The moment Eliana thought she was finally settling into something steady, life decided to test her resolve.
She had just wrapped up her Business Statistics class when the professor dropped a surprise announcement.
"Your group project for the semester will continue into the next phase. We've restructured the teams slightly. Check the new list on the department board before you leave."
Eliana sighed and walked out with Tolu. They approached the list casually—until her eyes caught something that made her breath hitch.
Project Group 4:
Eliana Rivers
Mae Carter
Lani Bello
Dayo John
Tolu blinked at the sheet. "Wait, Mae's back?"
Before Eliana could respond, a low, unmistakable voice echoed behind her.
"Looks like we're working together again."
She turned slowly, her heart hammering in her chest.
There he was.
Mae Carter.
Same sexy low haircut. Same intense eyes. Same effortless confidence that made it hard to breathe. But this time… he wasn't alone.
A girl clung to his arm, pretty and petite, her straight jet-black hair falling over her shoulders like a curtain. She wore designer sunglasses and a smug smile, the kind that said she knew exactly who she was standing next to.
"Hey, Eliana," Mae said casually, as if they hadn't gone radio silent on each other. As if she hadn't stayed up nights wondering if she meant nothing to him.
Eliana's throat felt dry. "Hey…"
Tolu raised a brow but said nothing.
"This is Lani," Mae said, introducing the girl beside him. "She just transferred from the UK. She's joining our group."
Lani gave Eliana a once-over. "Nice to meet you… Ellie, right?"
Eliana nodded stiffly, forcing a tight smile. "Yeah. You too."
Mae's eyes didn't leave Eliana's face. There was something unreadable in them. But before she could make sense of it, he turned away with Lani, leaving her standing there—again.
Later that evening, Eliana sat outside the cafeteria with Derrick, her hands wrapped around a bottle of juice, her heart somewhere far away.
"You're quiet today," Derrick said gently.
Eliana shook her head. "It's nothing. Just tired."
Derrick didn't push. Instead, he reached into his bag and pulled out a small box.
"I saw this on my way back from class. Thought you'd like it."
Inside was a silver bracelet with a small charm shaped like a butterfly.
Eliana smiled. "It's beautiful."
"Not as beautiful as you," he said.
She leaned into him, accepting his warmth. But as she closed her eyes, the memory of Mae's voice crept back in.
"Looks like we're working together again."
And the image of that new girl—Lani—looped in her mind like a cruel replay.