Chapter 17: Rock, Paper Scissors-Twist!

Khai's POV

A few weeks had passed, and we were now entering the pre-construction phase. The site preparation was next, and a team of engineers from Chicago had flown in to Jackson for the visit. However, Rain wasn't among them—she had to stay behind to finish another project in Chicago.

That was probably for the best. Less distractions. Less reminders.

Meanwhile, I was drowning in work, making sure everything was ironed out—legalities, sustainability, accessibility, safety—every single detail had to be perfect. There was no room for error. I had been through enough high-stakes projects to know that one misstep in this phase could lead to a disaster down the line.

Between back-to-back meetings, site inspections, and endless calls, I barely had time to think about anything else. Maybe that was why I buried myself in work—to keep my mind from wandering. From dwelling on the past.

But no matter how much I tried to keep things professional and detached, there was always something—someone—lingering at the back of my mind.

One morning, I had to fly back to Chicago due to an issue with the shipment of materials. I wished the engineering team could handle it, but I needed to ensure the transaction went smoothly. Some things required a hands-on approach, and I wasn't the type to sit back and wait for updates.

As soon as my flight landed, I didn't waste any time. I went straight to the port, where the containers were being held up. The air was thick with the scent of seawater and engine fuel, the usual chaos of the docks buzzing around me—workers yelling, forklifts moving, metal clanking.

I spotted Mr. Steiner near the customs office, talking to one of the port officials. His expression was tense, which meant the problem hadn't been resolved yet.

"Ms. Stanton," he greeted as I approached, shaking my hand. "I appreciate you coming in person. We've been stuck in a bureaucratic mess. The customs officers flagged one of the shipments for inspection, and it's delaying the release of the rest."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Alright, let's get this sorted. Walk me through the issue."

We spent the next hours negotiating, reviewing paperwork, and making calls. It was tedious, but I wasn't leaving until I had a solution. The moment we wrapped things up it was almost dark.

I figured I needed something to eat as my stomach was already shouting at me. Then, I remember Sofi's restaurant.

~~~A few moments later...

As I stepped into the restaurant, the warm aroma of grilled steaks and fresh herbs filled the air, mixing with the familiar hum of conversations and soft music playing in the background. The place was alive but not overwhelming, just the way Sofi liked it—cozy, intimate, and welcoming.

I barely had a second to scan the room before I heard an excited gasp.

"Khai?? Oh my god!"

Sofi's voice rang through the restaurant, and before I could even react, she was already running toward me. Within seconds, her arms wrapped around me in a tight embrace, her excitement radiating through the hug.

"Oh my god! When did you arrive?" she asked, pulling back just enough to look at me, her eyes filled with surprise and joy.

I smiled, feeling a little lighter than I had in weeks. "Earlier today. I had to fly out to sort something with customs here in Chicago."

Before she could say anything else, I heard a familiar voice from behind me.

"Well, look who's back."

I turned to see Alice smirking, arms crossed as she leaned against the counter. Right beside her, Michelle had an equally amused grin.

"You're not going to punch someone, are you?" Michelle teased, nudging Alice as both of them burst into laughter.

Sofi rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. "Guys, come on, leave Khai alone."

"Oh, we're just making sure," Alice said, still grinning. "We all know our dear Khai has a habit of making dramatic entrances."

I shook my head, chuckling as I rubbed the back of my neck. "I swear, you guys will never let that go, huh?"

"Never," Michelle and Alice said in unison, making Sofi laugh.

"Anyway," Sofi cut in, "you hungry? Or are you just here to grace us with your presence?"

I was about to say I wasn't hungry, but the moment I opened my mouth, my stomach betrayed me with a low grumble.

Alice raised a brow. "Uh-huh. That answers it."

Sofi giggled. "Come on, let's get you something to eat."

As she led me to a table, Michelle and Alice followed, still teasing me here and there, but in a way that felt... comfortable. It had been a while since I felt this at ease.

Maybe tonight, I could allow myself to enjoy this moment—just for a little while.

The atmosphere at the table was light, and for the first time in a while, I actually felt a sense of peace wash over me. I was caught up in the chatter with Alice and Michelle, the laughter coming easy, when the sound of the restaurant door opening caught my attention. I didn't expect who walked in next, and I definitely wasn't prepared for it.

Rain. And her new partner.

My body tensed at the sight of them, but I tried to keep my cool. I didn't want to react, didn't want to let the past control me. Sofi, sensing my sudden shift, lightly gripped my arm, giving me a reassuring squeeze, as if she knew the storm was coming.

"Hey, guys!" Rain called out cheerfully, her voice familiar yet distant.

"Hey you guys," her partner added, looking around before his eyes landed on me.

My breath hitched for a second, and I had to force myself to not look away. I tried to read his expression, but he just seemed... indifferent, like he was sizing up the situation.

"Mel," Rain and Sofi said at the same time, their voices laced with amusement, as they exchanged a knowing look.

