**Audrey's POV**

James led me into the storage room and took the jewelry case from my hands. He placed it in a cabinet, locking it with a soft click.

"Tiffany is completely out of line," he said, frowning. "She's probably too young to distinguish right from wrong."

He turned to me. "Audrey, don't take it to heart, what she said..."

"I'm not taking it to heart," I interrupted. "James, Blake and I are already divorced, it's all in the past. You don't need to worry, and you definitely don't need to get worked up for my sake."

His face paled. "Audrey, I..."

"James," I pushed my hands into my pockets. "Tiffany was just enjoying the drama. She's repeating what she sees online. Arguing only shows how much you care."

When she entered with James earlier, Tiffany clearly didn't know who I was. But after their argument... that might change. After the divorce, I wanted to restart life as a designer, not be known as Blake Parker's ex-wife.

James paused. "Sorry. I'll be more careful."

"Let's go."

We headed back to the main office. I was planning my exit when Tiffany blocked my path.

"Miss Sinclair! I'm so sorry!" She grabbed my hands.

I pulled back, but she held on.

"I didn't know you worked here! I didn't recognize you!" Her words rushed out.

She glanced between us. "No wonder James was so angry - you were here!"

"I apologize for calling you a bitch earlier. I won't watch that stuff at work anymore!"

I gently freed my hands. "It's fine. You didn't know."

I moved past her toward the exit.

"Now that you know. keep your mouth shut!" James snapped.

Tiffany lowered her voice. "Why are you so protective of her?"

"Don't tell me you're trying to pick up Blake Parker's leftovers?'

James's eyes flashed. "You're the leftover!"

"Don't talk about Audrey like that again, or you'll regret it."

I left, not waiting for their argument to end. My quiet apartment beckoned like a sanctuary after this day.

The elevator doors opened. I stepped in and pressed the lobby button.Before they closed, James slipped through.

"Audrey."

I focused on the floor numbers.

"Where are you headed? Home? I'm heading there too. Want to go together?"

I stopped in the lobby. "James. I'd like some time alone."

He was quiet for a moment."Let me drive you home. I'll stay silent the whole way,okay?"

I frowned."I..."

"Just this once," he said softly.′′It′Syour first day - let me complete the routine of taking you to work and bringing you home."

He shifted his weight."Tfyou want to be alone tomorrow, I promise I won't bother you."

Despite my reluctance, I nodded. At least James meant well. I just couldn't figure out why he was acting so strange today.

True to his word, James stayed completely silent during the drive.Only the engine's hum and occasional traffic sounds filled the car. I watched the city lights, grateful forthe quiet.

When we reached my building, he parked and got out.

"I'll walk you up," he said, avoiding my eyes.

I almost protested, but something in his expression stopped me. He seemed strangely anxious. We entered the building together.

Our elevator ride was as silent as the drive. At my door, I found my keys.aware of James behind me.

"Thanks for the ride. Good night."

I opened the door and froze.

"Surprise!"

At least a dozen people filled my small apartment. Streamers hung from the ceiling. and a banner reading "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AUDREY!"stretched across the wall.

My birthday! Living with Blake had turned my life upside down so completely that I'd forgotten my own birthday. I never thought Astrid would remember.

Astrid emerged pushing a cake with lit candles, leading everyone in song.

"Audrey, happy birthday!"

My eyes filled with tears. After college, I'd married Blake and lost touch with these friends. Now they were here, crammed into my rented apartment to celebrate.

"Look, she's crying!" Astrid teased.

"Yes, you all moved me to tears," I admitted.

My college classmates, design course friends - faces I hadn't seen in years-all smiled warmly.

"Don't cry," said a college friend, squeezing my arm. "When you graduated and went straight into marriage, we thought it was a waste. You could've done amazing things with jewelry design."

She handed me a tissue. "We saw the divorce news yesterday."

"Today we're celebrating your birthday and your rebirth!" Another friend raised her glass.

"Yes!" I nodded through tears.

The party buzzed around me. Astrid had planned everything - food.

drinks, music, games. It felt like our carefree college days again.

James approached with a gift box. "Happy birthday."

I suddenly understood his behavior.

"Astrid asked me to irritate you today... but I didn't know how," he admitted sheepishly. "Maybe I went too far earlier. Sorry."

"I've beena planning this gift for a while. Hope you like it."

"Thank you, James!" I smiled,taking the box.

Later,we moved to a KTV venue Astrid had booked. Glasses clinked,songs filled the air, and laughter bounced off the walls.

Astrid grabbed a mic, looking gleeful. "Blake Parker rented a bar for his divorce, so our Audrey gets to party too!"

She swayed slightly. "We've booked this room, and we're not leaving until we're wasted!"

Her tipsy enthusiasm made me smile. It had been too long since I'd felt this happy.

We partied until dawn, when everyone finally headed home with promises to meet again soon.

Back in my apartment, I sank onto the sofa, still buzzing from the celebration. The simple gifts from my friends meant more than any expensive jewelry Blake had given me.

I scrolled through my contacts until I found one I hadn't used in years:"Rachel Hayes."

I typed: "Rachel, if only you were here today. It would have been perfuct."

I hit send without expecting a reply. Rachel had been gone for four years.but reaching out to her memory felt right on this night of new beginnings

**Laurel's POV**

I watched Blake's car disappear down the driveway, the cold evening air barely registering.

*Rachel Hayes. Why would Blake ask about her lately?*

I walked into the living room, keeping my steps measured despite my boiling anger. My father stood as I entered.

I removed my coat, frowning. "Where's mom?"

He said, "She went to the hospital to see Rachel."

Fury surged through me. I threw my coat to the floor. "What's she visiting her for?"

My voice echoed in the high-ceilinged room. "That bastard child should have died a long time ago!"

I stormed to my room and slammed the door. Once alone, I went straight to my dresser and opened the bottom drawer.

Under layers of scarves lay Rachel's old phone. I took it out, caressing it as I looked out the window. My relationship with Rachel was terrible, That bastard child didn't deserve to be my sister. She didn't deserve to speak to me. How could I know which friends she had, which ones knew her secrets? Besides Audrey...

Rachel, don't blame me... I just love Blake too much. For my happiness

you should rest well in your grave.

The screen lit up with notifications. Most were old, but one had just arrived.

From Audrey Sinclair: *Rachel, if only you were here today, it wwould have been perfect.*

A cruel smile curved my lips. Audrey, don't worry. Rachel Hayes will soon be gone for good!