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...
Somber music lingers as the scene bathes in red hues, casting shadows over a tense moment. Mia kneels before Sky in a shocking twist, her face earnest and vulnerable. Kade, Tee, and Jim look on, paralyzed by worry as they shift their gaze between Sky and Jules. Overcome by emotion, Jules can't hold back her tears. Silently, she slips away into the crowd, unseen by all but her closest friends-an aching contrast to Sky, whose every move commands attention. Jules' absence finally catches Sky's eye as his friends motion toward her retreating figure. Breaking from the scene, he rushes after her, calling her name, "Mon!" But Jules doesn't look back.
In the solitude of her room, Jules drops her bag, collapsing onto her bed with a shattering ache that she can't contain. Tears flow as she replays Noah's comforting words in her mind and recalls Tee's question, "What about you and Sky?" It's all too much: Mia's proposal, Sky's hesitation, her own unspoken feelings. "Why does this hurt so much? What exactly is this feeling I have for him?" she whispers to herself, each question louder in her mind until sleep finally pulls her under.
Meanwhile, outside, Sky hesitates, staring at her door with the same storm of questions swirling inside him. His phone vibrates, breaking the silence. It's Mia.
"Sky, where are you?" she asks, her voice soft yet tinged with concern.
"I'm going home," he replies.
"Did you get upset that I did that in front of everyone?" After a pause, he replies, "Um."
"I'm sorry, Sky. I just wanted you to know-I'll always wait for you," she adds, her voice a gentle reassurance.
Sky softens. "Then give me some time, Mia. I need to figure things out."
"Understood. Goodnight," she says, holding back her own pain as she lets him go.
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Sky looks back at Jules' door once more, wrestling with the urge to reach out, before ultimately walking away.
The next morning, Jules walks into the office, her heart heavy and mind clouded with thoughts of Sky. "Can I really focus on work today?" she wonders. But her thoughts are interrupted as a familiar voice shouts, "Surprise!" Sophie, Ryan, and Ava burst into cheers, poppers echoing in celebration.
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"Congrats, Mon! We're just 1,000 subscribers away from hitting our 500K goal!" Ava beams, but concern flickers across her face. "Are you sure you're okay? You were on sick leave the past two days..."
Jules forces a smile. "I'm better now."
"Were you going to see the boss? Do you need something?" Ava asks.
"Oh, nothing... Just, is Sky not in today?"
"He called in; it's his second day off," Sophie responds, raising a brow. "Strange, right?"
"Maybe he's not feeling well," Ava adds.
Jules tries to hide her worry, but Ava catches her expression. "He'll be fine, Mon. Let's just focus on celebrating your success!"
Later, Jules stands at Sky's doorstep, her heart pounding. When Sky finally opens the door, her concern spills out.
"Are you unwell, Sky?"
"I'm fine," he answers curtly, pulling back as she instinctively reaches up to check his forehead.
"But you haven't been to the office-"
Sky interrupts, irritated. "I'm the owner. I can take off whenever I want. Go home, Jules."
Hesitating, Jules tries once more. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
"I just told you to go home," he says, his tone firm.
She presses softly, "Do you really want me to leave?"
With a sigh, he nods. "Yes. I'll see you at the office tomorrow. I have something to tell you." With that, he steps back, closing the door.
The next day, a tense meeting gathers everyone in the hall, including Jules. Sophie leans over to Ava, whispering, "Why did Sky call this meeting so suddenly?"
"I heard it's about the Unity Soft page Mon is managing," Sophie replies.
Sky enters, his expression cold. Jules' discomfort is evident as he takes control, displaying the Unity Soft page.
"We're currently at 490,000 followers," Sky announces, "proving there's strong interest in our content."
Ava can't contain her excitement. "I can't believe Mon has done so well! Only 1,000 more for the 500K milestone!"
Sky's gaze hardens as he continues. "As I stated before, Unity Soft must reach 500K by month's end. We're still short by 1,000. Therefore, Miss Jules Parker, you're fired."
The words hit like a shockwave, leaving everyone speechless, especially Jules.
"Did you...did you say you're firing Mon?" Ryan stammers.
Sky's voice is ice. "She failed to meet the target. Are you volunteering to leave in her place?" he snaps.
"But the deadline isn't until tomorrow!" Sophie interjects, desperation in her voice.
Sky's expression remains unyielding. "You have 24 hours left. If you don't meet the goal, pack your things." He exits, leaving behind a stunned silence.
Jules, her face blank, seems to have anticipated this. Friends rally around her, offering encouragement.
"Don't give up, Mon," Ava says, hopeful. "A thousand followers is achievable-we can do this!"
Jules offers a sad smile, pain lingering in her eyes. "Thank you, everyone. But maybe Sky truly wants me gone."
Ava protests, "You've come so far, Mon. Just a little more and we'll get there!"
Jules lowers her gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's already a miracle that I've made it this far. But maybe it's time to go back to reality." With that, she leaves, carrying her silent heartbreak.
