Run Before the Papers Are Signed (Nicole Quinn) by Danni Rogers novel Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Nicole stumbled back into the room, collapsed face–down on the bed, and buried herself in the blankets.

She thought the tears had dried up, but they still slipped out and soaked the pillow.

She curled up tightly like a shrimp, even breathing hurt.

She stayed like that, dazed, until the next day. Eventually, she got up, ate something without tasting it, and drank some water.

Then her phone buzzed. It was a message in her old university group chat.

“Class reunion tonight at seven at the Crown Hotel! Hope to see everyone there!”

Nicole stared blankly at the screen.

Since she’d be leaving soon anyway, it would be the last time she’d see any of them. She might as well treat it as a goodbye.

The Crown Hotel was all lit up and glowing. Nicole lightly covered her swollen eyes with some makeup and picked out a plain white

dress.

“Nicole!” Yvonne Lawrence, her university roommate, waved her over. “This way!”

A group of old classmates sat around, asking how she’d been.

Yvonne winked and said, “You passionately chased after Cruz back

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Chapter 5

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then. Did you ever get him?”

A few others looked over, clearly curious.

Nicole’s fingers paused mid–movement.

Back then, everyone knew she was chasing after Cruz. But he didn’t agree to be with her until after graduation, so barely anyone knew they were together.

And Cruz had always hated the idea of a wedding. He never even gave her one.

“I didn’t,” she said, smiling faintly.

If she had the chance to start over, she’d never want to meet him at all.

“No way! He didn’t even go for someone as pretty as you?” someone blurted. “He must have crazy high standards!”

“Don’t be sad,” Yvonne said, already pulling out her phone. “I know a few great guys I can set you up with!”

“What are you matchmaking for?”

A cold, deep voice spoke from behind.

Nicole froze and turned to see Cruz and Angela standing a short distance away.

Cruz wore a sharp black suit, and the diamond pin on his tie caught the light.

“Cruz?!” the group gasped.

Angela clung to his arm, glowing in a stunning red dress.

Their entrance immediately stole all the attention in the room.

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“Is this… your girlfriend?” someone asked.

Angela gave a shy smile, and Cruz didn’t say a word.

The room quickly filled with excited chatter.

“As expected! The most popular guy in school should end up with a gorgeous girl. They’re a perfect match!”

Nicole quietly sipped her water, acting like she didn’t hear any of it.

Cruz’s eyes were locked on her, sharp as blades.

The vibe picked back up. People broke into smaller groups, swapping stories and memories.

Then, someone suggested playing truth or dare. After a few spins, the bottle pointed straight at Angela.

“I choose to dare!” she said sweetly, sneaking a glance at Cruz.

“Kiss a guy here for ten seconds!”

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