Rayna pushed her cart slowly down the grocery aisle, scanning the shelves. It was late afternoon, and the store was relatively uncrowded, making for a peaceful shopping experience. Her list was almost complete; she only needed one more item—her favorite cereal. She turned the corner into the cereal aisle, her eyes immediately settling on the bright blue box she usually bought. Her heart sank when she saw only one box remained. Quickening her pace, Rayna reached for it, but another hand reached for it simultaneously.

Startled, she looked up and froze when she saw who it was: Ethan. Her heart skipped a beat. Was this fate? Or just a coincidence? How could she be running into him like this?

Ethan's dark eyes met hers as he wondered why he kept running into her. He refused to believe it meant anything.

For a moment, neither spoke, their hands still gripping the same cereal box. Rayna felt her pulse quicken and struggled to steady her breath.

"Was this planned?" he asked, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Beg your pardon?" she asked, unsure what he meant.

"Why am I running into you here? Did you come here knowing I'd be here?" he asked, his eyes narrowed suspiciously.

Rayna sighed. She hadn't expected to see him, especially not like this. If she'd known, she wouldn't have worn her "ugly errand dress."

"Was I supposed to know you'd be here? I don't know what you're talking about, but I touched this first. You should let go," she said, attempting to sound confident, but her voice wavered.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "I don't think so," he said flatly, still wondering if his brother or sister-in-law had told Rayna he was grocery shopping.

Rayna blinked, caught off guard. She tightened her grip on the box. "I wouldn't have thought we had the same taste in cereal," she said, trying for a light tone, but the tension was undeniable. Ethan scoffed, still holding the box firmly. "I don't. This isn't for me," he lied. "It's for my sister-in-law."

At the mention of Sara, Rayna felt a pang of guilt. It was probably a pregnancy craving. She hesitated before releasing the box with a sigh. "Well, if it's for Sara, I guess you can have it," she said, crossing her arms. "But in exchange, how about I buy you a drink? To apologize for the other night." She winced remembering his cafe exit.

Ethan's expression hardened. "I don't want a drink from you. Thanks for this," he said, turning to leave. Rayna, taken aback, blocked his path. "Everyone makes mistakes," she said reasonably.

Ethan laughed dryly. "Sure. But not everyone calls strangers names when they don't know what they're talking about." His tone was sharp. "You said I looked like a pervert." Rayna bit her lip, mortified. She had been so wrong, jumping to conclusions. Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Why am I not surprised? Hiding behind alcohol, huh?" His voice was cold. Rayna's frustration boiled over. "I wasn't thinking straight. I'd had too much to drink," she said, hoping to explain. "Isn't it funny how a drunk person accused me of being a pervert?"

Rayna's face flushed with anger and humiliation. She straightened, her chin lifting. "Yes, I made a mistake and called you a pervert. You also called me unattractive, didn't you? If I can forgive you and apologize, why are you acting like a jerk? You know what? Forget it," she snapped. "You might not be a pervert, but you're an unforgiving jerk, and I don't care if you forgive me. I've apologized, and that's it." Without waiting, she pushed her cart away. She didn't look back, but felt his gaze.

Her heart pounded. She clenched her fists, angry at herself and him. Her phone buzzed. It was Evelyn.

"Hey, Evie," Rayna answered, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Hey, Ray. Are you—" Evelyn asked, noticing the lack of Rayna's usual enthusiasm.

"I just ran into Ethan," Rayna said.

"Doesn't that mean he's your destiny?" Evelyn asked.

"More like my nemesis," Rayna muttered.

"Your what? I take it you didn't ask him out as you planned?" Evelyn asked, laughing.

"That guy's a bastard. I'm not apologizing to him anymore," Rayna muttered. "What's up? Why did you call?"

"Are you home? I was thinking of dropping by," Evelyn said warmly.

Rayna sighed, trying to shake off her frustration. "I went grocery shopping, but I'm on my way home. Come over if you want. I'll be there soon."

"Perfect! See you in an hour," Evelyn replied, hanging up.

Rayna paid for her groceries, her mind still on Ethan. She couldn't believe how things had escalated, and regretted her handling of the situation. But another part of her, stinging from his words, felt it was for the best. As she walked to her car, she took a deep breath, hoping Evelyn would distract her.