I quickly slipped into the women's restroom and locked the stall door behind me. By the time Nathanael showed up with Raphael to open the door, I had already made my getaway through the window.

I messaged Aurelio on WhatsApp to explain what had happened and sent over the money for that bottle of wine. It came to about $1,800, which wiped out my entire savings along with this month's paycheck. I huddled in the corner of an alley, tears streaming down my face.

Jocelyn was still in the hospital, and my credit cards were maxed out. What was I supposed to do? Nathanael's face popped into my head, and bitterness surged through me. If there was anyone who could drive Nathanael to drink, it was probably me.

To many, I was his ex-girlfriend—a conniving woman who had come between Nathanael and Meredith.