"Mel," Sofi repeated, with a slight chuckle. "This is Khai. Khai, this is Mel, Rain's partner."

I extended my hand, keeping my posture as calm as I could. "Pleasure to meet you."

Mel barely spared me a glance. It was like the moment our hands met, I could sense the coldness from him—a distance that made it clear he knew about me and Rain's past but didn't care to acknowledge it. He quickly turned his attention to Alice and Michelle, engaging in their conversation as though I wasn't even there.

The tension in my chest grew tighter, but I kept my face neutral, refusing to let the past crack my composure. Rain's gaze lingered on me for just a moment, and I could feel the weight of it, like a thousand unspoken words were hanging between us.

Sofi, ever the calming presence, brushed her hand along my back, her touch warm and grounding, a silent reminder that she was there for me, that everything was going to be fine.

I gave her a small, reassuring smile, trying to convey that I was okay.

She tilted her head slightly, her eyes meeting mine with an understanding that only she could offer. She gave me that look—the one that said I know exactly what you're thinking, and I couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.

She was right. Sometimes, Mel could be a little... well, let's just say, a bitch.

I smiled back at Sofi, the unspoken understanding passing between us. I gently patted her hand on my arm, silently thanking her for being the rock I needed in this awkward moment.

The conversation drifted smoothly, almost too smoothly, as Michelle and Alice threw playful banter back and forth, their laughter filling the space between us. Mel chimed in now and then, her voice a bit too casual, almost like she was trying to make me forget that I was sitting at the same table as someone who had been a huge part of my life, someone I had once imagined a future with.

Then, as if to shake me from my spiraling thoughts, Mel spoke up, drawing everyone's attention. "So, I have something for you three," she said, referring to Alice, Michelle, and Sofi.

"What you got there?" Alice asked with a grin, clearly excited for whatever it was.

Mel handed Alice a tin of Banff Tea, the kind that could only be found in the most remote corners of Canada, something that seemed to carry the essence of untouched nature. Alice's face lit up with delight, her fingers brushing over the tin as if she had just been given the greatest treasure.

Next, Mel handed Sofi a bottle of Alberta-made spirits wine, a gift that felt personal and meaningful, especially considering how much Sofi appreciated the finer things in life.

Then, to Michelle, she handed a package of Rocky Mountain Soap, the scent of it already filling the air as Michelle unwrapped it with curiosity.

"And for the love of my life," Mel continued, her voice shifting slightly, "I have this."

She pulled out a delicate ammolite necklace, its vibrant colors catching the light and shimmering like the southern Alberta sunset. It was a stunning piece, the kind of jewelry that felt both rare and powerful.

As Mel handed it to Rain, I could see the way Rain's face softened, her eyes sparkling with that familiar warmth that I had once been the recipient of. I watched as Mel gently fastened the necklace around Rain's neck, her fingers lingering just a moment longer than necessary. Then, in a moment that twisted something deep inside me, Mel kissed Rain—right there in front of me. It was a kiss that said everything, a kiss that spoke of a love I couldn't touch, a love I had lost.

That moment felt like a knife straight to the chest, and for a moment, I could barely breathe. The pain was sharp and immediate, a rush of memories and emotions flooding me all at once. The world seemed to slow down, everything around me fading into a dull, distant hum. I couldn't take my eyes off them, couldn't stop the way my heart clenched as I witnessed their closeness, their bond that felt so final, so absolute.

I could feel Alice's eyes on me, her gaze lingering with a quiet understanding. Michelle's eyes followed, too, her expression softening as if she could sense the turmoil brewing inside me. And Sofi... Sofi's hand, which had been resting lightly on my knee, squeezed it gently, a silent gesture of support. It was like she knew exactly what I was feeling, like she understood the weight of the moment without me having to say a word.

But nothing, absolutely nothing, could have prepared me for the way it felt to watch Rain move on, to see her with someone else. To know that she was happy, yet to feel that my place in her heart had been replaced.

Alice, ever the mood-breaker, cut through the awkward tension like a knife. "Okay, lovebirds, enough of that sweet moment—drinks on the house, per Sofi!" she announced dramatically, raising an imaginary glass in the air.

Sofi rolled her eyes, arms crossed. "Excuse me? You'll be paying for that."

The entire table erupted in laughter, the tension lifting just slightly. The bartender was already mixing a round of drinks, and for a brief moment, I let myself sink into the lively chatter. But then, Mel turned her attention toward me, her gaze sharp and curious.

"So, Khai—Khai Stanton, right?" she asked, her voice casual but probing.

I nodded, my fingers tightening slightly around my glass.

"I met Mr. Lucan Stanton a while back when we were conducting a site inspection on one of their condos in LA," Mel continued. "How are you related to him?"

At the mention of his name, my body tensed involuntarily. The memory of that night came crashing back—flashes of blood, Rain's screams, the weight of grief I had carried ever since. My chest felt tight, but I forced myself to keep my face neutral.

