With pride, Bettie said, “Everyone, meet my dear friend, Sabrina."

Sabrina acknowledged with a gracious nod and smile.

"Mind if we exchange our numbers?"

Amid the Laughter and playful banter, the two women settled into seats.

Bettie, always the life of the party, reveled in catching up with her old classmates.

Suddenly, Arielle Sampson chimed in, “Oh, speaking of familiar faces, did you hear? Lance is back in town. Heard he might drop by tonight.”

Hearing that name, Sabrina turned her gaze towards Bettie.

Lance was undoubtedly the man both Bettie and Elora were interested in Caught off guard, Bettie responded coolly, "Oh really? I don't give a damn."

She found herself staring into the distance, her thoughts adrift.

Memories of his gentle and subdued demeanor emerged in her mind.

Some memories were not gradually blurred with time but became more and more profound.

Arielle chimed in, "It's been ages since you two seen each other, hasn't it? I remember the intense rivalry you had with Elora over him.

It seemed like you and Lance might‘ve had something lasting. But then, after he moved abroad, I heard Elora followed. She's the one who set up this reunion, and mentioned Lance might attend."

“For real? Are they together now?" another classmate queried.

Arielle shot Bettie a glance, then speculated, "Possibly. They've both been abroad for so long, and Elora's been single all this while. Maybe she was holding out for Lance. Hosting a reunion right after returning?

Sounds a bit Like they're sharing some news.”

In silence, Bettie’s eyes flickered with annoyance, her fingers involuntarily gripping the fabric of her dress.

Another classmate hinted, "We shouldn't celebrate too soon. The final laugh might belong to someone unexpected!"

Bettie's face clouded over. She retorted sarcastically, “Is finding joy in leftovers I've discarded considered a victory?"

The classmate appeared taken aback, clearly not anticipating such a frank retort from Bettie.