Three days earlier, the sun was shining brightly as Wren hurried out of her final class, a smile lighting up her face. The weekend she had been eagerly anticipating had finally arrived. For the past year, her life had been filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of being with Trevor. He had been her everything, and now, they were about to take their first trip together—just the two of them.

Wren’s heart raced with excitement as she imagined what the weekend would hold. She had finally decided to take a leap and go away with Trevor, thinking maybe this trip would be the moment their relationship took the next step forward. Maybe there would be a surprise, something that would seal their bond even tighter.

As she briskly walked across campus, she was lost in thoughts of what could be. The promise of adventure, intimacy, and romance made her grin wider with each step. Her pace quickened, eager to get home and pack.

“Hey, what’s the hurry?” Stormi’s voice cut through her thoughts, pulling Wren back to reality. Her best friend appeared beside her, matching her stride.

“Hey!” Wren beamed at her friend. “I’ve got to get home and pack.”

“Pack? Are you going somewhere?” Stormi’s brow furrowed as she looked at Wren curiously.

Wren’s eyes sparkled with happiness. “Trevor’s taking me on a weekend trip. He said he has a surprise for me.”

Stormi’s face darkened, her usual lighthearted demeanor replaced by something more serious. “Ugh… I don’t know what you see in Trevor. He’s a jerk.”

Wren’s smile faltered for a moment before she shook her head. “Don’t say that. He’s always good to me.”

“Whatever,” Stormi muttered, her tone laced with frustration. “I don’t understand why you like him so much.”

Wren sighed, trying to keep the conversation light. “I don’t know why you hate him so much.”

Stormi crossed her arms, her expression unyielding. “He just gives me bad vibes, Wren. Something about him doesn’t sit right with me.”

“It’s just your imagination,” Wren replied, brushing off her friend’s concerns.

“Okay,” Stormi said, her voice tinged with resignation. “Says the girl blinded by love.”

Wren stopped walking and turned to face her friend, determination in her eyes. “I’m not blinded. I’m just telling the truth. He’s been nothing but sweet to me.”

Stormi’s gaze softened, a mix of worry and protectiveness in her eyes. “I hope you’re right. I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”

Wren smiled, pulling her friend into a quick hug. “Okay… Quit worrying for nothing. I have to get going, or I’ll be late.”

Stormi sighed, giving Wren a tight squeeze before letting go. “Fine. But text me where you’re going, just in case anything happens.”

“I will. Bye!” Wren called out, already jogging off towards home.

“Bye!” Stormi yelled after her, waving her hand in farewell, though the concern never left her face.

Wren hurried home, her excitement overpowering any lingering doubts Stormi had tried to plant in her mind. She quickly threw clothes and essentials into her bag, her heart racing at the thought of the weekend ahead. She barely had time to zip it up when she heard the familiar honk of Trevor’s car horn outside. Grabbing her bag, she rushed downstairs, her smile widening as she saw him waiting for her.

Trevor stepped out of the car as she approached, pulling her into a tight hug. “Hey, Babe. Are you ready for a fun weekend?”

Wren’s smile was radiant, her eyes sparkling with joy. “Yes, I can’t wait.”

Trevor took her bag and placed it in the trunk before opening the passenger door for her. Once they were both inside, he reached over and took her hand in his, his grip firm and reassuring as he started the car.

As they drove away, the world seemed perfect, filled with the promise of a perfect weekend. Trevor turned to her, his eyes soft with affection. “I love you.”

Wren’s heart swelled with emotion. “I love you too,” she replied, squeezing his hand gently.

She had no idea that this trip, which had begun with so much hope, would soon take a dark and unexpected turn—one that would shatter her world forever.