ARIS

New York, Present

Lily

The rain was hitting the windows of my small apartment so hard that it drowned out any other sound around me. I felt so at peace—I loved it.

I loved watching nature unleash itself before me; it gave me an inner calm that nothing and no one else could offer. I adored sitting by the window, watching the rain as if time stood still and all my worries disappeared, even if just for a moment.

I was so absorbed in the storm unfolding before me that when I felt a hand rest on my shoulder, I almost screamed.

“Did I scare you, love?” Alec tried to hold back his laughter, but the amusement in his eyes was unmistakable.

“Sorry. I got lost in my thoughts again.” I smiled, slightly embarrassed that I was always so fascinated by nature and its forces.

Alec nodded in understanding. He knew that I often got carried away by nature’s fury, so there was no point in continuing this conversation.

He handed me a cup of tea and sat down across from me in the armchair. He looked out the window for a few seconds, then turned his gaze back to me.

“Richard called me. He managed to sign with Tower Buildings,” he said excitedly.

Richard was the owner of Architecture Designs, the firm where Alec had been working for over three years. Since joining, he had grown very close to Richard, so much so that he quickly became both his friend and right-hand man.

Recently, Alec had been promoted to Project Manager, which meant he was now responsible for coordinating large projects—like the one they were about to start with Tower Buildings.

“That’s amazing!” I said without hesitation. They had been working hard to secure this contract for a long time. There had been fierce competition among major architecture firms to land a deal with Tower Buildings.

Tower Buildings was one of the largest office rental building chains in New York. They were known for their towering skyscrapers dominating the city center. They had built similar skyscrapers in several major cities, and now they were starting a new construction project—this time in Chicago.

This was a huge step forward for Alec’s architecture career. It was the first major project he would oversee as a Project Manager.

Alec nodded, unable to hide his smile.

“It really is. But Richard has assigned me to go there and coordinate the project on-site. I’ll have to leave in two weeks,” he said, a bit saddened, and I nodded in understanding.

“Don’t worry about me—I’ll be fine,” I said, trying to sound confident so he wouldn’t feel guilty.

I had recently accepted a job as a university assistant at one of the most prestigious universities in New York. I was excited—after years of studying and low-paying jobs, I was finally going to work in the field I had studied: psychology.

I was stunned when New York University offered me this job. It felt strange that they reached out to me, considering I hadn’t studied psychology there. However, I had stood out during my university years, and I assumed that’s why they had contacted me. Regardless of the reason, this was an opportunity I wasn’t going to miss.

I had already signed the contract, and in exactly two weeks, I was set to start. I understood Alec’s slight concern about this because I was very stressed and emotional about this new beginning, and he wouldn’t be there to support me on my first day of work.

“Maybe I can talk to Richard and move my departure up by a week,” he said, sensing that I might need him.

I shook my head firmly. There was no way I would let him sacrifice this opportunity for me.

No, I’ll be fine. I’ve already gotten used to the idea, and I don’t think it will be that hard. I said, this time even more determined.

He seemed to believe me and didn’t insist further. I appreciated that about him.

Alec and I had been together since my university years. We met at a party, where I had drunk too much to still have any sense of embarrassment, and he had been too kind to admit it.

New York, four years ago…

I was so annoyed that I had come to this stupid party. Jesica was the one who convinced me to go, promising we would have fun together. I hadn’t wanted to come because I didn’t know anyone there. I had no idea where Jesica had even heard about this party, but she had pestered me for three days until I gave in. And now? She was nowhere to be found. I had no idea when she disappeared from my side, and here I was—at a party where I was having absolutely no fun, surrounded by strangers.

Frustrated, I finished my drink, which had too little apple juice and way too much vodka for my taste. I grimaced as the liquid burned my throat, but I was too irritated to care.

I was never much of a party person, maybe because I never went to any in high school. Not because I hadn’t wanted to, but because back then, I was too much of a nerd for anyone to invite me. Over time, I stopped enjoying that kind of fun altogether.

