Chapter 846

Relief seemed within grasp as the distant echo of an approaching vehicle met her ears. Salvation, she

surmised.

The vehicle drew near, its illumination piercing the darkness. Rhea extended a beckoning hand,

signaling for a halt.

As the window descended, Rhea’s eyes met the driver’s. It was Darin.

Taken aback, she lowered her gaze, knitting her brows in a flustered gesture.

Darin had been an acquaintance since childhood, preceding her acquaintance with Marcus.

Their story began in the corridors of kindergarten, where they shared the same classroom as

classmates.

During those days, the prominence of the Evans family had not yet reached its current zenith. In the

halls of her classroom, she bore the brunt of cruel taunts, Labeled a street child bereft of care,

subjected to intentional isolation by her peers.

Clasping a doll to her chest, she would watch with longing as her peers formed clusters around picture

books, their innocent camaraderie Like a distant echo in her heart.

In the shadows, aching emotions often surged, and clandestine tears were her silent companions.

But then, like a serendipitous chord, her gaze intertwined with that of a handsome classmate, Darin. A

simple act of generosity-a piece of candy extended-sparked a symphony of jealousy among the other

girls.

“Cease your tears, for I shall safeguard you henceforth.”

His words were a soothing balm, an oath of protection that enshrouded her like a guardian’s embrace.

In that moment, she felt herself transformed-a metamorphosis akin to Cinderella’s transition to

princess. Vanity reveled in this newfound identity, as she found herself fondly drawn to Darin.

However, the tides of Life would soon alter course. Her father led her to the Thomas family’s house,

akin to a palace, irrevocably reshaping her world.

Darin, once her envisioned prince charming, now stood on unequal footing as she witnessed Marcus

descending the stairs, an air of composure defining his every step. In that instance, her sentiments

pivoted, her infatuation shifting its allegiance. Marcus’ cool countenance wielded a magnetic pull that

stirred her heart, altering the trajectory of her affections.

And beside him would be a princess, resplendent and enviable.

Darin emerged from the car, his attention drawn to the heels clutched in her hand.

“Enter the car.” His command sliced through the night air, his gaze penetrating her.

“Why are you here?” Faced with the desolate expanse of the road, Rhea asked.

“Derek called me.”

Darin’s eyes betrayed a pang of disappointment. The lateness of the hour held but one implication: her

search for Marcus.

In the afternoon, Darin had extended an invitation to a movie and met with her pretext of weariness and

a need for rest. Yet, her present presence on this path was a testament to a hidden purpose-a

rendezvous with shadows in the quiet of night.

Rhea’s thoughts drifted back to a car that had breezed past her without pause. Derek’s indifference

was an arrow that pierced her heart.