The sun cast a soft golden glow over the horizon as Jules woke up to the gentle hum of the waves outside. Stretching with a quiet yawn, she opened the door to find Sky standing alone, watching the beach. His silhouette was serene against the backdrop of the glimmering sea, his hands resting lightly in his pockets as he gazed into the distance.
Jules approached him with a quiet smile, wrapping her arms around him from behind. "Good morning, my sweetheart," she whispered, her voice warm and affectionate.
Sky turned slightly, his expression softening as he placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. "Good morning," he replied, his voice low yet tender, carrying a sense of peace only Jules seemed to bring him.
Hand in hand, they made their way to the breakfast area. As they approached, laughter and the occasional clink of cutlery filled the air. There, they found Riya and Erik seated, sharing a private moment. Riya's giggle escaped as Erik leaned in to steal a quick kiss. Startled by the sudden appearance of their friends, Riya straightened, her cheeks tinged pink.
"Oh, you're here already! The food is ready—please enjoy your meal," Riya said, gesturing towards the spread, her voice a little too cheery to mask the embarrassment.
Erik muttered under his breath with a slight smirk, "Why do people always walk in at the worst possible moment?"
Jules chuckled, but Sky simply observed, his gaze flickering between the pair as they settled into their seats. Erik and Riya began serving breakfast, their coordination seamless, hinting at a bond that went beyond mere friendship.
Erik placed a plate in front of Jules, catching her gaze. "Oh, by the way, I'm married. You were staring at my ring, so I thought you might want to know," he said casually, his tone more teasing than serious.
"Married already? You two look so young," Jules replied, her surprise evident.
Erik smiled, glancing fondly at Riya. "This person here is my chosen one. I wanted to show my sincerity, so we married. There's no reason to hide it."
Sky remained silent, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watched the interaction unfold.
"What about the elders?" Jules asked, curiosity piqued. "Were they okay with it?"
Erik leaned back, a touch of defiance in his posture. "Classic story—they didn't want us to be together. But we chose this, and we've never let other people's opinions bother us. If we did, how could we have gotten married?"
Sky's brows furrowed, his voice steady but tinged with annoyance as he interjected. "Mon was asking you nicely. Why did you have to be so upset?"
Erik repeated his point, though this time his tone was tempered with more patience. Sky's jaw tightened, but he chose to remain silent.
"I have to apologize on Erik's behalf," Riya interjected, her voice gentle as she addressed Sky and Jules. "He can be quite blunt at times."
Jules smiled, attempting to ease the tension. "It feels so good to learn about you both. Please, allow me to congratulate you."
Riya and Erik exchanged warm smiles. "Thank you," they said in unison.
Erik, ever the conversationalist, leaned forward. "Are you two travel buddies?" Sky answered without hesitation, his voice firm. "We're lovers."
Erik raised an eyebrow, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Ohh... so is that bracelet of yours like an engagement ring?"
Jules shook her head, her tone light. "No, it's a gift."
Erik nudged Riya playfully, as if mocking Sky. Sky, however, seemed unaffected. Instead, he turned to Jules, his voice quiet but deliberate. "I'd like to have a wedding as well, Mon. A big one."
Jules looked at him, her expression mixed with surprise and caution. "Sir Sky, I know you don't like Erik, but please stop trying to compete with him," she said gently.
Sky ignored her comment and continued, his voice louder now, as if addressing Erik indirectly. "What kind of wedding would you like to have, Mon? How many guests? A thousand, perhaps? I like it grand."
Jules stared at him, taken aback. "Mon, I'm serious," Sky insisted, his voice softening. "Shall we get married?"
The table fell silent. Erik and Riya exchanged wide-eyed glances, mirroring Jules' shock. Finally, she found her voice. "No."
Sky's brow furrowed, confusion and hurt flashing in his eyes. "Why?" he asked.
Jules hesitated, her hands fidgeting. "I'm not good for you, Sir Sky. You are an honorable man. I'm... just a commoner."
Erik couldn't hold back a scoff. "Why? Does an honorable man have wings? Does he fly?" he asked sarcastically, his tone sharp as he addressed Jules. Riya tugged at his sleeve, trying to quiet him, but Erik pressed on. "Or maybe his personality is so bad you find it unbearable?"
"Oh! I'll get the desserts!" Riya exclaimed, dragging Erik away before he could say more.
Sky stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. Jules quickly rose, concern etched on her face. "I'm going out," Sky announced, his voice clipped.
"Yes" Jules replied, starting to follow.
He turned, his gaze firm. "You stay here. I want to be alone."
Before Jules could protest, Sky walked away, leaving her staring after him, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavily in the air.
YOU ARE READING
Meant to Collide
RomanceIn '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...