My friend Jesica had an entirely different opinion about parties. She used to say that if you didn’t get drunk and hook up with a stranger at a party, you hadn’t truly experienced fun. I had a thousand reasons to argue against that.

I pushed my way through the crowd of already-too-drunk students and headed straight to the table where the alcohol was. Once again, I poured myself way too little apple juice and way too much vodka. I knew this drink would be my limit. But to hell with it—I didn’t care anymore! I was alone at a party. Maybe alcohol would help me forget this pathetic night.

I scanned the room again, hoping to spot Jesica, but no luck. I resigned myself to the fact that I would have to leave this party alone. The house was stiflingly hot, so I made my way toward the exit.

The party was being held in a fraternity house on another university’s campus. I still had no clue how Jesica had managed to get an invite.

I finally made it out of the packed house and sighed in relief as the cool air hit my face. The backyard wasn’t as crowded—just a few scattered students, probably looking for some quiet too.

I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to cover a bit more of my exposed skin. Once again, Jesica had forced me to wear a way too short, sleeveless, and tight dress. She had been so thrilled to finally get me to a party that she claimed the right to “dress me appropriately.” I cursed her in my mind again! After this night, she could forget about ever dragging me to another party. Ever!

I headed toward a secluded bench in the back of the yard, hoping no one would bother me. I sat down and took another sip of my drink. I hadn’t even realized I was already halfway through it. The music was blasting from inside the house, mixed with the shouts of joy and wild freedom from the other students. The irony of it all suddenly made me laugh.

There was a time when I would have done anything to go to a party. I used to get so upset when my classmates would come back to school bragging about their crazy nights. Nerds weren’t worthy of those parties. We didn’t belong there.

Now? I would have done anything to be back in my dorm room, watching a show or reading a book. Once a nerd, always a nerd.

“Trying to escape this failed party too?” A voice behind me made me jump. I had been so lost in thought that I hadn’t heard anyone approaching.

I turned around, and my heart started pounding a little too fast. Behind me stood a tall guy, not too skinny, with a relaxed smile on his face.

He was cute.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I just saw you sitting here alone and thought maybe you were in the same situation as me,” he said, still standing. He seemed hesitant, as if he didn’t want to make a wrong move.

I looked at him, confused. How could his situation be similar to mine?

Say something, Lily! Otherwise, this guy would think I was some kind of weirdo!

“As in, you’re also not enjoying this party, where future adults act like teenagers who just discovered alcohol and ‘fun’?” He clarified when he saw my puzzled expression.

I burst into laughter at his description of the party.

“I couldn’t have said it better myself,” I finally replied.

“Mind if I sit?” he asked, slightly awkward and innocent, as if afraid of disturbing me. But considering that the one person I knew had abandoned me, a little company wouldn’t hurt.

“Not at all,” I said, shifting over to make room for him. I took another sip, hoping the alcohol would give me a bit more courage. I had no idea how I’d react—I had already drunk more than I ever had before.

He hesitantly sat down on the bench, keeping his hands on his knees. He looked a little nervous, even though it was pretty chilly outside.

“I’m Alec, studying architecture,” he said, extending his hand toward me.

“Lily, psychology,” I replied, shaking his hand.

Seriously?! Two words? That’s all you could say?! I scolded myself internally.

I knew my experience with guys was nonexistent, but did I have to make it so obvious?

I hadn’t really paid attention to boys since high school. Not since Aris made me swear off talking to any guy ever again.

Frustrated, I took another sip of my drink. Please let the vodka kick in already!

“Do you study here?” he asked, breaking the silence.

“No, I came with a friend who ditched me the moment she started drinking. She’s probably off having fun somewhere inside while I’m out here alone because I don’t know anyone.” I said, taking another sip. I was relieved the alcohol was finally working because I had started saying more than just two words.

“If it makes you feel any better, I actually know most of the people here, and trust me, you’re not missing anything,” he said with a smile. I grinned and took another sip. The dizziness was kicking in, but at least I no longer felt like I was sitting on pins and needles.

