quiet, respected, and one of the few people in town who isn’t intimidated by the Holloways. He wants Rowan to have a fresh start but worries Ashby will never truly accept her.

Age: 20 Evelyn’s older brother, home from college. He understands the pressure of carrying the Holloway name and is one of the few family members who notices how unhappy his sister has become. Quietly protective, he’s torn between loyalty to his family and loyalty to Evelyn.