She couldn't remember drinking any water before going to sleep last night.

Strange! Raegan thought with a shrug. She took the small first-aid kit and used the thermometer to check her temperature. Thankfully, she no longer had a fever.

She was feeling so lazy today. So, she grabbed a quick bite and went back to bed. It was already evening when her phone ringtone woke her up.

The call was from Nicole Lawrence, her best friend who just got back to town after going on a vacation. Nicole asked Raegan out for dinner.

As soon as the two of them met at the barbecue restaurant, Nicole hugged Raegan tightly and shouted, “Raegan, I missed you so much!"

Raegan had known Nicole since the time back in high school. At that time, Raegan had just moved to Ardlens. Nordan School just happened to be offering scholarships to outstanding students.

Raegan had always been a straight-A student. She took the entrance exam and came out top, granting her admission to the school.

It was a school with a hefty tuition fee. As a result, many of the students were from top families. Raegan soon realized that life in the school wasn't all rainbows and unicorns. Many students bullied and looked down on her for her humble background.

One day, Nicole stepped in to help Raegan after she was bullied.

This marked the beginning of their close friendship.

It wasn't until they grew closer that Raegan learned that the Lawrence family was a famous energy tycoon in Ardlens. And as such, Nicole was a trust-fund baby.

But it didn't affect their relationship at all.

Their friendship had grown stronger since high school.

After the greetings and hugs, Nicole pulled the arm of a tall hunk of a man and then introduced, “Raegan, meet my boyfriend, Kieran Bradley."

Nicole secretly made a gesture with her fingers, indicating the number 17.

Raegan took the hint and shook her head hopelessly. She understood that this man was Nicole's seventeenth catch.

“Hi, Raegan. Nicole has told me a lot about you. You are much more beautiful than she described. Nice to meet you!" Kieran greeted and reached out a hand.

His gaze lingered on Raegan, making Raegan a little uncomfortable.

Out of courtesy, she shook his hand anyway.

Kieran scratched her palm with his index fingernail as he withdrew his hand.