Sky Chandler, a powerful CEO, first captured Jules Parker's heart in high school with kindness and charisma. Jules idolizes Sky, but when their paths cross again years later in the unforgiving corporate world, the hero of Jules' past becomes a guard...
What we seek is clarity—a direct, honest answer to untangle our minds from illusions and half-truths. Sometimes, it's the unbearable truths that, in their own way, soothe wounded hearts, like a balm we never knew we needed.
Sky's voice is calm as he takes Jules' hand, sensing her state. "I can be anything you want me to be."
Jules shifts slightly, dismissing the offer with a sigh. "You can't." She settles onto her bed, gaze turned away.
Sky sits beside her, quietly echoing, "I can't?" His eyes are soft, inviting her to glance back, as if challenging her statement.
Jules looks at him, a spark of playfulness breaking through her pensive mood. Her eyes drift to her dog, Shiro, and she says, "I want you to be a dog."
Sky blinks in surprise, a sheepish grin replacing his serious expression. "A... dog?"
"Yes, like Shiro. Dogs love unconditionally," she says, smiling at Shiro, who wags his tail in perfect sync. "Their love is simple, and... unconditional."
Amused, Sky slides down to the floor and looks up at her with wide eyes, his voice dropping to a light, teasing tone. "I'm already a dog, unconditionally," he says with a gentle, goofy smile.
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"Sir Sky, what are you doing?" she asks, stifling a laugh.
"Just being a loyal dog," he chuckles, closing the gap between them. "And you know, dogs love to snuggle their owners." He reaches out, tickling her as laughter finally escapes her.
In that moment, the world fades away. The gravity of her gaze draws him in as he gently kisses her, both of them lost in the warmth they've tried so long to ignore. "I'm sorry... for all the worry," he whispers, his eyes making a silent promise, holding her close as they share a fleeting, intimate peace.
The next evening, at Martha's wedding party, flashes of photos spotlight Martha and her new husband as guests gather around. Jules arrives with Dianne, her classic red dress radiating a vintage Hollywood allure. Dianne pulls her along, saying excitedly, "Come quickly—I want to meet Jim!"
Amid the lively chatter, Jules scans the room, glancing at her phone and around the hall. She feels a hand on her shoulder, and she turns with anticipation. "Sir Sky—" But it's Mia.
"Miss Mia," Jules corrects herself, forcing a polite smile.
Mia chuckles. "Relax; it's just a party. Jim only invited those closest to her," she assures her.
"Come, let's get a photo with the bride and groom," Mia insists, gathering Jules and Dianne. As they join the group, Jim laughs, asking Jules, "What do you think? Is my husband good-looking?"
"You certainly have taste," Jules teases, but her eyes still search the crowd, quietly yearning for Sky.
Jim, noticing Jules' absent gaze, asks softly, "Looking for Hon?" She nods, but before she can say more, the lights dim. Three spotlights flash to life, revealing Sky, Kade, and Tee dressed to perfection. Sky stands in a striking maroon suit, his charm unmistakable as they start to perform for10,000 Hours.
Watching the performance, Mia nudges Jules. "Sky looks so cute tonight, doesn't he?"
Jules smiles, eyes fixed on him. "Yeah... I can't take my eyes off him."
"How did he get his moves so polished? I never even saw him practice," Mia wonders aloud.
Jules, too entranced to filter her words, murmurs, "He didn't practice... at least not while I was there."
Mia raises a brow, catching Jules off-guard. "Were you staying with him?" she teases.
Jules stammers, quickly backtracking. "Of course not... we just spoke about work... late at night... for work."
Mia laughs, "Just teasing, Mon."
Relieved, Jules tries to refocus as the performance ends and Jim and her husband take the floor, swaying to Perfect. Amid the applause, Sky and Jules find themselves face to face.
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"You look stunning tonight," she says shyly.
Feigning hurt, Sky smirks. "Oh, so I don't usually look good?"
Mia laughs. "He's flustered by your compliment," she teases, patting Sky on the shoulder.
As the night progresses, an elderly guest approaches Sky and Mia. "What a rare sight, seeing you two together!" she exclaims warmly. "You look lovely. Now come along—I know Aunt Lucy's been dying to ask when you'll finally settle down," and she leads them away.
Sky's gaze follows Jules even as he's whisked into conversation, her lingering smile flickering, gradually fading as she stands alone amidst the crowd. For a moment, even surrounded by so many, she feels the quiet weight of longing, isolated in the space between what is and what might have been.
