Golden Horizon: The Sea's Secret

The Road Back to You

After the breakup of Emma and Jake, life took unexpected turns for everyone involved. Jake and Lily's arranged marriage, orchestrated by their families, was also called off, leaving both of them to reconsider their paths. During this turbulent time, Ashton made it his mission to be there for Emma, ensuring she never felt alone. Whether it was a simple text, a shared meal, or just sitting with her in silence, Ashton was always by her side, offering his unwavering support.

Ashton sat at the dinner table, his family gathered around him, sharing stories and laughter. The smell of his mother's famous roasted chicken filled the air, blending perfectly with the aroma of fresh herbs from the garden. It was a comforting scene, one that had been a constant in his life, but tonight, his thoughts drifted elsewhere.

Icy, his twin sister, was animatedly talking about Emma. "Can you believe Emma is graduating at the top of her class? She's really something, you know?" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with pride. "I mean, with everything she went through, it's incredible how strong she is."

Ashton nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, she's remarkable. I've seen her work so hard."

Their father looked up from his plate, intrigued. "What's she planning to do after graduation? I've heard a lot about her, but I'd love to know more."

Icy leaned forward, her excitement palpable. "She's planning to move to New York! Can you believe it? She wants to chase her dreams, just like she always said she would."

Ashton felt a mixture of pride and sadness at Icy's words. He knew how much Emma had wanted this, how fiercely she fought for her dreams, but the thought of her being so far away tugged at his heart. "She'll do great there," he said, trying to sound enthusiastic.

Icy smirked, clearly sensing Ashton's emotions. "But I guess that means you're going to be lonely, huh? No one to keep you on your toes."

Their mother chimed in, a gentle smile on her face. "Oh, Icy, it's okay. If they're meant for each other, they'll find their way back. Love has a funny way of bringing people together, even from afar."

Ashton felt warmth in his chest at his mother's words, but he didn't say anything. He had never dated anyone since Emma, wanting to keep his heart open for her, but he wasn't sure how long he could wait. The idea of Emma living her dreams while he remained here was both exhilarating and painful.

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Two years had passed since Emma left for New York to pursue her dreams. In that time, Ashton had thrown himself into his family's business, rising swiftly through the ranks. His dedication and natural leadership led him to become the Chief Operating Officer of Jenkins Hotel and Corp., a role that came with both challenges and prestige. Despite the demands of his position, Ashton remained grounded, often attending company gatherings and social events, though he never seemed interested in the attention he received from others.

It was at one of these company parties, held in the grand ballroom of one of the Jenkins hotels, that Ashton's close friends, Ryan and Jess, approached him. The room was filled with the soft hum of conversations, clinking glasses, and the gentle notes of a live jazz band playing in the background.

"Ashton, you've really outdone yourself with this event," Ryan said, clapping Ashton on the back as he handed him a drink. "The atmosphere, the crowd—it's all top-notch. You're a natural at this."

Ashton smiled, taking a sip of his drink. "Thanks, Ryan. It's been a team effort, really. I just made sure everything came together smoothly."

Jess leaned in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "You know, everyone's been talking about you. You're the youngest COO this company has ever had, and yet... you still manage to dodge all the dating rumors. What gives?"

Ashton chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm just focused on my work, Jess. There's been a lot to do, and I haven't really had time for anything else."

Ryan raised an eyebrow, a knowing smirk on his face. "You mean you haven't found anyone who compares to her, right?"

Ashton's expression softened, and he looked down at his glass. "Maybe," he admitted quietly. "But it's not just about comparing. I've just been... waiting."

Jess exchanged a glance with Ryan before turning back to Ashton. "Waiting for Emma, you mean?"

Ashton nodded slightly. "Yeah, I guess so. I know she's out there, living her dream, and I'm happy for her. But I can't help feeling that maybe... maybe there's still something there between us."

Ryan sighed, placing a hand on Ashton's shoulder. "You're a good guy, Ash. You've been patient, and you've done amazing things with the company. But don't you think it's time you lived a little, too? Even if it's just to see what else is out there?"

Ashton considered Ryan's words for a moment. "I appreciate the concern, but I'm not really interested in anyone else. It's not about living or not living; it's about knowing what I want."

Jess smiled softly, her voice gentle. "And you still want her, don't you?"

Ashton didn't hesitate. "Yeah, I do. I don't know what the future holds, but I believe that if we're meant to be together, we will be. I'm not in a rush."

Ryan nodded, respecting his friend's decision. "Well, just know that we're here for you, whatever happens. You've been there for Emma and us through everything, so don't forget to take care of yourself too."

Ashton gave them both a grateful smile. "Thanks, guys. That means a lot."

As the night wore on, Ashton found himself reflecting on the past two years. He had achieved so much professionally, but a part of him still felt incomplete. No matter how many successes he had or how many accolades he received, there was a void only one person could fill. And though he had no way of knowing when or if they would meet again, he held onto the hope that fate would bring Emma back into his life when the time was right.

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One Friday Afternoon

While Ashton was driving to meet a client, he was shocked to spot Emma on a road near the beach house he had been eyeing for months. A rush of emotions flooded through him—surprise, excitement, and a sense of familiarity that he had missed during her time away. Before he could process it fully, he pulled over and quickly called his secretary to cancel all his appointments for the day.

"Hey, Sarah," he said when she answered. "I need you to cancel my appointments for today. Something's come up."

"Is everything okay, Ashton?" Sarah asked, her voice laced with concern.

"Yeah, everything's fine. Just... I saw someone I need to talk to," he replied, ending the call and stepping out of the car. He felt a flutter of nerves, mingling with the excitement of seeing Emma again after all this time. She was there, in the very place he had envisioned for himself, and the thought sent a wave of warmth through him.