A second chance at sunrise

-ifs. What if she had been more committed? What if she h

ut the car in gear and inched forward, lost in thought. The city lights blurred ar

into her parking spot, collecting her belongings. The silence of her

he evening lights cast a warm ambiance, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside her. She grabbed

spacious living room doubled as her office when she was walking from home, with a sleek desk nestled in the corner. Awards an

herself a glass of wine, the rich aroma filling the air as she took a sip. The

, and classics. Lexi's passion for storytelling had driven her to build a renowned publishi

feeling of emptiness. Her personal life, once full of promise, now seem

he city skyline outside her window. The twinkling lights seemed

nsidered working from home, but being around colleagues kept her grounded. The soft chatte

reparations. Her to-do list was lengthy: finalize the manuscript for the upcoming

salon to dye her hair and tackle those pesky bags under her eyes. A quick m

asionally popped by to discuss projects or share gossip. The office dynamic

looked up and her eyes met Kyle's warm gaze, her smile falterin

ow you didn't have to come to work today,

ng the warmth seep into her palms. "I need

Lexi? You don't

xi's mind was made up. "I know you can't

sten, Lexi." As he walked back to his cubicle,

ng. She appreciated his kindness, but r

i felt a surge of gratitude toward Kyle. His th

ent grew. She grabbed her bag and slipp

you off to?" her cow

lied with a smile. "Gotta loo

ou're going to r

ipation. For the next few hours, she'd

bandoned her plan to dye her hair, craving sleep instead

d the sleep from her eyes and reached for her ph

ly voice filled the room.

shaking off the h

Listen, I have to warn you... some of

es narrow

said evasively. "Don'

and navigating the halls of their high school together. After graduation, they had parte

sing last-minute details for the bachelorette pa

Rachel asked, her voice

for a moment. "Jake?" s

l sweetheart," R

nd like a whispered secret. Her pulse quickened, and she felt a f

to sound nonchalant despite

He's a prosecutor in the high court and a single father of one. He won't be at

attempting to sound c

You don't have a problem with h

ally. "Of course not, Jake and

st heartbreak. The memories of their tumultuous relationshi

to wander. What would Jake look like now? Would he st

ding, sent a shiver down her spine. Lexi's emotions s

chel's laughter bro

ought," Lexi repli

with mischief. "I kne

instinctive. "Chel

th emotions she couldn't quite grasp. Why did

algia or so

of Jake's charming smile and piercing blue eyes. Lexi's heart

er mind, focusing on the night ahead. She transformed

caded down her shoulders like a rich, honey-brown waterfall. A spritz of her favo

. The city lights blurred together as she gazed out the wind

's excitement grew. She rode the elevator to the top, the

liar faces, all gathered to toast Rachel's last night o

squealed, flinging her

t lift off her shoulders. Rachel's infectious enthusiasm and

e epic!" Rachel exclai

tement. "I'm so happy for you, Chel. You

i with a serious expression. "You know, Lex, I'm really gl

oice barely above a whisp

the party erupted into a frenzy of dancing and laughter. Lex

Jake, her past, and her uncertain future fad

getting the better of her. As she reached the bar, she acciden

ked, laced with a mix of s

ning in recognition. Megan, her former high sc

xi said, forcin

exi, her expression criti

ill a bitch. But she kept her cool, responding with a

he flaunted her gold ring. "O

piqued despite hersel

ce dripping with superior

ver wavered. "I

ed with intrigue. "

l, but her mind raced with defian

or answers. "I guess not," she conclud

always been the queen bee in high school, reveling in her popularity and beauty. Lexi h

ent toward Megan's condescending attitude. But sh

o rise to Megan's bait. "

t's code for 'I'm a

e wearing thin. "Actually, it mea

de, her timing impeccable. "

sugary sweet smile. "Rachel, darling

Lexi excused herself, eager t

!" Rachel

nd Rachel mouthed,

and mouthed back, "Hi

eside Lexi, concern etched on he

one laced with amusement. "I

on, how was I to know s

isted. "Bitches

point. But I thought

p of her cocktail. "Some people

atorially. "I swear, Meg

alous. Married with a kid, bu

housewife. Her husband leave

othing compares t

by the DJ spinning a popular song

Rachel said, tuggi

t this one out," Le

e?" Rach

. "Yes, my

Lexi watched her friend laugh and spin to the music, she s

s when sh

ss the room. A face she hadn't ex