I noticed Rain shift uncomfortably beside Mel, her fingers tightening around her glass, as if she was about to say something—to change the subject, maybe—but I spoke first.

"He's family," I said simply, keeping my voice steady.

Mel's brow lifted with interest. "He's one of the sharpest minds in real estate. A legend, really. Are you working under him?" Then, with an almost innocent curiosity, she added, "Family? Like immediate family or a distant relative?"

I exhaled slowly, bracing myself for the reaction. "He's my father."

A beat of silence.

Alice and Michelle practically choked on their drinks. "Wait—what?!" Alice sputtered, eyes wide.

Michelle, ever the fact-checker, whipped out her phone and started frantically searching my name on Google. Within seconds, their jaws hit the floor as they scrolled through the articles, my full name, and my connection to Lucan Stanton.

"Holy shit," Michelle muttered. "You're that Stanton?"

Alice gawked. "No wonder you're always so intense! You're, like, corporate royalty."

Sofi, who already knew, just sipped her drink with an amused smirk while I let them have their moment of realization. Rain remained quiet, her gaze flickering between me and Mel.

I let out a low chuckle, shaking my head. "It's not as glamorous as it sounds, trust me."

Mel tilted her head slightly, studying me. "Well, that explains a lot."

I wasn't sure what she meant by that, but I had a feeling she wasn't just talking about business.

Alice was still gaping at me like I had just told her I was the long-lost princess of Genovia. "Hold the fuck up," she said, pointing at me with her drink in hand. "You mean to tell me, all this time, we've been hanging out with a freaking Stanton and you just—what? Forgot to mention it?"

Alice, ever the curious one, still looked like she was processing the revelation. Her eyes darted between me, Rain, and her phone, as if she was trying to reconcile the image of me casually drinking at Sofi's restaurant with the one on Forbes' 30 Under 30 Billionaires list.

Michelle, on the other hand, was already deep-diving through articles about me, her expression shifting from shock to intrigue with each headline she read.

"Holy shit," Michelle muttered, her fingers scrolling rapidly on her phone. "Listen to this: 'Khai Stanton, the elusive heiress of the Stanton Corporation, signs a billion-dollar contract for a high-end luxury hospital in Jackson.'"

Alice's eyes widened. "Billion with a B?!" She turned to me, jaw practically on the floor. "Khai, you literally look like someone who'd spend their time fixing motorcycles, not running billion-dollar projects."

I smirked. "I do fix motorcycles."

Alice threw her hands in the air. "See?! This is what's messing with my brain! You're some kind of hot badass billionaire—like Bruce Wayne but without the weird bat fetish."

Michelle wasn't done. "Oh, it gets better," she said, squinting at her screen. "Apparently, when she's not closing billion-dollar deals, she spends her free time playing baseball with inmates at Jackson Women's Correctional Facility."

Alice did a full double take. "Wait, what?!"

I scoffed. "I have an explanation for that."

Alice leaned forward eagerly. "Oh, this better be good."

I shrugged. "I was doing charity work in that prison. That's my way of giving back to the community."

Michelle dramatically gasped, clutching her chest. "By giving back to inmates who are technically supposed to have no second chances?!"

Alice smacked her arm. "Michelle! That's so not politically correct."

Michelle waved her off. "I love a good redemption arc! I'm just saying—it's a little unconventional for a billionaire heiress to be spending her weekends throwing fastballs with convicted felons." She turned to me, grinning. "What's next? Teaching them corporate finance?"

Alice snorted. "Or maybe giving them investment advice—'So you've committed grand larceny, here's how to invest your stolen millions wisely.'"

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help chuckling. "Very funny. It's not that deep, okay? I grew up knowing what it's like to be written off by the world. Some of those guys just needed someone to see them as more than their mistakes."

That earned a pause.

Alice and Michelle exchanged a glance, their playful teasing giving way to something softer.

Sofi, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke up. "That's actually... kind of incredible, Khai."

I waved it off, suddenly feeling a little too exposed. "It's nothing."

Michelle smirked. "Oh no, it's definitely something. Just admit it—you're basically a badass, motorcycle-riding, baseball-playing, charity-giving billionaire with a heart of gold."

Alice leaned on the table dramatically. "Rain, why didn't you warn us your ex was this disgustingly cool?"

Rain, who had been quietly watching the entire time, Rain eye's widened signaling to Alice that Mel was beside her and she quickly let out a soft chuckle and shrugged. "I figured you guys would find out eventually."

Mel, meanwhile, was studying me with a thoughtful expression, but I couldn't quite read what was behind her eyes.

Alice sat back, shaking her head in disbelief. "Well, damn, now I feel like I should be doing more with my life."

Michelle nodded solemnly. "Same. We should start a nonprofit or something."

Alice snapped her fingers. "Ooh! How about a charity cocktail night where the rich and powerful donate to our 'Help Alice and Michelle Feel Less Useless' fund?"

We all burst into laughter.

