The rain soaked through my dress within seconds. I huddled under the awning of a closed shop, shivering.

In this remote area during a downpour, finding a ride seemed impossible.


I refreshed the ride-share app repeatedly, watching as drivers canceled one after another.

Since morning, Vanessa had shown her true colors whenever Harlan left the room.

Before dinner, Vanessa had cornered me with a smug smile.


She played a voice message from Harlan, making sure I heard every word.

"Vanessa, being with Rachel is exhausting," Harlan had said. "She's always doubting my feelings and questioning our friendship. Years of history between us ruined because she's so insecure. What more does she want from me?"


Vanessa paused the message there, smirking.

"See how tiresome you are?" Sheexamined her perfect manicure. "He'll dump you for me any day now."

I stared at her, clinging to words I didn't believe: "He remembered our anniversary. He loves me."

She laughed like I'd told the funniest joke.

"Don't be so sure. Tonight, he'll come running to me."

"I don't believe you," I said.

Vanessa rolled her eyes.

"We'll see tonight, won't we?"

And here I was, abandoned just as she'd predicted.

Deep down, I'd known this would happen.

I'd always prided myself on my self-awareness.

The rain pounded harder. No cars would come.

By now, Harlan was probably delivering Vanessa's precious cake, not sparing me a second thought.

With a deep breath, I stepped into the downpour.

With each step, my heart grew colder.

Rain pelted my hair, my face, my shoulders…

Suddenly, the rain stopped hitting me. An umbrella appeared above my head.

"Rachel? Is that you?"

I turned to find a face both familiar and forgotten.

"Tim? What are you doing here?"