Meant to Collide

29. Shadows of Doubt

At home, Jules felt her heart sink as she read Sky's disappointing message: "I have to postpone our appointment today." Her father, noticing the anguish etched on her face, gently inquired, "What did he say, my dear?" Jules tried to muster a smile through her pain, replying, "Oh, he's not coming anymore. He had an emergency business matter." Brushing aside her sorrow, she added, "That's fine. I'll go change, then let's go out for lunch together." Her father nodded, pleased. "That's great! It's almost 12." Both her parents attempted to ease the tension, but as Jules turned away, the sadness clung to her like a shadow. She made her way to her room, the weight of disappointment heavy in her heart.

Meanwhile, at the restaurant, Sky sat in distress, his eyes glued to his phone. Mia, perceptive as ever, noticed his worry as the dishes arrived. "Please eat a lot, Sir Sam," she urged, hoping to draw him out of his daydream. But Sky remained lost, his mind elsewhere, only responding after Mia called his name multiple times. When he finally spoke, it was without enthusiasm. As he began to eat, Mia admonished gently, "Slow down, will you? You'll choke to death."

"I'm just trying to eat as fast as I can," Sky replied, his voice taut. "We have to run that errand for Grandmother and get back home quickly."

"There's no need to rush," Mia countered, her tone soothing. "It's been a while since we've had time together like this."

Sky's demeanor hardened. "We've been together all day, Mia. We went to the temple, stopped by a café, and now I'm eating with you," he retorted.

"Well, both of us have been working hard, and I thought we could use a break. That's why I wanted to bring you here," she explained, trying to calm him down. But Sky fell silent again, retreating into his thoughts.

Mia, determined to engage him, broached a suggestion from Charles. "If you want the company to grow, as you told Grandmother, you should consider bringing in a good and experienced partner," she proposed, her voice hopeful. Sky's fork stopped mid-air. "Looking for a partner?" he asked, his gaze piercing into hers. "Will my work still belong to me?"

Mia's expression shifted to concern. "Will I still get to do what I want?" he shouted, frustration bubbling to the surface. "There are so many conditions to consider with a partner. I fear I won't be happy at work. My headaches will only get worse."

Sensing the escalating tension, Mia sighed, "I think we should try the prawns; they're recommended here." She offered him a bite, watching for any hint of agreement, but Sky merely glanced at his phone, seeking distraction.

Across town, Jules was greeted warmly by her friends Jim, Tee, and Kade as she entered the karaoke bar. "I haven't texted you yet! Who told you to come here?" Tee asked playfully. Kade raised her hand with a grin. "I did! I texted that stupid Sky, but he didn't even bother to read it!"

Jules sighed, her heart still aching. "He asked me to go to Dame with him today, but suddenly postponed. I don't know what's going on." Jim interjected reassuringly, "I think he's fine. Come on, let's continue this lame karaoke!"

"Come over here, Mon. Would you like to order something first?" Tee urged, his enthusiasm infectious. "I'm thinking prawns and shrimps," he added. Just then, Jules' phone beeped, but when she checked it, disappointment washed over her again—it wasn't a message from Sky.

"Who texted you?" Tee inquired, tilting his head. "It's from my sister," Jules replied, reading aloud, "I finished my work. I'm so lonely. Where are you? I'll meet you there." She sought permission from her friends to invite Dianne to join them, and they all agreed.

When Dianne arrived, she peered at Jules with concern. "Mon! You look awful. Are you heartbroken?" she asked. Kade chimed in, "Are you thinking about Sky?"

"Yeah, he didn't reply to my message at all," Jules admitted. Tee, deep in thought, suddenly clapped his hands in excitement. "I have an idea! I know what to do to get him to respond!" Jules raised an eyebrow, her suspicion piqued as the others shared mischievous glances.

Kade handed Jules a plate of river prawns, positioning Tee close to her and encouraging her to fake a smile while Jim captured the moment in a photo to send to Sky from Tee's phone. Although Jules wasn't entirely convinced by the idea, they pressed on, laughter mingling with the karaoke tunes.

Later that night, Tee dropped Jules off at her home. "Thank you so much for driving me home," she said gratefully. "If there's any update in the group about Sky, please let me know."

"Alright, I'll do it. He has been strangely quiet today," Tee replied, concern creeping into his voice. "But you should go inside," he insisted gently.

As Jules took a step toward her house, a car's headlights flashed in the night. It was the Black Knight. Sky emerged, his gaze locked on Jules, intensity radiating from him. Tee, attempting to break the tension, teased, "Took you long enough to finally show up, huh?" But Sky, filled with a mix of anger and urgency, pulled Tee aside roughly, pushing him toward the car.

Shocked, Jules rushed to Tee's side, her voice laced with concern. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"I'm good," Tee replied, though bewilderment flickered in his eyes, leaving Jules to wonder what had transpired between them.