Elizabeth's face fell at the mention of the senior.

"You know he likes you, right, Elizabeth?" Sarah gently pressed.

Elizabeth sighed, "He deserves someone better."

They were talking about a senior one year ahead of her. On the first day of school, he helped her carry her luggage, gave her a tour of the campus,and introduced her to the club she was interested in. Not only that, but he also often saved seats for her in the library. On weekends, he accompanied her and Sarahto nearby parks.

His parents are both university professors. He is tall and handsome,with a bright smile thatreveals a set of white teeth. Many girls at school like him.but he has eyes only for Elizabeth.

Sarah gave her a serious look. "Elizabeth, don't sell yourself short. You're the best girl I know."

Elizabeth paused, then said, "Sarah, my marriage is probably gonna end soon. There's no love left. But after the divorce, I've got bigger fish to fry.Romance is off the table for now."

Sarah's jaw dropped. "Elizabeth, I can't believe it. You're a modern college student stuck in a loveless marriage? That's nuts. Anyway, let's drop it.I snagged movie tickets for tonight.Wanna go?"

Elizabeth also wanted to relax a bit. "Sure, what time?"

"7 PM. We can grab some late-night munchies after. Won't mess with our sleep," Sarah replied.

"Sounds good," Elizabeth said jokingly.

Just then, Elizabeth's phone buzzed.

She glanced at the caller ID. It was Susan.

Elizabeth picked up. "Hey, Susan."

"Mrs. Thomas, are you coming home for dinner tonight?" Susan asked.

Elizabeth sighed, "Susan, I won't be back tonight. Got stuff to do at school."

"Alright, Mrs. Thomas. Mr. Thomas wanted me to tell you the driver will pick you up at 6:30 PM."

"6:30? What for? But I have plans," Elizabeth said in confusion.

"Mrs. Thomas, that's Mr. Thomas's message."

"Got it."

Elizabeth hung up, feeling trapped. No point arguing with Susan.

She turned to Sarah, saying apologetically, "Sarah, I can't make it to the movie tonight."

Sarah looked puzzled, "Something more important?"

"Not really,just unavoidable."

"Let me guess. Your husband?" Sarah asked.

Elizabeth nodded, looking defeated.

Sarah fumed, "Is he that manipulative? Doesn't he care about your plans?

Just bosses you around. Can't you stand up to him?"

Elizabeth shook her hoad, "I can't, Resistance means punishment."

Sarah's eyes widened, "Did you marry a tyrant?"

"Pretty much."

"Unbellevable. 'There's someone that unreasonable in Aurora Bay?"

Ellzabeth packed her bag and apologized again, "Sorry, Sarah. Rain check?"

"Yeah, we have no other choice," Sarah said, packing up her tray.

At 6:30 PM, Elizabeth reached the school gate.

The driver, Joshua Lewis, was already there, standing by the black Rolls-Royce, which was hard to miss.

It was dinner time, and students passing by couldn't help but stare.

Elizabeth rubbed her forehead and sighed. She quickly called the driver,"Joshua,can you move the car somewhere less crowded? It's kinda awkward getting in here."

"Sure thing, Mrs. Thomas. I'll swing it around and wait across the street."

Once the car was parked, Elizabeth scanned the area and hurried over.

As soon as she got to the car, Joshua rushed to open the door for her.

Elizabeth slid into the back seat, only to find Michael sitting there.

Startled, she blurted. "Michael, what are you doing here?"

Michael gave her a cool look, "I told you I'd meet you. Where else would I be?"

Elizabeth, curlous, asked, "You set this up? What's the plun?"

Michael, noticing she was seated, mumbled quickly, "Seatbelt."

Elizabeth dlidn't catch it. "What did you say?"

Michael sighed, leaning towards her.

Elizabeth, spooked, pressed back against the seat out of her instinct.

Seeing her reaction, Michael lowered his hand, a bit annoyed, his voice a bit louder."Seatbelt!"

Elizabeth finally got it and quickly buckled up.

Michael then told Joshua,"Drive."

The Rolls-Royce glided down the road.

Elizabeth was wondering where,they were headed when Michael's voice cut through her thoughts, "Why are you looking around like a thief? Am I disgracing you?"

Elizabeth quickly shook her head. "No, you got it wrong. It's just, this is a school. A flashy car like this draws attention. I don't want to be the center of gossip. You probably don't either,right?"

Michael grunted in agreement.

Seeing he wasn't too mad, Elizabeth asked again, "Michael, where are we going?"

Joshua chimed in from the front, "Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Thomas is taking you to a movie. He already got the tickets."

Michael shot back, "Mind your own business and drive."

Joshua clammed up.

Elizabeth was stunned, "A movie? Will we make it? When will the movie start?"

Joshua glanced at Michael in the rearview mirror, seeing he calm face,and answered, "Mrs. Thomas, Mr. Thomas got tickets for the 7 PM show."

Elizabeth's jaw dropped. The same 7 PM show Sarah had tickets for.

She prayed inwardly, dreading running into Sarah.

How would she explain ditching Sarah to watch the same movie with Michael? Would Sarah think she was less important than Michael?

Elizabeth could already picture Sarah's accusing look.

She held her head,feeling a headache coming on.

If she really ran into Sarah, it would be beyond awkward.