Chapter 2

2.

My head was starting to ache.

I went down to the corner store for a bottle of water.

While waiting to pay, a woman with short hair in an NYPD uniform stood next to me.

Her eyes scanned me.

A flash of excitement crossed her face. "Claire! Oh my god, is it really you?"

The woman put down her phone and held out a hand.

"It's been so long! I'm Zoey Miller, from college!"

I was a little stunned.

That part of my life was a memory I had tried to erase, and it had become blurry.

"You and Alex helped me study for aerodynamics, I've always wanted to thank you guys..."

Seeing my lack of reaction, she waved her hand and smiled. "You probably don't remember me. It's okay."

"You two were always so brilliant, so willing to help."

"You were a match made in heaven. You're still as beautiful as ever!"

I said nothing, lowering my eyes for a moment.

Zoey, however, was just getting started, gossiping excitedly.

"I can't believe you two are so low-key, not even married yet after all this time."

"There was even a thread on the school forum back in the day."

"'#TeamClaire vs #TeamLucy.' The supporters on both sides were at each other's throats."

She took a sip of water, indignant.

"It pissed me off so much. How could that girl, Lucy Dirk, even compare to you? You two grew up together, she didn't stand a chance..."

"Here you go," the cashier said, handing me the water.

I stood up straight and blinked, as if that could make the scene in front of me disappear.

I remembered it.

Five years ago, I was so arrogant and proud that I'd used my real name to cast a vote for "#TeamClaire" in that thread.

But in the end, I was the one who ran away in shame.

I turned to her apologetically.

"I'm in a bit of a hurry, sorry to run off."

Zoey wasn't offended at all.

She smiled and waved.

"Claire, can I visit your lab sometime? I'd love to see what you're working on."

My steps faltered. I pushed the door open hastily.

Looking at her expectant face, I just didn't have the courage to tell her.

I had given up on my dream a long time ago.

I hadn't touched a drone in five years...

Rainy nights in New York are always cold.

Some memories you can't forget, and they can mess up my entire world in an instant.

My thoughts drifted away.

Back then, everyone knew I had two great loves in my life.

The first was drones. The second was Alex Carter.

I'd known him since we were kids. We grew up together.

We lived in a gated community on Long Island, our parents were military buddies.

We had the same unspoken understanding, a natural talent for our respective fields.

I designed cutting-edge technology in my lab, and he practiced combat techniques at the training grounds.

We knew everything about each other. Different interests, complementary personalities.

I was aloof and proud; he was outgoing and thoughtful.

Growing up, we did everything together.

Went to the best private schools, drove home together.

He carried my bag, handed me milk, and would even tie my shoelaces if they came undone while I was crouched down, checking on my equipment.

Family background, looks, talent―we matched on every level.

Back then, everyone thought I would become the nation's top defense project engineer.

And then, I would marry Alex.

But in our senior year of college, someone completely different from us appeared.

Her name was Lucy Dirk. She was a very ordinary girl.