Relief seemed within grasp as the distant echo of an approaching vehicle met her ears. Salvation, she


    surmised.


    The vehicle drew near, its illumination piercing the darkness. Rhea extended a beckoning hand,


    signaling for a halt.


    As the window descended, Rhea’s eyes met the driver’s. It was Darin.


    Taken aback, she lowered her gaze, knitting her brows in a flustered gesture.


    Darin had been an acquaintance since childhood, preceding her acquaintance with Marcus.


    Their story began in the corridors of kindergarten, where they shared the same ssroom as


    ssmates.


    During those days, the prominence of the Evans family had not yet reached its current zenith. In the


    halls of her ssroom, she bore the brunt of cruel taunts, Labeled a street child bereft of care,


    subjected to intentional istion by her peers.


    sping a doll to her chest, she would watch with longing as her peers formed clusters around picture


    books, their innocent camaraderie Like a distant echo in her heart.


    In the shadows, aching emotions often surged, and ndestine tears were her silentpanions.


    But then, like a serendipitous chord, her gaze intertwined with that of a handsome ssmate, Darin. A


    simple act of generosity-a piece of candy extended-sparked a symphony of jealousy among the other


    girls.


    “Cease your tears, for I shall safeguard you henceforth.”


    His words were a soothing balm, an oath of protection that enshrouded her like a guardian’s embrace.


    In that moment, she felt herself transformed-a metamorphosis akin to Cindere’s transition to


    princess. Vanity reveled in this newfound identity, as she found herself fondly drawn to Darin.


    However, the tides of Life would soon alter course. Her father led her to the Thomas family’s house,


    akin to a pce, irrevocably reshaping her world.


    Darin, once her envisioned prince charming, now stood on unequal footing as she witnessed Marcus


    descending the stairs, an air ofposure defining his every step. In that instance, her sentiments


    pivoted, her infatuation shifting its allegiance. Marcus’ cool countenance wielded a maic pull that


    stirred her heart, altering the trajectory of her affections.


    And beside him would be a princess, resplendent and enviable.


    Darin emerged from the car, his attention drawn to the heels clutched in her hand.


    “Enter the car.” Hismand sliced through the night air, his gaze prating her.


    “Why are you here?” Faced with the deste expanse of the road, Rhea asked.


    “Derek called me.”


    Darin’s eyes betrayed a pang of disappointment. Theteness of the hour held but one implication: her


    search for Marcus.


    In the afternoon, Darin had extended an invitation to a movie and met with her pretext of weariness and


    a need for rest. Yet, her present presence on this path was a testament to a hidden purpose-a


    rendezvous with shadows in the quiet of night.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Rhea’s thoughts drifted back to a car that had breezed past her without pause. Derek’s indifference


    was an arrow that pierced her heart.