In Your Orbit (1st Book)

Chapter 20: The Arrival (Matured Content)

The automatic doors of the bustling airport slid open with a quiet swoosh, revealing a woman who immediately commanded attention. She was tall, sleek, and exuded an air of authority that made heads turn as she strode through the terminal with effortless grace. Dressed in a pristine white suit that hugged her figure with perfect precision, she moved with the confidence of someone who knew exactly what she wanted. Dark sunglasses covered her eyes, adding a layer of mystery to her striking appearance.

Behind her, a pair of well-dressed bodyguards followed closely, their expressions stoic and alert. They moved in sync, as though they had done this a hundred times before—because they probably had. The woman's black heels clicked sharply against the polished floor, the sound cutting through the ambient noise of airport chatter and announcements. People parted instinctively as she walked, sensing that this was not someone to get in the way of.

As she approached the exit, her personal driver appeared, a man in his forties with a neatly pressed suit and an air of professionalism that matched the woman's. He bowed slightly as she reached him.

"Welcome back, ma'am," the driver said, his voice low and respectful.

The woman offered a small nod in acknowledgment, her lips curling into a faint smile as her bodyguards began loading her luggage into the sleek black sedan parked at the curb. The suitcases were designer, of course, each piece matching the immaculate style of their owner. It took only a few moments before everything was packed away and the car was ready.

Once everything was set, the driver opened the back door of the car for her. She slid into the plush leather seat with practiced elegance, removing her sunglasses as she did so. Her sharp, hazel eyes gleamed in the soft light of the car's interior.

The driver closed the door behind her and moved around to the driver's seat, settling in and adjusting the mirror before starting the engine. The low hum of the car filled the air as they pulled away from the airport, blending into the flow of traffic.

As the city lights blurred by, the woman finally spoke, her voice cool and composed. "How is Lisa?"

The driver glanced at her in the rearview mirror, his tone calm as he answered. "She's at a school camp, ma'am. Today is the last day."

The woman's lips twitched into a genuine smile, one that softened her otherwise sharp features. She turned her gaze out the window, watching as the world outside passed by in a blur of colors. "Good," she said after a moment, her voice quieter now, almost thoughtful. "We'll pick her up in the morning."

The driver nodded without question, as if this was an order he had expected. "Of course, ma'am."

The woman leaned back in her seat, her mind already wandering to the reunion that awaited her. She had been away for far too long, but now she was back, ready to reconnect with someone who meant more to her than anyone else in the world. She stared out at the city as it faded into the distance, her heart steady with anticipation.

Tomorrow, she would see Lisa.

And that thought alone made the long journey worthwhile.

The warm evening air was alive with laughter and music as everyone gathered around the campfire, their faces lit by the dancing flames and the soft glow of scattered lanterns. Weeks of planning and morning-to-night preparations had culminated in a night that everyone would remember. The night was electric, full of youthful energy as students celebrated with drinks in hand, toasting to new memories and friendships forged under the open sky.

Leaning against the sturdy trunk of a tree, Jennie clinked her glass gently against Rose's, the two of them sharing a quiet moment as they watched the festivities unfold. They grinned as they caught sight of Lisa and Jisoo at the other end of the clearing, engaged in some sort of mischief. Lisa's expression was a dead giveaway—she wore that signature smirk that always meant trouble.