She continued scrolling. "Oh! This is a good one—'Khai Stanton visits a juvenile facility in Jackson, donates gym equipment."

Michelle placed a hand on her chest in mock admiration. "So not only do you help adults in prison, but now you're out here saving at-risk youth?" She glanced at Alice. "This woman is either Batman or a really generous mob boss."

Alice crossed her arms, feigning suspicion. "Be honest. Are you secretly Batman?"

I scoffed. "If I were Batman, I wouldn't be stuck in business meetings all day."

Michelle gasped dramatically. "And yet! The plot thickens! 'Stanton Corporation donates $1.5 million to Transient Global Amnesia patients across Mississippi and $500K to Mississippi Hospital.'"

That one made everyone pause.

Rain's expression shifted slightly, her fingers tightening around her glass. She looked at me, her eyes softer than before.

Alice and Michelle exchanged a glance before Alice leaned in, grinning. "Sooo... should we start calling you Saint Khai now?"

Michelle clapped her hands together. "Ooh, or Mother Teresa Stanton?"

I rolled my eyes. "Please Stop."

Michelle's playful expression softened as she studied me. "But seriously, Khai," she said, her tone now laced with curiosity. "Why are you doing all this? The charity work, the donations—it's not just about having money to spare, is it?"

The table quieted down, and even Alice, who was always ready with a witty remark, leaned in slightly, waiting for my answer.

I took a deep breath, swirling the drink in my glass before answering. "I simply want to," I said, my voice steady but calm. "Grangran always taught me that whatever extra you have, share it with those who really need it. She used to say, 'What's the point of having more than enough if you can't use it to make someone else's life a little easier?'"

Michelle nodded, letting my words sink in.

"I'm just doing what she always asked me to do," I added, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips.

Alice exhaled, shaking her head. "Damn. I was really hoping for a villain arc, but you just had to be noble, didn't you?"

That made Sofi chuckle beside me, squeezing my arm gently.

Michelle smirked. "So you're telling me, heiress to the Stanton empire, Forbes billionaire, mysterious baseball-playing badass, also happens to be a grandma's girl?"

I let out a soft laugh. "Guilty as charged."

Rain, who had been quiet all this time, finally spoke. Her voice was soft but carried a weight I couldn't ignore. "She must be proud of you."

I met her gaze for a brief second before looking away, swallowing the lump in my throat.

Sofi, sensing the shift in the air, quickly chimed in, "Well, I do think 'Sexy Bruce Wayne' fits you better than 'Grandma's Favorite.'"

Alice grinned. "Agreed. Let's stick with that."

Michelle raised her glass. "To Sexy Bruce Wayne and her philanthropic empire."

Everyone laughed as they clinked glasses, but I could still feel Rain's lingering gaze.

The laughter eventually died down, but Alice was still grinning like a mischievous cat. She suddenly stood up, her hands on her hips as she made a dramatic announcement.

"Alright, alright," she began, her voice drawing everyone's attention. "I propose a game! But not just any game. We're playing Rock, Paper, Scissors—with a twist!"

Michelle perked up, her curiosity piqued. "What's the twist?"

Alice's grin widened. "Simple. Whoever wins the round gets to drink—cheers, right? But the loser has to drink and also answer a question... honestly." She paused for dramatic effect. "And, people, everyone here will have a chance to ask a question to the losing party."

I exchanged a glance with Rain, silently preparing ourselves for whatever questions might come our way. There was a certain tension in the air now, and the stakes felt higher than usual.

Alice clapped her hands together. "Let's pair up for a duel! I'll start with Michelle versus—" she glanced around, scanning the room. "Khai! You're with Michelle, let's do this!"

Michelle gave me a playful smirk, clearly up for the challenge. "Ready to spill your secrets, Khai?" she teased.

I raised an eyebrow. "I'm not worried."

Alice chuckled as she stood between us, ready to referee. "Alright, let's go! On three, we'll all shout out our moves. Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!"

We all did the countdown, the tension rising with each second. When it was time, I shot out my fist with a dramatic flair. "Rock!"

Michelle smirked, holding out paper with a flourish. "Paper!"

The room erupted in laughter as I groaned, realizing I had lost.

Alice pointed a finger at me with a teasing grin. "Looks like you're drinking, Khai! And now it's time for the fun part—you gotta answer a question. Anyone want to ask the first one?"

I sighed, reaching for my drink as everyone glanced around, eager to ask something. Rain raised her hand, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Alright, Khai, here's a question for you—what's one thing that most people don't know about you?"

I hesitated for a moment, realizing that it wasn't just about the question—it was the honesty behind it. The room fell quiet as I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever came next. I couldn't hide behind my usual facade now. The game had begun.

"I guess..." I started slowly, my voice steady but quiet. "Most people don't know how much I fear losing people. I'm not good at letting go. I tend to push people away before they can get too close. It's easier that way."

The game kicked into full gear, and the playful banter intensified as Alice and Michelle continued to duel against each other. The air was thick with excitement and the occasional groan as someone lost a round and had to answer an uncomfortable question. But I wasn't prepared for what came next.

