Two miles was nothing. The Hummer reached the entrance to the complex in just a few minutes.

Nicole handed the man 400 dollars, thanking him for saving her and for ignoring traffic rules.

His voice stayed cool. “No need. I was heading this way, anyway.”

Seeing he wouldn’t take it, she didn’t push.

As she got out, she added, “The typhoon might cut water and power. While you still can, stock up on rice, flour, and oil, the basics.”

She pushed the door open and ran into the complex, clutching the package as wind slammed into her. Fat raindrops crashed down like pellets. She wiped her face and stumbled out of the elevator, then looked up and froze.

Edward and Mary were standing in front of her apartment.

They had clearly been waiting a while. Edward looked irritated. Mary, on the other hand, wore a sweet smile. She was clad in a white sundress, looking innocent and spotless.

“What took you so long?” Edward snapped. “We’ve been waiting forever!”

Seeing them dragged up memories Nicole had buried. She remembered how she was bullied during the apocalypse, and how they stood by while she was torn apart. Her mood dropped instantly, sharp and ugly.

She had been stupid last time. That was on her.

This life, if they still wanted to leech off her and steal what kept her alive, they could dream on.

What she’d suffered, they would suffer twice over.

Nicole’s face went cold. “What do you want?”

She used to treat Edward like the center of her world. Now, she didn’t even bother hiding her indifference.

Edward stalled, then shot back, “It’s my birthday. Why didn’t you come to my party?”

“We’re not close. Why would I?” she snapped.

“What…” Edward faltered.

She had been pursuing him. She had even said she would get him the gift he wanted most.

Of course, he wasn’t here for a present. Mary had taken an interest in Nicole and wanted to meet her.

Mary studied Nicole with a smile and said sweetly, “Hey, Nicole.”

“We don’t know each other,” Nicole cut in flatly. “Don’t call me with that affectionate tone.”

Mary looked awkward but kept her tone soft. “It’s Edward’s birthday. We’re all from the same college. Come hang out with us.”

Edward’s birthday party had already ended at noon. Dragging her to the eighth floor now was just about stealing her pendant.

“Are you deaf?” Nicole sneered. “I said we’re not close. Why the hell does his birthday have anything to do with me?”

Edward hadn’t expected that. His face stiffened. “Nicole, what’s your problem?”

“You two are wearing matching couple rings, but you keep inviting me to your place. Are you trying to make me part of a throuple?”

“Don’t flatter yourself!” Edward snapped, furious and embarrassed. “I’ve never had that kind of interest in you. Mary, let’s go.”

However, Mary didn’t move. She forced a smile. “I’ll be honest with you. We came out for his birthday, but with the typhoon, we couldn’t get home. Could I stay here for the night?”

“Are you out of your mind? I already said we’re not close,” Nicole spat.

Edward’s face darkened. “Nicole, watch how you talk!”

“This is how I talk,” she retorted. “If you don’t like it, don’t come bothering me.”

Edward grabbed Mary to leave, but she resisted. Gritting her teeth, she kept smiling. “Nicole, that pendant you’re wearing is really pretty. Where did you buy it?”

Nicole took the pendant off. “Do you want it?”

Mary’s eyes lit up. “Would you sell it? I really like it.”