Racheal froze, her feet rooted to the spot. The stranger didn't move. The silence stretched between them, thick and heavy.
"Oh, sorry… Did I scare you?" he asked, his voice calm.
Her pulse was still racing.
"Yes, you did."
She turned quickly, walking away from the river. The last thing she wanted was a conversation with a stranger by the river. But just as she reached the narrow path leading back to the main road, his voice stopped her.
"Wait… Can we talk for a moment?"
She ignored him and kept walking.
"Please, ma'am," he insisted, his footsteps closing the distance between them.
Rachael spun around, her eyes flashing with anger.
"Stop following me! Who sent you here? Are you here to kill me?"
The man's brows lifted in shock.
"Jesus Christ, ma'am! What are you talking about?"
He took a step back, shaking his head.
"I'm new in this town. I was just sightseeing. That's all."
His words eased her tension, but she remained cautious. Without another word, she turned and continued toward her car. The stranger didn't seem bothered. He followed her anyway, his tone light.
"I didn't mean to scare you," he said, his voice filled with apology.
"Actually, my dad came here for a business partner's birthday, but I didn't want to attend because I'm not really a fan of parties, especially with people I don't know."
Rachael's curiosity got the better of her.
"Interesting," she replied, her voice a little softer.
The stranger hesitated, then asked,
"What were you doing by the river? I saw you throw flowers into the water."
Rachael's eyes clouded over, and she paused, collecting her thoughts.
"Okay...a year ago, on this day, I lost my twin brother to this river. A few days later, his body was found dead. I'm presently having a party, but I just came here to honor him. We should be having our party together."
A moment of silence stretched between them.
"Your birthday is today?" he asked softly.
She nodded.
"Wait, are you the CEO of George Wine?"
Rachael smiled, a hint of pride in her voice.
"Yes."
His expression shifted, admiration flickering in his eyes.
"Oh. Well… Happy birthday, Miss."
Her lips twitched at his formal tone.
"So, you didn't want to attend my birthday?" she teased.
He chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"If I'd known I was missing a beautiful woman's birthday celebration, I would've been the first in line," he said, a flirtatious grin spreading across his face.
"But when my dad mentioned a business partner, I didn't expect someone so young… and stunning."
Rachael let out a soft chuckle. His confidence amused her.
"My name is Simon." He extended his hand.
"What's yours?"
"I already know your brother's name because I heard you say it, but I'd like to hear yours properly."
She hesitated for a moment before finally responding.
"No, I'm not telling you my name."
His smile widened.
"Nice to meet you still."
Rachael glanced at her watch, then back at Simon.
"I have guests waiting for me at home. I should be on my way now."
Simon nodded. "Okay, we can go together."
"Do you want me to give you a ride?" Rachael questioned.
Simon's face lit up with a smile.
"Yes." Without hesitation, he climbed into the passenger seat.
When they arrived, Rachael opened the door, and the guests turned to look. Harriet stood up from where she sat with some of the guests, a look of relief on her face.
"Rachael", her mom called aloud.
"I've been looking for you. In fact, everyone has been looking for you."
Just as Harriet was about to continue, Simon stepped into the room, his tall frame and confident stride capturing everyone's notice.
"So, your name is Rachael," Simon turned to Rachael, his eyes locked on hers.
The guests turned to look, their eyes filled with curiosity.
"Who is he?" Harriet asked in a low tone, her eyes darting between Rachael and Simon.
Rachael smiled, a hint of mischief in her voice.
"I am Simon, Simon Lodge," he stretched his hand to Harriet before a voice from the crowd cut in.
"Mrs. George, that's my son."
Harriet's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? Mr. Lodge, I had no idea you had a grown son."
Mr. Lodge smiled.
"Yes, I do. Feel at home, Simon."
Harriet tapped him on the back.
"You're welcome."
Harriet turned to Rachael. "Now that you're here, you should cut your cake."
Rachael smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She walked over to the table where a magnificent cake stood, adorned with candles and flowers. Simon followed close behind, his eyes fixed on her.
As Rachael began to cut the cake, the room erupted in applause and cheers. Harriet beamed with pride, her eyes shining with happiness.
Simon was swept up in Rachael's warmth and enthusiasm, and he couldn't help but grin whenever she laughed.
As the evening wore on, the guests began to depart. Rachael walked Simon to the door.
"Thank you for coming," she murmured, her words infused with genuine warmth.
Simon smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"I had a wonderful time."
As Simon turned to leave, Rachael noticed David, who had been standing by the window, slip out of the room unnoticed. She felt a sudden jolt of concern and quickly excused herself from Simon.
"Sorry, I'll be right back," she said, hurrying after David.
But David was already ahead of her, his long strides carrying him quickly out of the house. Rachael rushed after him, her heels clicking on the pavement.
"David, wait!" she called out, but he didn't stop.
