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...
Jules sat motionless, her silence like a heavy curtain falling between her and the world. Beside her, Riya and Erik exchanged awkward glances, unsure of how to ease the tension. Riya leaned closer, her voice soft but purposeful. "Ms. Mon-the handyman-is fixing the water heater now," she said, hoping to distract Jules from her thoughts.
Jules remained quiet, her gaze fixed on the floor, her shoulders slumped. Erik, attempting to lighten the mood, ventured hesitantly, "Ah... the color of the car is nice."
Without looking up, Jules replied, "You mean Black Knight?" Her tone was calm yet distant.
"Black Knight?" Erik repeated, puzzled.
"Sky named it that," Jules explained, finally raising her head slightly.
"I see... weird owner, weird name," Erik quipped, grinning mischievously.
Riya nudged him, scolding gently, "Shush, Erik." Turning to Jules, she smiled. "Sounds like we're getting a car. How much does it cost?"
"I'm not sure. Probably expensive," Jules replied, her voice soft but pointed. "Are you really going to buy it, Riya?"
"If Erik wants it, I'll let him have it," Riya said, her tone playful. Their eyes met, and they exchanged a warm smile, a moment of shared affection.
Jules observed them, a wistful smile creeping across her face. "It's nice to have the means to buy something for your lover. I'd love to buy something lavish for Sky, but it's out of my league."
Riya frowned slightly. "Why do you say that, Mon?"
Jules shrugged, the weight of her words sinking in. "These days, I feel like a sugar baby. Sky is extremely wealthy, and I... I have nothing. You and Erik have your own business. Me? I'm just here."
Riya chuckled softly. "Actually, I don't have much either. Erik is the wealthy one. He's sacrificed a lot so we can live together."
Jules tilted her head, curiosity lighting her eyes. "Are things going well between you two after marriage? No issues at all?"
Riya hesitated, then admitted, "There are plenty of issues."
"But," Erik interrupted, his voice steady and resolute, "classes and hierarchies don't matter to us. Money can't buy love. When we fall in love, all the external forces that try to disrupt it crumble, as long as the hearts remain bound together."
Intrigued, Jules leaned in. "Would you mind telling me your story? I'd love to hear it."
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"Do you really want to know? It's full of romance, drama, and comedy," Riya said, smiling.
"Or the horror part of it?" Erik added with a teasing grin.
"Horror?!" Riya exclaimed, glaring at him. Erik laughed. "Remember when you had thyroid surgery? You looked like a headless ghost with that scar!"
Riya rolled her eyes but softened. "That was the toughest time of my life. Things could've gone downhill if Erik hadn't been there for me." Erik's expression turned serious. "I was so worried about her. I couldn't leave her side-not even for a moment. I feared... I'd never see her again if I did."
"That's so lovely," Jules murmured, her voice trembling with emotion as tears welled in her eyes.
"We're not much different from other couples," Erik said gently. "We're just two people in love, doing everything we can to stay together."
"That's all there is to it," Riya concluded. She took Jules' hands in hers. "Mon, listen carefully. Ask yourself how much you love Sky. If your heart says 'very much,' then follow it. Treasure him."
Jules stared at the couple, their warmth enveloping her like a beacon of hope.
At the seashore, Sky stood alone, gazing at the waves as they rolled in and out, a rhythm as restless as his thoughts. His phone vibrated in his pocket.
"Hello, Grandma," Sky greeted, his tone steady yet hesitant.
"Are you home today? I'll come see you," her voice crackled through the line.
Sky hesitated. "Oh, I'm not home. I took a trip with Jim, Kade, and Tee."
"Is Mia not with you?" Grandma asked sharply.
"No... I wanted to spend time with my friends," Sky replied cautiously. "I'll visit you when I'm back. Sorry, Grandma, they're calling me. I have to go." He hung up abruptly, letting out a heavy sigh.
Back at Grandma's house, tea was served. She sat in the living room, her eyes sharp and unwavering as Mia quietly joined her.
"He's lying," Grandma said firmly, her voice carrying a weight of certainty. "Who is he with right now?"
Mia's hands fidgeted. "I think you should hear it from him, Grandma."
Grandma's gaze hardened. "What kind of lover are you? Why are you so lenient? This is cheating!"
"If it makes him happy, I'll accept it. I want Sky to live his life the way he wants," Mia replied, her voice trembling yet resolved.
"Foolish girl," Grandma snapped. "If you truly want what's best for Sky, you won't let him walk this path. I'll take care of it. You just do as I say."
Mia nodded, her face a mix of confusion and fear, as the storm within Grandma brewed, ready to unleash its fury.
