Favourite spot

"I can't believe this," Derby exclaimed, shock evident in her expression.

Rachel had finally revealed her betrothal, not just to Derby, but also to Kelly, her twin sister. They were all having lunch at one of their favorite spots.

"I know. I'm still in shock myself," Rachel admitted.

"You can't let this happen, Rachel. It could ruin everything – your life, your career, your happiness," Derby urged.

"I disagree. Let's look on the bright side. You're marrying into one of the richest families in the city. You could definitely make things work to your advantage. I mean, I wouldn't mind being in your shoes. I heard Nick is quite the catch," Kelly chimed in.

Derby rebuked her sister, her voice dripping with disgust. "You're absolutely disgusting, Kelly. How could you even say that? Nick is a total player, and I hate that Rachel is going to end up with him."

"Oh, please. You're just upset because after you two hooked up, he pretended you didn't exist anymore," Kelly said to her sister, not caring about the weight of her words.

"You hooked up with him!?" Rachel asked in surprise.

Derby shot her sister a disapproving look, silently conveying, "How could you say that in front of Rachel?"

"Rachel, I'm sorry to say this, but everyone has hooked up with Nicholas Hill," Derby explained to Rachel.

"Not me," Kelly chimed in.

"Great. I'm getting married to a man-whore," Rachel sighed.

"Is there really no way to get out of it?" Derby asked.

"No, there isn't," Rachel replied sadly.

"On the bright side, your wedding would be the event of the season," Kelly chimed in.

"What is wrong with you, Kelly?" Derby asked, annoyed by her sister's behavior.

"I'm just trying to lighten the mood. Geez, Rachel isn't dying; she's only getting married," Kelly argued.

"Yeah, getting married against her wishes. This isn't some joyful union; it's arranged."

"So what? I know some girls who would kill to be in her spot," Kelly replied.

"Well, I would gladly give up my spot, Kelly," Rachel snapped. She was clearly irritated by Kelly's insistence on looking at the bright side. She didn't blame Kelly; the girl just didn't understand.

"I should go home. See you guys later," Rachel added and left.

After Rachel left, Derby turned to glare at Kelly. "I wish you weren't born. And P.S., you're paying the bill," Derby said before storming off, leaving Kelly alone at the table.

*******

Nick stared at the glowing number on his phone screen. It belonged to Rachel. He took a deep breath and tapped the call button. The phone rang for what felt like an eternity before she finally answered.

"Hello," Rachel said, her voice guarded. "Who is this?"

"It's me," he replied.

Despite knowing his voice, Rachel decided to push his patience. A mischievous smirk danced on her lips. "I have no idea who this is," she teased.

Nick sighed, recognizing the game she was playing.

"It's Nick," he said, his tone firm, his irritation growing.

"Nick who?" Rachel continued, thoroughly enjoying the exasperation in his voice.

Nick couldn't help but snap back. "How many Nicks do you know, Rachel?"

With a coldness in her voice, Rachel finally asked, "What do you want?" She hated the idea of him calling her.

"We need to talk. Can we meet up?" Nick inquired.

"Absolutely not. I have nothing to talk to you about," Rachel replied, her resolve strong.

"Oh yeah?" Nick scoffed. "I believe we have a lot to discuss, especially after your little act at dinner yesterday."

Rachel frowned on the other end of the line, her defenses cracking. "I had my reasons for doing that," she replied defensively.

"I figured," Nick said. "So, let's meet up and discuss those reasons."

With a resigned sigh, Rachel finally conceded, "Fine."