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...
The sun barely peeked through the blinds of Jules' small office, casting a soft glow over her desk. Today was her last day at Unity Corp, and her heart was a storm of emotions-gratitude, sadness, and a quiet resolve. Dressed in her usual pink-themed outfit, her trademark cheerful style, Jules prepared herself to face everything one final time.
In the pantry, the air was heavy despite the light chatter. Ava, leaning against the counter, let out a sigh as she spoke. "I thought things would improve when Mon joined, but it's just the same. The boss hasn't changed a bit."
Jules, Sophie, and Ryan listened in silence. The door burst open, and Aunt Harper stumbled in, her arms overloaded with phones. "Everybody, listen up!" she cried.
Ryan blinked. "Auntie, whose phones are those?"
"They're from the other maids!" Aunt Harper declared triumphantly. "I borrowed them to give Mon likes on her profile. If we get her page to 500k followers, maybe the boss won't fire her!"
Jules couldn't help but smile at the older woman's determination. "Thank you, Aunt Harper," she said warmly. "And thank you, everyone. But honestly... I don't think it'll make a difference. Sir Sky will probably fire me even if we hit the target."
Ava placed a comforting hand on Jules' shoulder. "Mon, you're one of the most hardworking, intelligent, and compassionate people I've ever met. Any team would be lucky to have you. Don't let him make you think otherwise."
Sophie chimed in, her voice bright. "You're not just leaving a company, Jules. We're your friends. Let's meet up often, okay?"
Ryan snorted. "Though, if you're expecting Sir Sky to stay in touch, forget it. The man acts like ex-employees don't exist."
Jules chuckled softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It's only been a short time, but this place gave me some of my best memories. Thank you all."
Her friends pulled her into a tight embrace.
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As the farewell hugs ended, Ava nudged her. "Mon, aren't you going to say goodbye to the boss?" Jules hesitated, then nodded. She squared her shoulders and walked toward Sky's cabin.
Inside, Sky sat at his desk, buried in work as always. He didn't look up when Jules entered.
"Sir Sky?" Jules began softly.
Without lifting his gaze, he asked curtly, "What do you need?"
Taking a deep breath, Jules spoke. "I just wanted to thank you. You've always been my role model. Because of you, I went to a good university and landed this job. I'll treasure our memories forever."
Sky continued shuffling papers, but his hands stilled for a moment. "What nonsense are you talking about?" he muttered, not meeting her eyes.
"Please, let me finish," Jules pressed on. "No matter what challenges come your way, I know you'll make the right choices. Thank you, Sir Sky."
Her voice cracked as tears slid down her cheeks, but she stood tall. "Goodbye."
Sky rose from his seat as she turned to leave. "Where do you think you're going?"
"You told me to leave," Jules replied, her voice trembling. "That was yesterday," Sky said brusquely.
"And today?" she asked, confused.
"I've changed my mind. Go back to work," he commanded.
Jules stared at him, disbelief and frustration bubbling over. "You pushed me to quit yesterday, and now you want me to stay? What do you want from me?"
Sky was silent, his expression unreadable.
"Answer me!" she demanded. "Your silence says it all. I'm done. I'm quitting anyway."
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"I'm not letting you quit," Sky retorted firmly. "You can't stop me," Jules shot back, her voice rising.
"Why are you so stubborn?" Sky asked, his tone almost pleading.
"I came here to stay close to you," Jules admitted, tears flowing freely. "But you act like you hate me. I can't take it anymore."
She turned and walked out of the building.
Sky followed her outside, catching up to her in a quiet corner. Grabbing her wrist, he pulled her aside. "I told you, I'm not letting you quit. Which part of that don't you understand?"
"You don't get to decide for me," Jules said, yanking her hand away.
"Do you hate me?" Sky asked, his voice softer now.
"You hate me," Jules replied bitterly. "You've ignored me, pushed me away-how could you not?"
Sky's next words were like thunder. "I don't hate you. I like you." Jules froze, her eyes wide.
"I like you," he repeated, his voice tinged with desperation. "Are you satisfied now?"
Tears streamed down her face as she smiled bitterly. "You always say the opposite of what you mean."
"Mon," Sky began, but a group of employees interrupted them, their presence cutting through the moment.
Jules took the chance to slip away, leaving Sky behind. Frustrated and confused, he stood rooted to the spot, watching her retreating figure.
