Evelyn sat at her desk, ncing at the clock for the fifth time in ten minutes. It was finally Friday, and she had managed to avoid interacting closely with Sandra for thest two days since their exchange in the parking lot.


    Having the bodyguard Derek promised made her feel a little safer, but knowing Sandra was lurking around, pretending to be innocent, still sent chills down her spine.


    Evelyn sighed and gathered her things. She had promised Rayna they''d go shopping today, and it was an excellent excuse to leave work early. After everything that had happened, some time with her best friend sounded perfect. Besides, they both needed to find outfits for the high school reunion the next day.


    She sent Rayna a quick text to say she was on her way and walked out of the office to her car where her bodyguard sat, waiting.


    Evelyn couldn''t help but feel odd about having a bodyguard - it was as though her life had turned into some thriller movie. But with everything happening with Sandra, she was grateful Derek had insisted on it.


    By the time she got to the mall, Rayna was waiting for her at the entrance with a big smile on her face as usual, but Evelyn could tell something was off.


    "Hey, you okay?" Evelyn asked as soon as they hugged.


    "Sure," Rayna said as they entered the brightly lit mall, "So, where is the card?" Rayna asked with forced enthusiasm.


    Evelynughed as she brought out the card which Derek had given her and shed it at Rayna, "He said we can buy as much as we want and not just for the reunion."


    "How does it feel to be with such a wealthy guy? I know you''re not with him for money, but there are people who get love but not money, and there are people who get love and money with not-so-good-looking guys, but you got theplete package. How does it feel?" Rayna asked, and Evelyn giggled.


    "It feels wonderful" she admitted.


    "I bet it does" Rayna said as they walked into one of their favorite stores, a boutique filled with stylish dresses perfect for the reunion.


    As they sifted through the racks, Evelyn asked, "So, what''s the update? How are things going with ET?"


    Rayna''s smile faded, and she sighed heavily. "The situation with Ethan is driving me crazy, Evie," Rayna said with a shake of her head, her expression troubled.


    Evelyn nced over at her friend, concern etched on her face. "I guess he''s still not willing to see you?"


    Rayna groaned in frustration. "He''s still not talking to me. I tried reaching out, but nothing. I''m beginning to believe he meant what he said about moving on. I don''t know what to do anymore."


    Evelyn tried to think of the right words tofort her friend. "I''m sure if it is meant to be, he''lle around," Evelyn said, her voice calm and steady.


    "Maybe he still needs time. At least you understand why he felt so upset now. Anyone in his shoes would


    be triggered. And Derek also said that when Ethan is hurt, he shuts people out but alwayses back."


    Rayna shook her head, her frustration clear. "Maybe this is different. Maybe I''m really not his type physically, and he doesn''t like me. I''m at my wit''s end. I don''t know how much more of this I can take. Maybe I''m just wasting my time, and I should listen to him and move


    on."


    Evelyn paused, holding up a soft, burgundy dress in front of the mirror. She nced at Rayna''s reflection. "If anyone can figure this out, it''s you, Rayna. You''ve got this. Just... take a step back, breathe, and give him some space. It''s all going to work out." "What if while I''m doing that, he gets married to one of the otherdies? I heard from Sarah this morning. She told me he went on a date with one of the otherdiesst night," Rayna said with tears


    in her eyes, and Evelyn reached out to embrace her, understanding now why she was upset.


    "What is yours will always be yours, Ray. It doesn''t matter if it takes a year or two..."


    "Or six? I don''t want to wait that long to prove that theory right or wrong while he is banging otherdies," Rayna cut in with a giggle, and Evelynughed, amused that despite her tears, Rayna could still crack jokes.


    Before Evelyn could respond, they heard a familiar voice call out to Rayna. "Rayna!"


    Evelyn''s heart sank. She didn''t even need to turn around to know who it was. Sandra.


    Rayna turned, her jaw tightening, but Evelyn ced a hand on her arm, giving her a quick look. "Act normal," she whispered.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    Rayna rolled her eyes but forced a smile as Sandra approached, dressed in a chic outfit that looked a little too polished for a casual shopping trip. "Oh, what a coincidence! Don''t tell me you are here to shop for the reunion too?" Sandra asked,pletely ignoring Evelyn.


    Rayna smiled, though it felt like a mask. "Yeah, just picking out a few things."


    Sandraughed her voice light but carrying a sharp edge that made Evelyn''s skin prickle. "I''m here for the same thing! My fiancé, Derek, wanted toe with me, but he was too busy with work so he gave me his card to shop. Isn''t he just the sweetest?" Evelyn barely held back a snort. Derek''s card? She had Derek''s card. Rayna caught her eye, and they exchanged a quick, knowing nce.


    "Wow, Sandy," Rayna said, her tone sweet butced with sarcasm.


    "You''re so lucky to have a fiancé like Derek."


    Sandra smiled, but there was something cruel behind it. "I know, right? I was here thest time with Derek''s Mom. She''s such a wonderfuldy, and I can''t wait to be her daughter-inw. The funny thing is that no matter how many women try to seduce him, Derek will always be way out of their league."


    Evelyn couldn''t help butugh at the irony. The truth of the situation was delicious, but she kept herposure. "I''m going to check out the fitting rooms while you both catch up," she said casually, turning to head deeper into the store. No matter what Sandra tried, Evelyn knew she had her friend''s loyalty- and that was something Sandra would never understand.


    As soon as Evelyn was out of earshot, Rayna turned to Sandra, her patience wearing thin. "Why the snide remarks, Sandy? And why did you ignore Evie that way? Have you not resolved things with her yet?"


    Sandra''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Resolve things? After she tried to drug me to set me up with Michael and take pictures to show Derek? I don''t think so."


    Rayna shook her head but said nothing out of fear of losing her temper.


    Sandra smirked and leaned in closer. "You know what I''m wondering right now? I wonder why you are here with Evelyn. Why didn''t you ask me toe shopping instead of Evelyn."


    Rayna''s expression hardened. "Because Evelyn doesn''t only reach out to me when she needs to gossip or when she wants a favor.


    Evelyn is my friend, and she knows me better than you do. That''s why I prefer herpany," Rayna snapped, and with that, she turned and walked away, leaving Sandra standing there, her face flushing with anger and jealousy. Sandra''s eyes followed Rayna, her jaw clenched as she watched her go. Evelyn, who was already inside a changing room, hadn''t heard the exchange but would have enjoyed watching Sandra''s petty mask crumble. Rayna had a triumphant smile on her face as she joined Evelyn.


    "Can you believe that snake had the nerve to ask me why I came shopping with you and not her? You should''ve seen her face when


    I told her why I''m here with you and not her."


    Evelyn grinned as she stepped out of the changing room, showing Rayna the dress she had chosen. "Tell me everything."


    As they shared a quietugh inside, Sandra stood in the store, ring at the changing room door. She decided that she had had enough, and it was time to get rid of Evelyn, with or without Michael''s support.