Rain and I were up against each other now. We exchanged a look before we threw our fists down in a dramatic show of confidence.

"Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!"

I went for rock again, expecting something bold. Rain, however, went for scissors. I'd won.

"Looks like I'm safe for now," I said with a small smirk, sipping my drink.

Rain raised an eyebrow, amused. "Just wait until the next round. I'm not giving up that easily."

The game continued with more laughter and cheers, the tension mounting as more people got involved. Then, it was time for Alice to pair up with me, and that was when it happened.

Rain lost.

Her expression shifted from playful to serious, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of something behind her eyes. Alice, sensing the shift in energy, grinned widely.

"Alright, Rain, you've got a question coming your way," Alice announced, her voice filled with mock gravitas.

Rain rolled her eyes but took a deep breath. "Hit me."

Alice didn't hesitate. "What's the hardest part of letting go?"

The room grew silent, the weight of Alice's question hanging in the air. Rain's usual easygoing demeanor slipped, and for the briefest moment, she looked vulnerable. She took a long sip of her drink before meeting Alice's gaze, her voice quieter than usual.

"The hardest part..." Rain began, her words slow and deliberate, "is realizing that sometimes, no matter how much you want something, it's just not meant to be. You can fight for it, but if it's not working, you have to let it go. The hardest part is accepting that the person you were in love with, and the person you wanted to grow old with, might not be the same person anymore."

The room was still as Rain's voice softened with a touch of sadness. Her admission hung in the air like a secret, but then Alice clapped her hands together and broke the silence, calling on the next duel.

"Alright, alright, enough with the heavy stuff! Khai, your turn. You're up next!"

I braced myself as the game continued. I lost the next round to Alice—again. The whole room erupted in laughter, but the moment quickly turned serious when it was time for my question.

Alice eyed me playfully as I took my shot of alcohol, knowing full well the question was coming.

"Alright, Khai," Alice said with a teasing smirk, "Here's your question. How do you feel seeing your ex with someone else now?"

The question hit me like a punch to the gut, and for a moment, I froze, my throat tightening. It was one of those questions I didn't want to face, one I hadn't fully processed until now. The laughter around me faded, and all I could focus on was the question hanging in the air.

I felt Rain's eyes on me—concern, maybe a little curiosity, but mostly, she seemed like she was waiting for me to answer.

Taking a deep breath, I finally spoke, my voice lower than usual.

"It hurts," I said quietly, my eyes fixed on the table. "Seeing someone else in the life I thought would always be mine... it's like watching your favorite song get covered by someone who doesn't quite capture the magic. It's not their fault, but it's not the same. It's not our song anymore."

The room grew quieter as I spoke, the weight of the words heavy in the air.

"But I'm learning to accept it," I added, meeting Rain's gaze for a brief moment, "because the truth is, the hardest part isn't seeing them with someone else—it's letting go of the idea of what could've been."

Alice nodded thoughtfully, but she couldn't resist adding a little spice to the moment. "You know, I think we're all about to see a very dramatic episode of Khai and the Ex Chronicles," she teased. "Anyone else got questions for our lovely Khai or Rain? Let's dig deeper, shall we?"

The playful challenge was out there, and I knew the next round of questions was going to get even spicier. But despite everything, I couldn't help but feel relieved—it felt good to finally say what I'd been holding back. And as the game continued, I realized just how much more I still had to unpack.

The rounds were flying by, the playful tension between everyone palpable as drinks flowed and laughter echoed through the room. I was still recovering from my earlier question when Alice announced the next pair-up.

"Alright, next up, Khai versus Sofi!" Alice declared with a gleam in her eye.

Sofi gave me a playful smile, obviously enjoying the fact that I was about to be involved in another round. We both threw down our moves with competitive determination.

"Rock, paper, scissors, shoot!"

I went for paper. Sofi went with rock again.

She cursed under her breath as she realized she lost once more.

"Looks like I'm drinking again," She muttered, reaching for her glass, knowing the question would come soon.

Alice clapped her hands together. "Alright, Sofi! Time for you to answer a question. You've got this one!"

Sofi, always so cool and composed, just raised an eyebrow and gave a mock salute. "Alright, hit me with it."

Alice leaned in, her voice dripping with mischief. "So, Sofi," she began, drawing out the moment, "Are you bothered that Rain is Khai's ex-girlfriend?"

There was a collective gasp that rippled through the group. Sofi's eyes narrowed, a playful but calculating look crossing her face as she absorbed the question.

The room waited for Sofi to answer, and I couldn't help but notice how the entire atmosphere had shifted. Sofi wasn't one to shy away from tough questions, but I could tell this one might be a bit more complicated.

Sofi leaned back in her chair, her eyes scanning the room before they locked onto Rain, then me. She took a slow sip from her drink, her lips curling into a slight smirk. "Bothered?" She said the word like it was foreign to her, but I could tell there was something beneath the surface—something she wasn't quite ready to reveal.

