A year ago

I drove through the city as I searched for the perfect pair of shoes. I had already been to three different stores, but none had the right match for the dress I recently purchased. It was quite frustrating compared to how easily I found my dream dress, with its flawless fit and style.

Accompanied by Skyler, I went shopping with no expectations of finding it so soon. When I first left the house, I had a completely different dress in mind. I had pictured myself wearing something bold with a high slit up to my thighs. But I had chosen a navy blue dress with delicate beading along the V-neckline and lightweight tulle fabric. It was the back of the dress that had really caught my attention—thin straps and an open design, leaving my back exposed. I couldn't help but imagine Cain's hands resting there if we were to dance together. Despite never having experienced a romantic dance with any of my exes, I wanted to be prepared for any possibility with Cain.

I knew that our recent encounter did not imply any desire for something more on his part, and I suspected that alcohol had been the main factor in our night together.

With a weary exhale, I navigated my Arteon into the expansive parking lot of the mall. The reality was that I had no clue what type of shoes to search for, let alone what would be suitable for the upcoming occasion. Cain hadn't given me much information - all I was aware of was that it was occurring on a boat, indicating I would be sailing from Friday evening until Tuesday morning.

Although I thought about politely declining Cain's invitation, using some work-related excuses, I ultimately made the decision to take a few days off. It was much-needed as I had not taken many days off since starting my job here. My preference was to save up my leave days for potential emergencies.

The opportunity to engage in activities that were not related to heroes or hero-related matters was a welcome change. The work had become increasingly difficult, especially with certain heroes in my boss's agency. The issue with the cards still lingered, and now everyone in the agency was aware of their absence. I wasn't aware of how they had discovered the information, and I didn't have a moment to dwell on it anyway.

My focus was split, especially because Kristopher's car seemed to be showing up everywhere I went. It was clear he was keeping tabs on me after Cain's revelations. We hadn't had a chance to discuss it without me being under the influence of alcohol, and now I wondered if he was worried that I would go to the police.

I had no intention of going there. It would have been a futile effort, especially with Eric already "working" there. And he probably wasn't the only one; there were likely others as well. Plus, even if I did speak up, no one would believe me. And let's not forget that someone from Cain's team would most likely retaliate against me in some way.

I couldn't comprehend why I didn't bolt out of the restaurant that day, or why Cain's dark history didn't faze me. Perhaps my own mental state was just as questionable if I wasn't horrified by his actions.

Today, however, I didn't see Kristopher's car at all. They probably assumed that if I hadn't gone to the police station by now, I wouldn't go at all. With a sigh, I reached for my phone in its holder on the dashboard and stepped out of the car.

I was hesitant at first, but I grew to love the new phone Cain had purchased for me. He didn't have to do it, since my old one had been damaged due to my own stupidity. I patted myself on the back for making the decision to upgrade my Cloud storage space. This meant I didn't have to worry about losing important files or panicking when my device malfunctioned.

I scrolled through my messages while approaching the mall entrance, noticing one from Skyler. It had been a while since I had talked to Tiffany. The same went for my sister - we hadn't exchanged any words since our argument. I realized that I was trying to distance myself from Tiffany, but I couldn't pinpoint why. I had a hunch that it stemmed from jealousy over how Cain looked at her, even though he had assured me he wasn't interested in her.

For the past two days, I haven't been feeling like myself. The sharp pain in my stomach has made it difficult to function. I realized that it was probably caused by not eating enough and then binging when I did eat something. Today, I finally started to feel better but I completely forgot about the papers I needed to give to Blaze. They were supposed to be delivered yesterday evening, but I was too consumed with trying to understand the complicated relationship between Cain and Liz and making frequent trips to the bathroom to throw up everything inside me.

As I caught a glimpse of Liz sitting on the couch where Cain and I had shared a passionate moment, envy bubbled up within me. However, I bit my tongue to avoid causing any drama. But inside, I was boiling with a mix of anger and sadness.

Who sleeps with someone and then invites their ex-girlfriend over? I had never ventured into a threesome, much less with a woman, but I don't think I would have said no if he had asked me.

As I strolled through the mall, I noticed my reflection in the storefront windows. I was clad in slim white pants and a turtleneck sweater in beige, with white Converse shoes on my feet. My small bag rested comfortably against my body like a messenger bag. The traffic had been so heavy that I even had time to braid my hair. Gazing upon my reflection, I was struck by how similar I looked to my college self. However, unlike back then, there was no hint of happiness in my features.

