Jade and Joshua were once the quintessential high school sweethearts, their young love blooming in the hallways of their school, filled with laughter and shared dreams. However, an unforeseen event shattered their once unbreakable bond, sending them...
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Jayoung and Eric's reception unfolded in a grand chateau, a majestic castle that Eric had rented for the evening. The atmosphere buzzed with elegance, resembling a royal ball more than a typical reception. As hosts, Jayoung and Eric faced the tedious task of greeting an endless stream of guests, but Jiwon found herself grappling with an even greater challenge. The guest list was more extensive than that of the wedding itself, leading to a throng of people clamouring for her attention. Strangers approached her with eager requests for autographs and photographs, their excitement palpable.
Even Jeonghan and Joshua were not spared from the frenzy, being swept up in the crowd as fans jostled for selfies and signatures. Fortunately, the venue enforced a strict no-camera policy, a necessary measure to protect Joshua, Jeonghan, and Jiwon from the incessant gaze of the paparazzi. This was just one of the burdens that came with being an international idol.
Jiwon felt a wave of heat and claustrophobia wash over her, her dress clinging uncomfortably as she navigated through the sea of faces. Once the initial fanfare subsided, she was left to contend with snobbish relatives and acquaintances from her past, each one eager to reconnect and reminisce. Her old high school friends posed slightly awkward questions, but Jiwon, ever the professional, managed to respond with grace and poise.
After the lavish dinner, many guests trickled out, leaving only a select few who would remain until the night's end. Jeonghan, ever the entertainer, kept the remaining crowd engaged with his charm, allowing Jiwon to slip away in search of fresh air. She made her way to the terrace, grateful for the moment of solitude. From her vantage point, she could see Jayoung and Eric, who were still in the main hall, warmly welcoming guests as Joshua stood by their side.
As Jiwon stepped onto the terrace, she was relieved to find it relatively empty. The sky, painted in soft ivory hues, enveloped her in a calming embrace. But her brief respite was shattered when she unexpectedly collided with someone. Both she and the stranger muttered quick apologies, but Jiwon's heart sank as she recognised the familiar figure before her.
Her blood ran cold, and her eyes narrowed dangerously as she uttered the name she had hoped to avoid. "Naeva." The chill in her voice surprised even herself, for it lacked the usual sweetness she reserved for acquaintances. She had known she would be here tonight but prayed that they wouldn't cross paths. Fate had another plan, however, it seemed.
Naeva looked up, her hazel eyes locking onto Jiwon's golden brown gaze. She stood there, slim yet unremarkable and unattractive, her long nose bridge and pale skin framed by a cascade of dark hair. Jiwon felt as though she were staring into the face of her past insecurities. Naeva arched a perfectly manicured brow, feigning nonchalance. "Oh, it's you," Naeva replied flatly as if she were addressing an old acquaintance rather than a rival. Jiwon forced a smile, masking the disdain that simmered beneath the surface. "Jade, how wonderful to see you," Naeva added, her voice dripping with insincerity.
Jiwon matched her enthusiasm with a tight-lipped grin, "You too. How have you been, Naeva? It's been ages." Naeva's smile widened, but there was a sharp edge to it. "Indeed, it has. I'm doing well, though I daresay the same can't be said for you?"
