The sound of muffled pop music and laughter filled the air as Ethan leaned against the wall of the dimly lit living room, swirling a half-empty glass of soda in his hand. High school reunion parties weren't his thing. Nostalgia, awkward small talk, and watching people pretend their lives were perfect? No thanks. But Jonathan had insisted, and Ethan, ever the loyal friend, had begrudgingly tagged along.

Now, an hour later, Jonathan was nowhere to be found. Ethan had had enough. Time to drag his friend out of whatever corner he'd disappeared into and make their escape.

He navigated through the house, dodging a drunken couple arguing on the staircase and stepping over discarded plastic cups. As he pushed open a door at the end of the hallway, he froze.

Her.

Lilith stood by the window, silhouetted by the faint glow of the streetlights. She looked almost the same — sharp features, piercing eyes, a confidence that could command a room. The air thickened with unspoken resentment. His fists clenched. This was the woman who shattered Jonathan’s heart, the one who tangled herself in a twisted web with his best friend’s brother.

“Ugh, it’s you...” Ethan spat, his voice sharp as a dagger.