"I don't get bothered by things that don't matter in the long run," Sofi answered coolly, her tone breezy. "Khai and Rain had their time, and now it's over. What matters now is how we all move forward."

Her words were measured, controlled, but there was a flicker in her eyes—something almost unreadable.

Rain shifted in her seat, a subtle shift in her body language as she quietly observed Sofi's response. The tension was thick, but no one spoke, waiting for more.

Sofi continued, her voice steady but firm. "If I were bothered, I wouldn't be sitting here with all of you. I'd probably be elsewhere, dealing with my own issues. But here I am, in the company of people who matter. So no, I'm not bothered by the past. I'm focused on what's in front of me."

There was a pause after her words, and I noticed Rain's expression soften slightly. It was as if Sofi's words didn't just affect her—they spoke to something deeper.

The room relaxed a bit, the tension easing as everyone took a moment to process the response. But Alice, ever the instigator, wasn't done just yet.

"Alright, I see you, Sofi," Alice grinned, clearly satisfied with the answer. "Anyone else want to toss in another spicy question?"

I could feel the heat rising in my chest, knowing the game was far from over. As much as we tried to keep things lighthearted, the truth was starting to surface—and no one was safe from the game's unrelenting twist.

Mel, who had been quiet for a while, leaned forward, her eyes sharp as she studied Sofi. It was like she was preparing to drop a bomb.

"Alright, Sofi," Mel started, her tone a little more serious than before, "here's the real question. How does it feel being in love with someone else and not being reciprocated?"

The weight of Mel's question hit the group immediately. It wasn't a playful jab—it was raw, honest, and carried a depth of emotion. I could see Sofi's expression shift just slightly, her cool facade faltering for a brief moment.

Sofi blinked, taken aback, before her lips curved into a small, almost imperceptible smile. It was a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

She took a breath, clearly thinking carefully before responding. "Love is complicated," Sofi said slowly, her voice measured but tinged with a subtle vulnerability that hadn't been there before. "It's not always about being reciprocated. Sometimes, it's about accepting that someone else's heart just isn't in the same place as yours."

Her eyes met mine for a brief second, and I felt the weight of her words sink in. There was a sadness in her voice that she was trying to mask, but I could tell it wasn't easy for her to admit.

Sofi continued, her voice steady but carrying the weight of experience. "Does it hurt? Yeah. But you learn to live with it. You learn to let go." She paused, her gaze softening as she looked at Rain, then at me. "It doesn't make you any less of a person, though. It just means that sometimes, you have to love yourself more than you love someone else. Even if it doesn't seem fair at the time."

The room fell silent for a moment as everyone processed Sofi's words. It was a powerful statement, one that seemed to resonate with everyone there—especially Rain and me.

Rain shifted uncomfortably, her eyes cast downward as if she were processing her own thoughts. The tension in the room felt heavier now, and I couldn't help but wonder how much of Sofi's answer was coming from a place deeper than she was willing to share.

Mel, seemingly satisfied with Sofi's response, leaned back in her seat with a small nod. "Alright, that was... unexpected. But I guess love really is a complicated thing, huh?"

Alice was quick to jump in, her voice light again, "Alright, who's next? Let's get this game rolling again, but no more heavy stuff for a while. We're all gonna need a drink after that one."

The energy in the room had shifted, the playful banter now replaced by a subtle tension that none of us had quite expected. Rain and Sofi's round came up, and as usual, the competitive edge was there. But this time, I could sense something different—like there was more riding on the game than just who would drink.

"Alright, here we go," Alice called out, her grin wide as she announced the next match. "Rain and Sofi. Let's see what happens this time."

The game started, and I watched as the two of them played. They threw their moves, and just like that, it was clear who had lost. Rain. The room collectively exhaled, though no one was brave enough to break the silence that followed.

Rain, always so composed, immediately took a sip from her drink. I could see the moment her expression shifted—like she was bracing herself for something.

But Sofi was quick, leaning forward with a mischievous grin. "Alright, Rain," Sofi said, her voice light but edged with something else, "time to answer a question. And we're not letting you off easy."

The room was quiet, and all eyes were on Rain, waiting for the question.

Sofi, without missing a beat, asked, "Do you still love Khai?"

The words hung in the air, thick and heavy. Time seemed to slow down as everyone's gaze turned to Rain, who had gone completely still. It was as if the room had collectively held its breath, waiting for her response.

Mel's eyes darted between Rain and Sofi, her focus sharp as she watched the scene unfold. Alice's jaw dropped, and for a moment, I wondered if I had heard Sofi correctly. Had she really asked that? The question was direct, unrelenting, and left no room for misinterpretation.

Rain blinked, her lips parting slightly as if she was searching for the right words. But nothing came immediately. The silence stretched on, and I could see the inner turmoil on her face. Her eyes flickered to me for just a moment, and in that fleeting glance, I felt a wave of emotion I wasn't prepared for. It was a mixture of regret, sadness, and something else that was harder to define.