After studying myself for a few more minutes, I made my way to Starbucks with a cup of coffee on my mind. Given how I had been feeling lately, I decided to switch it up and get a green tea and a lemon cheesecake. I found an open table and settled in, sipping my tea while perusing the messages Skyler had sent me. She informed me that Cain was once again tied up with other matters and she couldn't join me at the mall. Instead, she arranged for one of her friends to accompany me.

I savored each bite of my lemon cheesecake as I scoured the internet for any additional information on Cain. To my frustration, it seemed like the internet was more clueless than I was. The public information available was already familiar to me, and there was no mention of the shocking revelations he had shared with me. Either he was extremely secretive, or someone was intentionally removing his information from the web. It wouldn't surprise me if Eric had a hand in it as well. Now I understood why he warned me not to divulge everything to his colleague. I felt trapped in a dangerous situation, and there didn't seem to be any way out now.

I let out a deep sigh and stood up from my seat at the table. Feeling restless, I decided to take a stroll around the shops. One store that caught my eye was an underwear shop, though it wasn't on my list of places to visit. As I browsed through the racks of lingerie, I came upon a beautiful lace set that happened to match my dress perfectly. The outfit didn't require a bra, but it was too alluring to pass up.

"Only if you like it, not because you think it's what Cain might like", a female voice interjected from the back.

Although I didn't fully register the voice, it sounded like the person was talking to me. I spun around and came face to face with a young woman who stood slightly taller than me. Her smile was warm and inviting.

"Hi, I'm Ash," she introduced herself. Skyler sent me to keep you company. Besides, I was very curious to meet you", she added with a playful smile.

I took a moment to study her before responding. There was something familiar about her, but I couldn't quite place it. And the fact that Ash knew who I was only added to my confusion. Skyler may have described me, but how did Ash find me so quickly? Perhaps this wasn't her first attempt, and I was overthinking the situation.

"Hi", I finally replied.

Her outgoing nature took me by surprise - I was accustomed to being around more reserved individuals. My days were usually spent in solitude or engaging in small talk with coworkers. Even my close friends Tiffany and my sister did not possess the same level of energy and enthusiasm as her.

Spending time with her felt comforting and enjoyable. The mall seemed less lonely with her by my side. I had grown accustomed to the quietness since my sister left. Hazel's absence was evident in the empty house, which made me contemplate moving. The house, chosen solely because of my sister's love for its outdoor pool, didn't suit me. However, I planned to focus on relocation after figuring out where things stood between Cain and me.

"I assume your dress is the same color?", she asked.

"Yes. I'm just not sure if I should buy this though. I came here searching for shoes but I got distracted", I continued.

"Why not?", she said quickly. "If you like the set, it's in your size and you know you wouldn't throw it in the closet and forget about it, why not buy it?", she asked, scanning the store for something she liked.

"You're right, it just... doesn't matter", I replied, following her to a rack where numerous colorful bras were on display.

She stood in front of the lingerie display, holding two bras and debating which one to choose. In the meantime, I took a moment to observe her outfit: gray ripped jeans, a black t-shirt, and matching black boots. Her black overcoat was draped over her shoulder and her wavy hair cascaded down her back. Since she was acquainted with Skyler, I couldn't help but wonder what her relationship was to Cain. Were they working together or did they simply know each other in passing?

"You know, men don't pay much attention to these things. I mean, sure, they'll notice, but they'll be more excited about what's underneath. In my experience, you could wear a leaf and they wouldn't care", she remarked. "Cain is no different".

I resisted the urge to lash out and ask her bluntly for the truth about his character, because deep down I knew she was correct. It was something I had also noticed about my ex-fiancé.

"Yep", I agreed, remembering the hours I spent picking out outfits only to have them end up tossed on the bedroom floor with no compliments.

It had been a while since I made something just for myself. The clothes I wore to work were always meticulously selected, giving off the false impression that my life was flawless. In reality, everything was chaotic and out of control.

"You might not expect to hear this from a stranger, but you should always wear what you like, not what you think others would want you to wear. But enough about that - let's find some matching shoes. I need a new pair too", Ash suggested, changing the subject.

"Are you coming as well?", I asked surprised.

"Yes, we're all coming", Ash replied enthusiastically, as I held out the phone to pay at the till. "Didn't Cain tell you?"

I was about to answer, but Ash continued before I could say anything else.

"Of course he didn't tell you, why would he? It's not like it's in his best interest to keep you close to him", Ash muttered, more to herself, as she prepared to pay for her bra.

I watched her hand the cashier some cash, then grab her bag. We walked out of the store without another word, but her line echoed in my mind. I wanted to ask her what she meant by "his interest in keeping me close", but I was afraid she might be referring to what Cain had revealed to me at the restaurant.

