My mind drifted back to those days. I was a junior in college at nineteen and had great grades. I met Jared at a campus dance. He was there with some friends, and I was the lead dancer for the school’s dance troupe.

Jared told me later that he fell for me at first sight. He said the way I lit up on stage, even my hair, felt magical. But thinking about the past just hurt. Every memory was like a little stab.

“Melissa, let’s not go there. Let’s talk about now. Weren’t you trying to find a boyfriend? Any news?” I asked, smiling.

Melissa gave me a slightly awkward smile. “Mr. Hallman’s assistant… we’ve been hanging out a lot lately.”

“No way!” My eyes went wide. “You two? Did he make the first move?”

“Nope. I did,” Melissa said boldly. “You’re not judging me, are you?”

I laughed and reassured her. “Not at all. If you like him, go for it. It’s better to do it now than to regret it later.”

“I’m already living with him.” Her next words shocked me.

“What? That was fast. We just had dinner not that long ago!” I shouted.

Melissa blushed and looked down at her coffee. “There was a big rainstorm a few days ago. I invited him to a movie, and we kinda got stuck in the rain together.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. Melissa was all business at work, but when it came to love, she didn’t waste time either.

“Whose place are you staying at?” I asked with curiosity.

“His. It’s a two-bedroom apartment, and it’s super close to my office,” she said quietly.

“That’s perfect. You’re both adults. If it feels right, no reason not to settle down. All I could do was wish her well and support her.

“He’s no Mr. Holcomb, but he’s a good guy. Really driven,” she said, looking genuinely happy.

“Don’t even compare anyone to Jared.” Just thinking about Jared getting mixed up with Tracy in Aurelia instantly made my blood boil. “He’s not that great, anyway.”

Melissa looked surprised. “Don’t tell me he’s seeing someone else.”

“I don’t know.” I felt a wave of bitterness. I didn’t love him anymore, but we weren’t divorced yet. I was still alive. And he was already out traveling and having fun with Tracy like it was nothing.

Melissa gave me a worried look. “Try not to overthink it, Victoria. Mr. Holcomb doesn’t seem like that kind of guy.”

“Let’s eat. I don’t want to talk about him.” All I wanted was to enjoy a chill dinner with my friend.

After we ate, Melissa and I walked out of the restaurant. She glanced at a nearby sedan and said, “There he is. He came to pick me up. I’ll catch you later.”

I watched as the guy jumped out of the car to open the door for her. I couldn’t help but wonder, ‘Would Melissa go through three marriages again in this life? Or would she finally settle down with just one person?’

I headed toward the parking lot, enjoying the breeze of early summer. Out of nowhere, a sleek Maybach pulled a sharp U-turn and headed straight toward me.

I froze. The car looked familiar. It stopped right next to me. Nathan was in the driver’s seat, wearing a black shirt. He leaned toward the window. “Heading home?”

I was caught off guard. “What are you doing here? Total coincidence?”

Nathan parked and got out of the car. “Not really. I came here on purpose to see you.”

He looked straight at me with total honesty, and for a second, I didn’t know what to say. “Sorry. My assistant is dating your friend now. That’s how I found out you two were eating here,” Nathan said, his eyes sincere.

“You need something?” I asked bluntly.

“I just got off work and haven’t eaten yet. Would you join me for a late bite?” he asked softly, his eyes full of hope.