In 'Meant to Collide', Sky Chandler, a powerful CEO, first captured Jules Parker's heart in high school with kindness and charisma. Jules idolizes Sky, but their paths cross again years later in the corporate world, where the once-inspiring figure h...
Sometimes, those once closest to us can transform into strangers. So, who's to blame? Was it for getting close despite knowing the risks, or for staying an outsider, letting others shape our path?
Jules steps out of the office, her thoughts swirling with a mix of hurt and confusion. "An outsider, huh?" she murmurs, waiting for her bus, the words echoing painfully. Just then, Sky appears, taking her hand with a steady pull toward his car.
"Sir Sky, what are you doing?" she asks, a bit thrown off by his sudden appearance.
"It's exhausting talking to Mia," he sighs, ignoring her question, "She wanted to know everything about the Unity Soft page-asked me a million questions." Sky's words are absentminded as Jules, nodding along, stays silent, unable to voice the turmoil in her heart. His perceptive gaze doesn't miss it.
"What's the matter? Why so quiet?" He presses, concern in his tone. But before she can answer, he gestures to his car. "You must be hungry. Let's grab something to eat."
"Actually, I have grocery shopping to do, so I'll have to take a raincheck," Jules replies, attempting to excuse herself.
Sky halts, turning to her with confusion written plainly across his face. "Mon-" he begins, but she gives no reply, her resolve to keep her distance holding strong.
Later, at Jules' home, her parents sit tensely on the sofa, Sky beside them, casually patting Shiro, their dog, as if he belongs there. Her parents smile uneasily, stealing glances at him and the piles of groceries he brought.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"Thank you, really," Jules' mom starts, her voice a little strained. "You bought so much-there was no need for this, Sir Sky."
"It's no trouble. I heard Mon's father mention he needed some things, so I thought I'd pick up a few items," Sky replies smoothly.
Her dad chuckles, though slightly uncomfortable. "A few items? Sir, you've practically cleared out the supermarket!"
"How's Shiro's food supply holding up?" Sky inquires, already prepared to offer more.
"Oh, we're fully stocked," her father interjects quickly.
As they chat, Jules walks in, surprised by the scene before her. Her father lights up. "Mon, you're back! Now, did I actually ask you to go grocery shopping? I don't remember... maybe I just blurted it out?"
Her mother quickly jumps in, laughing, "Oh, you know how forgetful he is!"
Sky's gaze sharpens on Jules. "Didn't you say you'd go shopping?" he questions, noting her empty hands. "Or is it being delivered?"
"I... um... I'll just go change," she mutters, looking for an escape.
"Perfect! I'll come with you-I'd love to see your room," he announces, already standing.
"Um-excuse me?" Jules stammers, but her parents eagerly wave her on.
Reluctantly, Jules leads him upstairs, her frustration bubbling as her parents practically encourage the intrusion. She opens her door, resigned. "Sir Sky, please... you shouldn't-"
But Sky's already inside, his eyes roaming over her room. "So, this is your room? Cute," he observes with mild surprise. Then, noticing a series of photos tucked away, he raises an eyebrow. "Wait, are these... my pictures?"
Jules, red-faced, tries desperately to snatch the photos, but it's too late. "They're not-well, yes, but-" she stammers, flustered.
Sky watches her with a hint of amusement. "You're upset with me lately, aren't you?" he murmurs, closing the distance between them. "You've been ignoring my texts, didn't meet me after work... is there a reason?"
She's cornered, unable to pull away, silence pressing between them. Sky's hands rest on the wall beside her, blocking her path. "If you won't talk..." he begins, his voice low, gaze drifting to her lips, "then I'll just have to make you."
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Jules finally speaks, her voice blunt. "I feel slighted."
Sky's brow furrows. "Slighted? About what?" he asks, gently tilting her chin so she has no choice but to meet his eyes.
"You called me an outsider," she whispers, the words stinging even as she says them.
Sky sighs, a trace of irritation lacing his tone. "To me, you're not just an outsider."
"Then... what am I to you, Sir Sky?" Jules' voice softens, a mix of hope and pain in her gaze.
Sky steps back, the intensity between them briefly easing. "If I made you uncomfortable, I apologize. Maybe... I've been overthinking it. After all, our relationship is professional-boss and subordinate. I suppose I am an outsider, after all." She forces a pained smile, the words pulling at her heart as she whispers, "Please leave, Sir Sky."
Sky lingers, watching her, as the weight of her words settles in the room.