I took a second to really look at him. Thanks to the dim glow from the house lights, I could see him fairly well. Blond hair. Innocent smile. Full lips. His shirt clung just enough to show that he worked out, but not excessively.

I felt… inexplicably drawn to him. I liked how he looked—a normal guy who wasn’t trying too hard to sculpt the perfect body but instead impressed me with his warm and friendly attitude.

Maybe it was the alcohol, but I suddenly found myself wondering what it would feel like to have his lips on mine—or his hands running down my body.

Get a grip, Lily! The guy is just trying to have a conversation with you!

I could practically hear my inner voice scolding me, bringing me back down to reality.

The truth was, the need to be admired, noticed, and wanted by a man was growing stronger in me. I was, after all, 22 years old, and I had never had a more intense experience than a kiss with a guy. And even that had been back in 11th grade, before Aris ruined everything for me.

Aris was a trauma I was still trying to work through. He had left a deep mark on my self-esteem, and I hadn’t yet managed to fully move past it.

Alec must have noticed my lingering gaze because he suddenly started fidgeting and gave me an awkward smile.

Oh, God! I wanted to die of embarrassment.

It suddenly felt much hotter outside, and my dress was starting to feel suffocatingly tight. I took another big gulp of alcohol and panicked when I realized that my glass was empty.

Well, so much for my “liquid courage” tonight. From here on out, I’d have to manage on my own.

“So, Alec, have you ever thought about what you’ll be like in ten years?” I asked, desperate to move past the incredibly awkward moment from before.

“I want to start my own architecture firm, a place where my projects will come to life,” he said, and I couldn’t ignore the way his eyes lit up when he talked about his future.

I recognized that look—because I had the same one whenever I imagined myself opening my own psychology practice after graduation.

“But I also want to be with a beautiful girl, someone I love, and who makes me happy,” he added.

I don’t know if it was just my tipsy brain playing tricks on me, but I swore he looked directly at me when he said that. There was this spark in his eyes that set me on fire inside.

I felt a rush of warmth and excitement at the thought that maybe—just maybe—he was talking about me. But I didn’t want to seem too thrilled about it.

“Isn’t it a little early to be making those plans with me?”

My mouth had moved faster than my brain, because the second I said it, I realized I hadn’t thought before speaking.

“Who said I was talking about you? We’ve only known each other for ten minutes.”He looked even more embarrassed than before.

Kill me now.

If I had a shovel, I would have dug myself a hole and stayed there forever.

“Oh,” was all I managed to say—right before I felt the nausea hit me like a freight train. All the alcohol I had consumed was not sitting well anymore. I slapped a hand over my mouth and barely managed to stumble a few steps before I threw up everything I had drunk that night—leaving me with nothing but humiliation, regret, and absolute shame.

Alec later admitted that, at the time, he found my innocence cute—how I actually believed he was talking about me.

After that utterly humiliating moment, I didn’t even dare to look at him. I just ran for my life and left the party. Somehow, though, he had managed to get my number, and a few days later, he texted me. That’s how we started talking.

Our relationship grew naturally, without too many big fights. The only major fight we had—the one that nearly ended us—was when I found out he was still in contact with his ex-girlfriend, Isa.

Alec had told me before that he was in a four-year relationship with a girl he had loved deeply. But over time, things became toxic between them. They fought constantly, tore each other down, and in the end, he found out she had cheated on him with a classmate—a year before we met.

When I discovered that he was still talking to her, I was devastated.

Their conversations were mostly casual, just catching up on life. But that didn’t stop it from hurting me terribly.

With Alec, my self-esteem had started to heal. For the first time in a long time, I felt loved and appreciated.

So when I found out about their conversations, it felt like my entire mental stability had collapsed.

But in the end, I chose to give him one more chance—after he swore that there was nothing left between them and promised to cut off all contact with her.

And he kept that promise. For the past three years, nothing like that had ever happened again.