Nicole's POV
The city streets were a blur of gray under the heavy rain, droplets pelting the cab’s windshield with relentless rhythm. My bag rested on my lap as I leaned back, closing my eyes for a brief moment, trying to shake off the lingering stress from school. The soft hum of the engine and the steady wipers against the glass were almost hypnotic.
Then my phone buzzed against my thigh, vibrating insistently. I opened it to see Zara’s name lighting up the screen. Of course. My best friend always had impeccable timing.
> Nicole! Don’t forget — my birthday is in two days! And no excuses this year! It’s at Club Vortex, dress code sharp. You’re coming. You can bring Liam with you, also his hot brother can tag along. Got it?
I smirked at her message, tapping out a quick reply. Got i
