MY HUSBAND IS A GANGSTER

CHAPTER TWO

The Reluctant Reveler
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RACHEL
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I slumped onto my couch, exhausted from another day of classes and the constant undercurrent of anxiety that had become my new normal.

The television was my escape from the day's stress, and I flipped it on, hoping for some mindless distraction.

But the news anchor's somber tone immediately pulled me back to reality. The screen flashed with images of police cars, caution tape, and grim-faced officials.

"We're following a developing story tonight," the anchor said, his voice grave. "Reports of gang-related violence have surged across the city. Authorities are urging everyone to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel."

I stared at the screen, my heart sinking. The segment detailed several recent incidents, including violent confrontations and public disturbances.

The footage was unsettling-a stark reminder of the dangers that lurked beyond the safety of my dorm. Given my recent encounter, the advice to stay inside felt all too relevant.

"Well, that's just great," I murmured, grabbing the remote and switching off the TV. "Like I needed more reasons to be paranoid."

As if on cue, my phone buzzed with a text from my best friend, Jenna. I had known her since freshman year, and she was a whirlwind of energy and spontaneity. Her message was typical Jenna-urgent and filled with exclamation points.

JENNA: Rach, you're not gonna believe it! We're hitting up that new club tonight. You HAVE to come. It'll be epic! Don't be a party pooper. Meet us at 9!"

I rolled my eyes, knowing full well that Jenna and her friends had no concept of a quiet night in. I tapped out a quick reply.

ME: Hey, thanks for the invite, but I'm going to pass tonight. There's a lot going on in the city, and I'd rather stay in.

Before I could set my phone down, another text arrived, this one from Lily, my other party-loving friend.

LILLY: Come on, Rachel! We promise we'll stick together. It'll be fun, and you'll forget about all this craziness. Plus, you know Jenna won't let up until you come. Please?"

I sighed. Jenna and Lily were persistent, and though I loved them both dearly, their idea of a "good time" often clashed with my preference for a quiet evening. Still, their text was hard to ignore.

"I guess I should have expected this," I muttered, dragging myself off the couch. "What's the worst that could happen, right?"

By 9 PM, I was ready and reluctantly headed out. I slipped on a pair of jeans and a top that was slightly more festive than my usual comfort-wear, hoping that blending in with Jenna and Lily's crowd might help me feel less on edge.

When I arrived at Jenna's apartment, the energy was already electric. Jenna and Lily greeted me with wide grins and enthusiastic hugs, their excitement barely contained.

"You look amazing!" Jenna exclaimed, holding up a sparkling sequined dress. "We almost matched!"

"Yeah, but if I wore that, I'd be mistaken for a disco ball," I teased, giving her a playful nudge.