Chapter 3

But honestly, neither Rachel nor I cared anymore.

Rachel and I were never the type to cling to a scumbag.

It had been three months since our "disappearance." While dodging Kai and Lex, we'd also been touring the country, enjoying life to the fullest.

Now, we'd temporarily settled in a quaint little town. Though "town" might be underselling it—it was technically a scenic resort, buzzing with life and packed with food, shops, and entertainment.

I rented a cozy courtyard house here. Most days, Rachel and I lounged by the fire, brewing tea and basking in our peace. It was pure bliss.

"Carrie, these past few months have been amazing. I've played so much, too much, in fact," Rachel said, cradling a warm cup of milk tea, her posture lazily relaxed.

She'd always been someone with simple desires, content to go with the flow.

I gave her a side-eye. "That's all it takes to make you happy? You're hopeless."

But she just shook her head and passed me a roasted orange, its skin still warm and fragrant.

"No, Carrie, not even close. These three months have cleared my head, but you haven't really let go yet. So…"

She dragged out the last word, a mischievous glint in her eye.

I flicked her forehead. "Spit it out already! Don't keep me guessing."

She shrank back with a grin, finally relenting. "Tonight, the little bar across the street is hosting a live show by your favorite band, no less. And, there's a mixer afterward. Tons of handsome guys are bound to be there. You better dress up, Carrie. Time to find you a new man and forget that scumbag."

I blinked, then couldn't help laughing.

"Wow, Rachel. Trying to find me a new husband already? You really are my sister."

The truth was, I hadn't let go of Kai either.

And clearly, Rachel had noticed. She was no longer the naïve, slow-witted girl she once was. Every ounce of my pain, she had quietly taken in.

That night, the two of us dressed to the nines and headed to the bar.

Sure enough, the band onstage was my favorite. I let out a thrilled scream, surrounded by fans just like me, many holding glowing signs in support.

It felt like a stroke of fate. This band had been around for years, and their performances were becoming increasingly rare. I'd assumed I might never see them live again.

Suddenly, someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around to find a handsome young man I didn't recognize.

He wore a black beanie, a trendy varsity jacket, and ripped jeans. He looked like a college student.

His face lit up as he asked, "Hi there, beautiful! You like Arcadian Fire, too?"

Before I could reply, Rachel gave me a discreet elbow jab and quickly jumped in, "Of course she does! My sister's their biggest fan! You like them too? You guys must have tons to talk about!"

The guy's eyes sparkled even more. "That's awesome! Are you visiting? I'm a third-year student here. If there's anything you want to explore, I'd be happy to show you around!"

Looks like romance had found me after all.

Well… since fate brought him here, we exchanged contact info and watched the rest of the concert together.

Afterward, he enthusiastically treated us to drinks, fussing over us in a way that made Rachel giggle behind her glass more than once.

Then she stood and said, "Oh no, I just remembered I haven't put my cat to sleep yet! I'd better go home and calm her down. You two have fun!"

She gave me a knowing grin and was halfway out the door… when her smile froze.

At the threshold stood a man, tall and commanding, his voice low and biting.

"Didn't you say you're allergic to cats? When did that get cured?"