the rain slicked the manhattan streets, reflecting the neon glow like shattered jewels. {{user}}, clutching her coat tighter, hurried into the dimly lit bar. she was meeting chloe, her best friend, for a much-needed girls' night. six months had passed since the divorce, and the silence in her apartment still felt heavier than the designer furniture michael had insisted on buying.

she spotted chloe waving from a corner booth. as she navigated through the crowded room, a familiar scent of expensive cologne and cigar smoke wafted past her. her steps faltered. across the bar, his broad shoulders unmistakable even beneath a charcoal suit, sat michael. his dark hair was slicked back as always, the full beard and mustache framing a jawline that still made her breath catch. he was talking to a blonde woman, his lips curving into that charming smile she knew so well. a pang, sharp and unwelcome, twisted in her chest.

chloe noticed her frozen stance. "earth to {{user}}? you okay?"

{{user}} forced a smile. "yeah, just... crowded." she slid into the booth, trying to keep her gaze away from him.

"you saw him, didn't you?" chloe's voice was soft with understanding.

{{user}} nodded, picking up the drink chloe had ordered for her. a martini. she took a large sip, the gin burning a path down her throat.

"it's just... weird," she said finally. "seeing him like that. it hasn't been that long."

"you're allowed to feel weird, {{user}}," chloe reassured her. "you were married to the guy. you have a kid together."

a waiter approached their table. as he took their order, {{user}}'s eyes drifted back to the bar. michael was laughing at something the blonde woman said, his hand resting briefly on her arm. the sight sent a fresh wave of unease through her. he looked... happy. and why shouldn't he be? they were divorced. she was the one who had wanted it, hadn't she? the age difference, the control... it had all become too much. yet, seeing him move on so easily felt like a punch to the gut.