Claire stepped back inside from the balcony, the chill of the night still lingering on her skin. Her thoughts swirled as she replayed her brief interaction with Noah earlier. Something about him felt... different. The Noah she had met a few days ago seemed distant, cold even, but tonight? Tonight, he was softer, more approachable. It unsettled her. Was he trying to make amends? Or was it something else?
She shook her head, trying to clear her mind. Standing in the middle of the hall, she scanned the crowd. The room was alive with laughter, music, and conversations. Her classmates seemed to be having the time of their lives. Yet, Claire felt a pull to leave. She wasn't ready for the memories and emotions that the reunion had stirred.
Her eyes searched for Cassy. She was the one person who could make her feel at ease. If she found Cassy, she could quietly slip out of the party without drawing attention. But as she moved through the sea of faces, she realized Cassy was nowhere to be seen.
"Where is she?" Claire muttered under her breath, frustration creeping into her voice.
Just as she turned to head toward another part of the hall, a familiar voice stopped her in her tracks.
"Hi, Claire," the voice said, smooth yet sharp.
Claire's heart sank. She didn't need to turn around to know who it was. Olivia.
Summoning all her composure, Claire turned slowly to face her. Olivia stood before her, looking as effortlessly stunning as always. Her long, dark hair was perfectly styled, her dress hugged her figure flawlessly, and her confidence radiated in a way that made it impossible to ignore her.
"Olivia," Claire said curtly, her tone clipped.
A smile spread across Olivia's lips, but there was something in her eyes—something calculating. "It's been a while. How are you?"
Claire didn't respond. She couldn't. The sight of Olivia brought back a flood of memories, memories she had worked hard to suppress. Memories of a friendship that had once meant the world to her, only to crumble under the weight of betrayal.
When Claire didn't reply, Olivia stepped closer, her voice softer now. "You've done well for yourself. Hollywood star and all. But I always knew you had it in you."
Claire clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She didn't want to have this conversation, not here, not now. Turning on her heel, she tried to walk away.
But Olivia wasn't done. She reached out and grabbed Claire's arm, stopping her in her tracks. "Wait," Olivia said, her tone sharper now.
Claire froze, her jaw tightening as she turned to glare at Olivia. "What do you want?"
Olivia's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. "I just wanted to talk. It's been years, Claire. Don't you think it's time we cleared the air?"
"There's nothing to clear," Claire snapped, her voice low but firm. "Now, if you'll excuse me—"
"You're upset because of Noah and me, aren't you?" Olivia interrupted, her voice laced with a mix of amusement and pity.
Claire's heart skipped a beat, but she refused to let Olivia see how much the words stung. She straightened her posture and pulled her arm free from Olivia's grip. "I'm not upset about anything," she said coldly.
Olivia tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Oh, come on, Claire. I know you better than anyone. I know this must be hard for you. Seeing us together."
Claire took a deep breath, trying to keep her emotions in check. "You don't know anything about me, Olivia. Not anymore."
Olivia's smile faded completely this time, replaced by a look of irritation. "You're still the same, aren't you? Always pretending to be above it all, like nothing bothers you."
Claire stepped closer, her voice calm but cutting. "And you're still the same, Olivia. Always assuming the world revolves around you."
For a moment, they just stood there, locked in a silent battle of wills. Then, without another word, Claire turned and walked away, leaving Olivia standing alone.
Her heart was racing as she made her way through the hall. She didn't know if it was anger, sadness, or something else entirely that was coursing through her veins, but she knew she needed to leave. She couldn't handle any more of this tonight.
As she reached the door, she caught a glimpse of Noah across the room. He was laughing at something someone had said, his hand resting casually on the back of Olivia's chair. The sight made Claire's chest tighten, but she pushed the feeling aside and kept walking.
Out in the cool night air, Claire finally let out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She needed to get away from all of this—from the party, from the memories, from the people who had once been her whole world but now felt like strangers.
But as much as she tried to push it all away, one thought kept creeping back into her mind: nothing had changed. Not really. The past was still there, looming over her like a shadow she couldn't escape. And as much as she hated to admit it, she wasn't sure if she ever would.