"Do I still love Khai?" Rain finally whispered, her voice barely audible as she spoke the words she'd been avoiding for so long. She took another sip from her glass, her hands trembling slightly as she set it down.

Sofi waited, her gaze never leaving Rain, as the question hung in the air. The rest of us waited too, the tension palpable, thick with the weight of the question.

Rain's lips curled into a small, almost sad smile. "I don't know," she admitted softly, her voice laced with vulnerability. "I think I did. Maybe I still do. But love... it changes. It doesn't always stay the same, no matter how much you want it to."

The words struck me like a punch in the gut, and I could feel the air in the room shift again. Mel's gaze softened, and even Alice seemed to be processing the depth of Rain's confession.

"I don't know if it's love anymore," Rain continued, her voice steadier now. "But I know that what we had... it was real. And sometimes, that's the hardest thing to let go of."

Sofi leaned back, her expression unreadable as she took in Rain's words. The room was eerily quiet, the weight of what Rain had just said settling over all of us like a heavy blanket.

Alice, still in shock, managed to break the silence first. "Okay, wow," she muttered, looking at Sofi. "That just... that just happened."

Mel, ever the observer, added with a quiet tone, "That was... something. But I think we all needed to hear that."

I couldn't say anything. The raw honesty in Rain's voice hit me harder than I expected. It felt like she had just revealed something so personal, so painful, and yet, there was a certain beauty in it too. It made me realize just how much we all had left unsaid between us.

The game went on, but I couldn't shake the intensity of that moment. There were no more jokes, no more playful teasing. Just a quiet understanding of the emotional weight we had been carrying, all of us. The game picked up again, the energy still crackling from the tension that had built up in the last round. I tried to shake off the lingering weight of Rain's confession, but it wasn't easy. My mind kept going back to her words, to the way she'd said she wasn't sure if she still loved me, yet still acknowledged the depth of what we'd once shared. The room felt oddly charged, like everyone could sense the unresolved feelings swirling in the air.

Then it was Mel's turn, and I couldn't help but notice how confident she seemed. She was always the life of the party, full of energy, but there was something about her tonight that was different. She wasn't as carefree as usual. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was just the fact that everyone had been putting each other on the spot tonight.

After a few intense moments of back-and-forth, it turned out Mel lost, much to her surprise.

Michelle leaned in, her smile almost too innocent as she tossed the question at Mel. "Alright, Mel. Here it is. If there's one thing you can say to Khai bluntly, what is it?"

The room went dead silent. I had a feeling Michelle was about to stir something up, but I didn't expect Mel to take the bait so quickly.

Mel paused for a second, her eyes narrowing slightly as if she was carefully picking her words. But when she spoke, there was no hesitation. It was as if the words had been building inside her, waiting for the right moment to burst out.

"Back off from Rain's life," Mel said bluntly, her voice cold and firm. "She's mine now. You've had your time, and you wasted it. So back the fuck off."

There was no mistaking the venom in her tone. The room seemed to hold its breath as Mel's words hung in the air. Alice's jaw dropped. Michelle's eyebrows shot up, clearly surprised by the rawness of Mel's response.

I couldn't help but blink in disbelief. The words hit me harder than I expected, not because I was afraid or intimidated, but because I wasn't sure where this was coming from. I'd never seen Mel like this. She was usually the one cracking jokes and deflecting with humor, but this? This was personal.

For a moment, everything felt like it was in slow motion. I could feel my pulse quicken as I tried to process what Mel had just said. She was telling me to stay away from Rain, to walk away from something I couldn't seem to let go of. Was that what I was supposed to do?

Rain's gaze flickered over to me, and I could see the subtle tension in her eyes. She wasn't looking at Mel, though; she was looking at me. The silence was deafening, and I could sense that everyone else in the room was waiting for a response.

Mel, however, didn't seem to expect one. She leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed, waiting for the next round to begin. The intensity in the room was palpable, and even though I knew we were supposed to keep the game going, the atmosphere had shifted. This wasn't just about winning or losing anymore. It was about something deeper.

Michelle broke the silence first, her voice casual but carrying an underlying tension. "Well, that was... blunt," she said, looking between me and Mel. "But, damn, Mel. Didn't think you had it in you."

Alice, still shocked, couldn't help but chuckle nervously. "This game is getting way too real for me."

I remained quiet, processing the weight of Mel's words. Back off from Rain? How could I when everything between us was still so... unresolved? But what did Mel really mean by that? Was this a warning? A plea? Or something else?

I glanced at Rain again, and for a brief moment, our eyes met. She didn't say anything. She didn't need to. In that one look, I understood that the past between us wasn't something either of us could easily walk away from. And Mel's words? Well, they were only going to make things more complicated.

The game had reached its peak. Everyone was a little on edge, the playful teasing now replaced with the kind of tension that comes with honesty and vulnerability. I couldn't shake off the weight of Mel's words earlier, and as the rounds kept coming, it felt like the game was spiraling into something none of us had anticipated.

