= Chris POV =

The game ended close to ten, and everyone started to pack up and head home. The food was gone, the drinks were drained, and Sarah’s 25th birthday party was officially a success. It was kind of childish to still be playing this sort of game at our age, but it had been three years since graduating from college, and as far as reunions went, this one was pretty tame. After years of juggling degree lectures and internships, we deserved to unwind—plus, it was held at Sarah’s luxurious condo, and it was Sarah's favorite game.

sigh I was such a sucker for this woman. She could literally ask anything of me, and I would do it in a heartbeat.

As we all started to say our goodbyes, I wandered over to the coat rack to grab my jacket. As I did, a notice slipped from the stack of letters piled on the small table by the door.

It was pink.

I flipped it over and froze. "EVICTION NOTICE" was stamped right across the top.

Footsteps sounded behind me, and I quickly pocketed the letter before stepping back into the living room.

“You better not try anything with Lily behind my back. I’m watching you,” Lavender said, giving me the kind of look that could cut glass. Lavender and Lily were high school sweethearts, which was the main reason that—aside from Sarah—I had never had a thing for Lily. Some things just weren’t worth fighting for.

“You betcha. Not gonna touch a strand of hair on her head,” I replied smoothly, adjusting my jacket and trying to look casual.

“Honey, I’m going!” Lavender shouted and headed for the door, pulling on her combat boots. 

“Coming, darling!” Lily chirped, and after exchanging quick goodbyes with Sarah, she followed Lavender out the door. The two of them left arm in arm, murmuring sweet nothings as they disappeared into the night.

I lingered in the kitchen while Sarah saw out the rest of the guests. Once I heard the door close, I poked my head out to check if anyone else was still around.

No one.

Sarah stood out on the balcony, her silhouette framed by the city skyline, a glass of wine dangling loosely in her hand. She looked… tired. Sad, even.

I hesitated for a second before stepping out to join her.

“Umm, sorry, Sarah, I need to ask you something,” I said softly.

She jumped, nearly spilling her wine before turning wide eyes on me.