Flashback
"Catherine, you made it," Monica exclaimed as her best friend arrived with a surprise guest on her birthday.
"Who is she?" Monica inquired, gesturing towards the girl Catherine had brought along. Catherine smiled and introduced her.
"Meet Rene. She's my long-distance cousin's girlfriend."
Monica was pleased that Rene had joined them, as she had no other plans for her birthday.
"Nice to meet you, Rene. Thank you for coming to my birthday," Monica said, embracing Catherine. "I'm so happy you're here. My boyfriend is busy with work, so your presence means a lot to me."
Catherine's expression turned somber. "But it's your birthday. Cole should make time for you."
She had only met Cole a few times and didn't have a favorable impression of him, but she didn't want to upset her best friend.
Monica forced a smile, pretending not to be bothered. "He said he'll join us later, but I have a surprise for him."
