After class, Racheal walked out of the lecture hall, her steps heavy, her mind louder than the chatter of students rushing past her. Margaret's words still clung to her ears, stubborn and unshakable.
Mr. Collins… Mr. Unknown… the same person?
She had spent weeks blaming him, hating him, calling him the reason for her pain. Yet if Margaret's confession was true, then the same man she despised was also the one who had helped her when the scandal broke. That thought alone made her chest tighten in confusion.
"Breathe, Racheal," she whispered to herself.
She needed space. She needed something—someone—to distract her before her thoughts swallowed her whole. Reaching for her phone, she scrolled to Mia's number and pressed call.
The line rang twice before a burst of cheer answered, "Racheal! You're free?"
"Yes," she said, forcing her voice steady. "I'm done for the day. Let's meet."
Mia's delight was immediate. "Perfect! I was just about to call you. I'll send the location. Come quickly, I can't wait."
After hanging up, Racheal quickly typed a message to Erica: I'm going to meet someone. Here's the location. She added it just in case. Erica's reply came seconds later—Okay, stay safe.—but Racheal barely noticed.
The walk to the café felt longer than usual. Her thoughts followed her every step. If Collins is really Mr. Unknown, then why… why didn't he ever say anything? Why hide? And why help me from the shadows? Questions stacked up in her head with no answers.
By the time she arrived, her mind felt like a battlefield. She spotted Mia instantly—bright smile, energetic wave, as if the whole world bent to her happiness.
"Racheal, over here!"
Racheal managed a small smile and walked over.
"You look drained," Mia said as she pulled out a chair for her. "Sit, sit. Food fixes everything." She waved at the waiter, already ordering. "Don't worry, today's on me. My brother will join us soon."
"Your brother?" Racheal asked absently, her thoughts still spinning.
"Yes," Mia said with a grin. "You'll see."
The food came quickly, steaming plates that filled the air with a delicious aroma. Racheal hadn't realized how hungry she was until the first bite. She ate slowly at first, then faster, as if the food could somehow quiet the storm inside her.
Mia laughed softly. "See? I told you. Eating works like magic."
For a brief moment, Racheal allowed herself to relax. The café's warm lights, the hum of conversation, and Mia's chatter wrapped around her like a shield against the chaos of her thoughts.
But the calm shattered in an instant.
"See who's here!" Mia said suddenly, her eyes sparkling as she glanced toward the entrance.
Racheal, mid-bite, froze. Her fork hung in the air. Reluctantly, she raised her head, following Mia's gaze.
Her heart stumbled in her chest.
A figure walked toward their table—familiar, steady, impossible to mistake.
Shock ripped through her, sharper than anything Margaret had said earlier. One revelation in a day was enough, but this… this second one felt like the world had tilted beneath her feet.
The fork slipped from her fingers and clattered softly against the plate.
She could only stare.