Alice rolled the dice again, and this time, it was Rain and Michelle's turn. The stakes felt higher, somehow, the air in the room heavy with anticipation.

As usual, the game went by in a blur, with both Rain and Michelle throwing down their hands. But when the result came, it was Rain who lost. I could feel my heart pounding a little faster in my chest. The stakes were getting higher, and no one was backing down.

"Alright, Rain," Mel said, her voice unusually calm. "You know the drill, time for a question."

But the question that came from Mel caught all of us by surprise. It was so out of left field, so direct, that I couldn't even prepare myself for it.

"Baby," Mel said, her voice soft but loaded with an intensity that immediately made the room quieter. "If I'm going to ask you to marry me tonight, would you?"

The question hung in the air like a bomb, and for a moment, there was nothing but silence. Even the music in the background seemed to fade as everyone turned their attention to Rain, waiting for her response.

I stood there, completely frozen. My breath hitched in my throat, my mind scrambling for a way to make sense of what had just been asked. I didn't even know if I wanted to hear her answer. The words felt like a punch to the gut, and for some reason, I found myself hoping that she would say no. That she would say anything but yes.

But Rain? She was visibly taken aback. Her face shifted from confusion to surprise, to something else I couldn't place. Her lips parted, but no words came out at first. She glanced at Mel, then around the room, her gaze landing on me for just a moment before it quickly shifted away.

I couldn't breathe. I couldn't move. My mind raced through a thousand thoughts, but none of them made sense. How could Mel ask her something like that? And why now, in front of everyone? Was this for real? Was this just a game? I tried to make sense of it, but everything felt so surreal, like I was caught in a moment that I couldn't control.

Then, as if sensing the mounting tension in the room, Mel pulled something out of her pocket—something small, shiny, and unmistakably familiar.

It was a ring.

A diamond ring. The kind of ring that meant forever.

My breath caught in my throat, and my stomach twisted. It was too much. The room seemed to close in around me, and I could barely focus on anything other than the ring in Mel's hand and the way Rain was looking at it, her eyes wide with shock.

"Mel..." Rain whispered, her voice small, as if she didn't quite know how to process what was happening. "I... I don't know what to say."

The tension in the room reached a fever pitch. The game, the fun, the playful atmosphere—it was all gone now. It was just the two of them, in that moment, with Mel holding a piece of their future in her hands.

I couldn't tear my gaze away from Rain, but I could see the way her hand trembled as she reached out to touch the ring, still not quite sure if she was in a dream or in some sort of nightmare.

But then the seconds stretched on, and the silence became unbearable. Everyone else seemed to be holding their breath, waiting for Rain's response. The eyes of everyone in the room were on her, and I could feel a sickening knot form in my stomach.

Would she say yes? Would she say no?

And why was I so afraid of her saying yes?

I glanced at Alice and Michelle, both looking just as stunned as I felt. No one had expected this. No one could have prepared for this.

"Rain?" Mel asked softly, her voice gentle now, though there was a firmness underneath. "If I ask you to marry me tonight, will you?"

For a split second, everything stopped. It was just Rain and Mel, the weight of their past, and the future that could be waiting for them.

I couldn't bring myself to watch. I could feel the pressure building in my chest as the moment stretched on. The ring. The question. The room closing in around me. My hands were cold, my heart racing in a way that felt like it might never stop.

Rain's hesitation—the way she looked at Mel, then at me, and then at the ring—was too much to bear. I didn't know what I expected her to say, but I didn't want to find out. Not right now. Not in this room, with everyone watching, waiting for an answer that could change everything.

The last thing I wanted to witness was how her answer would ripple through the room, through us. How it would make me feel, or worse, how it might make her feel. I didn't know if I could handle the weight of her decision, not when I had so many questions of my own.

I turned slowly, as if in slow motion, and whispered to Sofi. "I need to go back to the hotel," I said quietly, my voice tight. "I have an early flight tomorrow."

Sofi, who had been watching the scene unfold with wide eyes, blinked as if processing my words. Then, she nodded, her expression sympathetic, though she didn't say anything for a moment. I could tell she understood. She could see the strain on my face, the way I had already checked out of this game, of the situation.

"You okay?" Sofi asked softly, leaning in closer as she placed a gentle hand on my arm. "You want me to come with you?"

I shook my head, though I appreciated the offer. "No, it's fine. Just... need some space, you know?"

Sofi didn't press any further. She just nodded, giving me a small smile. "Alright, I'll let Alice know."

With that, I stood up slowly, feeling like a weight had been lifted just by making the decision to leave. The tension in the room, the looks, the quiet hum of curiosity—it was all too much. The hotel felt like the only place I could go right now to clear my head, to get away from the chaos.

As I walked toward the door, I stole one last glance at the group. The scene was still frozen, like everything had paused for a second, waiting for Rain's answer. But I couldn't stay. I couldn't be there for whatever came next.