Hunter

Lost in thought, I tune out Lisha's excited rambling as we duck into the waiting Bentley, my gaze fixed on the rain-streaked window. Just before the car pulls away, I spot a lone figure standing outside the club, slender frame buffeted by the storm.

I can't make out the face, but something about their silhouette tugs at me. Was that...Raven?

As we drive off, Lisha natters on about meeting her father, trying to cuddle up close to me. "Aren't you just thrilled? Daddy is so looking forward to chatting with you tonight!"

I gently move her to the other side of the seat. "Let's just relax for the ride," I say evenly.

Lisha is taken aback, but gives me room. For a moment I feel bad pushing her away when I was just being affectionate with her. But it was all for show before getting in the car. I know she's my proper match on paper, ideal politically. But something about her touch now makes my skin crawl.

That fading figure lingers in my mind. If it was Raven, why was she still there alone in the downpour? I feel an inexplicable urge to know if it was her.

"Stop the car," I abruptly call out.

"But Hunter, I already told my father we're on our way to see him!" Lisha protests, bewildered. "He's expecting you..."

I brush off her objections and step out into the pouring rain before she can protest further. Behind me, I hear Lisha calling my name angrily from the car window as I stride back towards the club, searching for Raven.

The downpour soaks through my thin shirt and trousers within seconds, plastering my hair to my head. I scan the now empty sidewalk where I'd seen the lone silhouette moments before. No sign of anyone now.

Unsure if it was just my imagination playing tricks, I stand there getting drenched. But something deeper compelled me to take the chance, to find out if she had waited.

Now there is only the drumming of rain filling the silence. My shoes are ruined, and I'm soaked to the bone. But none of the discomfort registers.

Because my thoughts have strayed to the faded silhouette disappearing into the distance.

Raven

I watch in stunned silence as Hunter and Lisha hurry into their fancy ride, hand in hand, not even sparing a glance back before peeling off together into the stormy night.

Even from this distance I can see Lisha looks just as gorgeous in real life as she does in all her social media pics - tall and slender, with flowing raven hair and refined features.

Witnessing her and Hunter flaunting their romance stings like a punch to the gut.

Why should I care?

Why should he care if I talk with another guy?

He's the one who abandoned me and Willow without a second thought. I wasn't trying to flirt with Dylan - I just wanted to nail this job tonight.

For our daughter's sake. None of this would even be an issue if Hunter hadn't asked for the divorce...

After standing there motionless for what feels like forever, I finally force my legs to start moving again and go flag down a taxi as the cold rain seeps into my bones.

Shivering in the backseat, I keep checking the time - Willow's gonna be waiting up for me back home. I urge the driver to step on it through the flooded streets.

About half an hour later, we finally pull up to my modest rented apartment.

I didn't bring an umbrella, and the drizzle has turned into a torrential downpour at this point so I get ready to sprint inside to avoid getting soaked. But as soon as I step out into the rain, a huge black umbrella appears over my head, shielding me from the rain's wrath.

Totally stunned, I turn to see who this unexpected guardian angel is. My eyes go wide. No way...could it be...?