He reached his car and jumped in, starting the engine with a roar. Rachael ran up to the car, hitting the window.
"David, what's wrong?" she shouted, but he just shook his head and sped away, leaving her standing alone in the darkness.
Rachael's heart was racing as she turned back to the house. What was going on with David? And why had he left so suddenly?
As she entered the house, she found Simon still waiting, a concerned expression on his face.
"Is everything okay?" he asked, his eyes scanning her face.
"Yeah, everything's fine," she said finally, forcing a smile onto her face.
But Simon's eyes lingered on hers, as if he knew she was hiding something.
"Is that your boyfriend?"
Rachael looked at Simon.
"No, that's my brother's best friend and childhood friend. Someone must have annoyed him. I need to know what happened and why he left angrily. David isn't like that; someone must have made him upset. I will call him later."
Simon nodded.
"Alright, but if you need someone to talk to, I'm here."
They exchanged numbers before Simon left.
Rachael rushed upstairs and took out her phone to send David a message.
What's going on?
No response.
She called him repeatedly, but he didn't pick up. Frustration and concern gnawed at her.
She stepped out of her room and went downstairs, finding her mother in the kitchen.
"Mom, did anyone say something to David before he left? He looked upset."
Harriet frowned.
"Not that I know of. He was with Harper and Hayden before he stormed out. Maybe you should ask kate."
Rachael sighed and walked to the living room, where Kate was scrolling through her phone.
"Kate, did you notice anything off with David before he left?"
Kate barely looked up. "He was fine the whole time."
Rachael's jaw tightened in frustration, but she knew better than to push David when he wasn't ready to talk. She took a deep breath and reminded herself that she'd be there for him when he was ready to open up. With a quiet resolve, she headed back to her room, determined not to let her worries spiral out of control.
The next morning, a loud noise woke everyone in the house. Rachael groggily got up and walked to the window. A huge truck had pulled up outside.
Curious, she stepped downstairs. The rest of the family had gathered at the entrance.
A man stepped out of the truck.
"I was sent to deliver these flowers to Miss Rachael."
Harriet pointed to Rachael, who walked forward, surprised. The man handed her a letter before signaling to his team to start unloading.
She opened the envelope and read: Happy birthday, Miss Rachael. Sending you these flowers that are as beautiful as you are. I'd love to take you to dinner. August 8th, Lavender Restaurant. 7 PM.
Rachael felt a mix of surprise and warmth. Harriet peeked over her shoulder and smiled.
"Wow! Someone's got a secret admirer."
The truck unloaded dozens of bouquets, filling the front yard with color. Rachael's cheeks flushed.
Harriet called for the housekeepers to bring the flowers inside.
"Wow, this is impressive! Simon certainly knows how to make a lasting impression on a woman."
Rachael folded the letter.
"Simon."
Harriet's eyes twinkled. "He must really like you."
Rachael didn't respond. She was more focused on something else. David still hadn't replied to her messages.
August 8th evening. A sleek black Mercedes Benz pulled up in front of the house. Rachael stepped outside, looking stunning in a simple yet elegant dress.
The car door opened, and Simon stepped out, offering his hand.
"You look stunning," he said with a smile.
"Thank you," she replied, taking his hand and getting into the car.
They arrived at Lavender Restaurant, a dimly lit, elegant place with soft music playing in the background. The waiter led them to a private section.
As they ate, they talked about different things, work, hobbies, and childhood memories. Rachael found herself laughing at Simon's stories, but a part of her mind remained preoccupied with David.
Simon noticed her distraction.
"You're distant. "What's bothering you, Rachael?" he asked, his eyes filled with concern.
Rachael sighed.
"My friend David hasn't texted or called me in three days. It's so unusual, and I'm worried. I don't know why he's shutting me out."
Simon took a sip of his wine.
"Maybe you should give him space. Sometimes people just need their alone time."
She nodded, appreciating his words, but before she could respond, her phone buzzed. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw David's name on the screen. His message was brief: I'm at your house, but you're not around.
Without hesitation, she grabbed her phone and called him.
"David, I'm coming right now!" she said urgently, already reaching for her purse.
Simon's expression darkened.
"Wait, you're leaving? You're seriously going to walk out on this dinner because of your friend?"
"Simon, I am sorry, but you have to understand," she pleaded, standing up.
"I will make it up to you", she blew him a kiss.
His jaw clenched, but he said nothing as she turned and hurried out of the restaurant. She didn't care about the eyes on her or the murmurs of curious onlookers. She stepped onto the road, quickly hailing a taxi to take her home.
Back in the restaurant, Simon exhaled sharply, gripping his wine glass before setting it down. He signaled for the waiter, paid the bill, and stormed out, his expression a mix of anger.
Meanwhile, as Rachael's taxi sped towards home, her thoughts ran wild. What changed? Why is David reaching out now? But as she neared her house, an unsettling feeling crept up her spine.