Chapter 17: Four Years Later
It's strange how time moves differently when you're no longer watching the clock.
Four years. That's how long it's been since we graduated.
We all went our separate ways—me, Reese, Gaia, and Yasha—each chasing something that once felt distant and impossible. And now, we've made homes out of the dreams we once whispered under moonlit windows and coffee-stained study tables.
Reese dove straight into the company the moment she received her diploma. No hesitation. Raiden was by her side, and somehow—miraculously—they managed to get their families to sign a merger contract. The "war" was officially over. It's funny how love does that. They made peace in a way no boardroom ever could.
Yasha? She's a Paris girl now. Modeling deals, romantic walks by the Seine with Yuan, photo updates of the Eiffel Tower at dusk—it's all so picture-perfect. And yet, knowing Yasha, she probably complained about her heels ten seconds after they took that photo.
Gaia, my ever-logical, composed sister, is now studying law with Gared. They've been dating for a month now, though the way she blushes when we mention his name tells me it runs deeper. She once said, flustered and half-laughing, "Something happened," and that was all we needed to know.
The rest of the girls—Bailey, Valerie, and Paicey—are thriving too. Bailey finally came clean to our parents about Beck. Mom accepted it immediately. Dad? Well, he took time, but seeing how much Bailey loves Beck softened him eventually. Especially after Paicey accidentally spilled the beans about their two-year-long secret.
Valerie confessed to Vayden. Paicey reunited with Percy. And just like that, everyone was in love.
Everyone... except me.
But that changed, too.
I started dating again. Really dating. My heart healed after Ozaire, and I moved on. The last time I saw him was graduation. No dramatic reunions. Just closure.
I enrolled in a college specializing in sports and eventually made it to the Olympics. I even met someone—my boyfriend. He went to a different school, but we bonded through competition and long conversations after events. We exchanged numbers. Laughed over calls. Texted late into the night. He made me feel safe again. Seen.
I thought he was different.
Until today.
The rain was relentless, hammering down like the sky itself was mourning. I was halfway home when I remembered—it was Sofie's birthday. My best friend. My roommate.
I stopped at a small bakery and bought her favorite cake, shielding it under my jacket as I sprinted toward our apartment building. The rain didn't bother me much—my heart felt light, excited to surprise her.
But just as I reached the entrance, I saw them.
Two figures under the awning, far too close, too intimate. My pace slowed.
It was her. Sofie.
And him.
My boyfriend.
Their lips met like it was natural. Like it had been happening for a while.
I froze.
The box slipped from my hands. The cake hit the ground, forgotten, and everything inside me shattered with it.
Tears blurred my vision, but I didn't care to hide them. My breath came in broken pieces. My chest felt tight, like grief and betrayal were strangling me all at once.
I turned and ran. I didn't care where. Just away.
Eventually, I ended up at a bus stop, soaked to the bone. I curled into myself on the bench, the rain pounding on my head, but I didn't move. Couldn't.
"I miss my sisters," I whispered.
They would've known what to do. They would've fought for me, held me, reminded me of who I was.
But they were far away. And here I was—alone.
Then... the rain stopped.
I blinked. Slowly lifted my head.
Someone was holding an umbrella over me.
And when my eyes met his, my breath caught in my throat.
Of all people—of all the rain-drenched streets and distant cities—I never thought I'd see him again.
"Ozaire," I whispered.
And he looked at me the same way he used to. Like I was a question he never stopped trying to answer.
"Ophira?" He asked.
Ozaire's presence was unexpected, but in that moment, it was like a beacon of familiarity in the midst of my overwhelming pain. His eyes, once so distant, now held a warmth and concern that I desperately needed. I wiped my tears with the back of my hand, trying to compose myself as he approached.
"Ozaire, what are you doing here?" I managed to ask, my voice trembling.
He glanced at the now-drenched area around us and then back at me, a soft expression crossing his face. "I was just passing by and saw a drench girl sitting here," He said softly. "Didn't expect it to be you. It looked like you could use some company."
His words, though simple, brought a sense of relief. I hadn't expected to run into him, especially not under these circumstances. As he held the umbrella over both of us, I found comfort in the silent support he offered.
"I didn't think I'd ever see you again," I admitted, my voice cracking slightly.
Ozaire nodded, his gaze steady. "It's been a while. How have you been?"
I hesitated, the memories of the evening still fresh in my mind. "Not great, to be honest. I saw something today that... it hurt."
He listened intently, his presence a silent reassurance. "Do you want to talk about it?"
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions. "I saw my best friend with my boyfriend. They were kissing. I don't understand why."
Ozaire's expression turned serious. "That's tough, Ophira. I'm really sorry you're going through this."
I looked up at him, searching for some semblance of comfort in his eyes. "I don't even know what to do right now."
He offered a gentle smile, one that spoke of genuine empathy. "Sometimes, the best thing to do is to take things one step at a time. Maybe it's a good moment to lean on someone who cares."
The kindness in his voice, coupled with the unexpected comfort of his presence, started to mend the fragments of my broken heart. For the first time in hours, I felt a glimmer of hope. Ozaire was here, and for now, that was enough.
"Where are you going to now?" Ozaire ask. I wondered for a minute because i cannot go back to that apartment with that plastic bitch of a bestfriend of mine.
I shrugged and said "I don't know"
Ozaire nodded, his expression thoughtful. "How about this: why don't you come with me? I have a place nearby where we can get out of the rain and talk more."
I hesitated, glancing back at the bus stop and the apartment building in the distance. The idea of spending more time in that environment felt unbearable.
"Okay," I finally said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'd appreciate that."
Ozaire gave me a reassuring smile and gently guided me away from the bus stop. As we walked together, the umbrella shielding us from the remnants of the rain, I felt a strange mix of relief and apprehension. The pain was still there, but Ozaire's presence made it a little easier to bear.
"Sometimes, the best thing to do is to take things one step at a time. Maybe it's a good moment to lean on someone who cares."