Before I could even question her, she darted away from me. I spun around and saw her plant a quick kiss on the cheek of one of the waiters who had served Cain and I. It was becoming ridiculous how every person I encountered seemed to have some link to Cain.

I walked closer to them, listening as Ash inquired about a man I didn't know. It didn't take long for him to appear. I recognized his face - he was the one I almost collided with when leaving the restaurant bathroom, nearly causing him to drop his tray.

"I thought you weren't coming", Ash told them.

"He let us leave early since he found out you were going to meet her", the man who served us that night explained, pointing to me.

"It was to be expected", she said. "Anyway, let's go find those damn pairs of shoes and then let's go to a restaurant. I, for one, am already hungry".

I followed her quietly, not knowing exactly what to say, when I felt my phone vibrating in my bag. I took my phone out and noticed it was a message from Cain.

I gazed at the message, my lips involuntarily curving into a smile, but I couldn't find the right words to reply. It didn't seem like something Cain would send. It made me question if I really knew him at all or if I only saw the façade he wanted me to see. If his story from the restaurant was genuine, I wondered who he truly was behind that charming smile at the coffee shop. Was he the same person who came for me that night?

"I wouldn't have called Cain that romantic", Jacob said, looking over my shoulder into my phone.

I realized that I had stopped in the middle of the road while responding to Cain. I turned to face him, forcing a smile, but my insides felt heavy and unsatisfied. Liz must have been present when he sent the message. She was quick to believe in our relationship and never doubted its authenticity. As far as I could tell, neither of them suspected that it might not be real.

----- ♡ -----

"What's the deal with this party?", I asked, taking a sip from my Strawberry Daiquiri Spritz glass. "I mean, I've heard of fancy parties before, but never one on a cruise ship".

"It's about power", Ash replied, rolling her eyes and offering no further explanation.

It was clear that she either didn't want to discuss the subject or wasn't permitted to. I started to wonder if Cain had forbidden her from talking about it. I struggled to convince myself that he had deceived me, and fear began to consume me. I couldn't bring myself to confide in anyone else - someone who wasn't him.

"I'd never heard of such parties", I continued, determined to press her, maybe-maybe she'd tell me more.

Ash and her two boyfriends, as I'd learned while looking for shoes earlier, exchanged a few glances before responding.

"They're not really for everyone", Jacob explained.

"So I'm not really supposed to be at this party, am I?", I asked, finishing my drink and hearing Ash order salmon with Beurre Blanc sauce with white truffles. I couldn't help but envy her as she ordered her third serving of food. She was one of those lucky people who could eat all day and never gain a pound.

"You're Cain's partner; anyone would think twice before saying anything about him bringing you", Viktor replied.

Ash jumped in, cutting off the party conversation. "You're already spooking her," she said. "But it's not as bad as it sounds. You'll see."

I gave her a smile before returning to my meal. I had chosen the beef tenderloin with pressed potato, leek and horseradish emulsion, and while it was delicious, my thoughts kept drifting back to the dinner I shared with Cain at that restaurant.

"It seems that dining at The Eden will leave a lasting impact on me", I said. "I've never eaten anything more delicious than there".

"I'm glad you liked it", Ash said smiling.

As I kept eating, I pondered the meaning behind her last sentence before accidentally dropping my chit.

"Did you prepare the meal that evening?", I inquired. She simply nodded, her mouth full of food.

"So all three of you work there, interesting", I continued. "How do you guys get along, you know, in the relationship", I asked. "I had heard of poly-amorous relationships, but had never met anyone involved in one".

"It's easier for us to get along because we've been friends since we were teenagers", Jacob replied. "We just happened to fall in love with each other".

"That sounded like an "I love you," Victor interjected, looking at Jacob.

"Don't you?", Jacob replied, smiling as Victor rolled his eyes.

I observed the scene with a slight smile, considering the possibility that Cain and Blaze could have a similar dynamic.

Why did I even consider this idea? Cain and Blaze despise each other. The best outcome in a room together would be them not actively trying to harm one another.

"If I'm not being too nosy, how do you guys deal with the... well, the sex part?", I asked.

"It depends a lot on our moods - some days we take turns and some days we have threesomes", Victor replied casually.

"And you don't get angry or jealous of each other?", I continued, curious about their mindset.

"No, not really - I mean, we argue from time to time, but it's not about who she's with. After all, we both know that no matter which one of us she's with, she prefers us both to another man. That's enough for us not to get jealous", Jacob said nonchalantly, putting his arm around Victor's neck.

"Interesting, I replied, attempting to push out of my thoughts the mental vision of Cain and Blaze engaging in sexual activities.

It was almost humorous, because I couldn't confidently decide which one would be taking on the less dominant role.