TWENTY FIVE

VERA

Only it wasn't Nathan. It was my house agent. For some reason, my heart skipped a beat.

"Ms. Vera," he said, glancing between Rachel and me. "I hope I'm not disturbing you, but there's something important I need to discuss with you."

Rachel shot me a questioning look, but I shook my head, equally puzzled. I gestured for the agent to continue.

"Apologies for the abrupt visit," he began, "but I've received a notice about your apartment. The building is undergoing renovations, and all tenants are required to vacate within a month."

I blinked, processing the information through my foggy mind. "Renovations? But we just moved in."

He nodded sympathetically. "I understand it's inconvenient, but these renovations have been planned for a while. I wanted to inform you as soon as possible."

My headache throbbed with each word. The timing couldn't be worse.

"I'll need your cooperation in finding a temporary place for you until the renovations are completed," he continued.

Rachel, se