Meant to Collide

74. When Hope Fades

Jules opened the door with a faint smile, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. Mia stepped inside, clutching something in her hand.

"Mon," Mia began hesitantly, her voice trembling. "I'm sorry. It's partly my fault that you had to leave the company."

Jules forced a small smile, her lips barely curving. "It's a rule, Mia. I understand that," she replied, her tone calm but hollow.

Mia hesitated, then extended a card toward Jules. Her fingers shook slightly as she held it out. "Sky and I... we're about to get married," she said softly, her voice faltering.

Jules froze, her breath hitching. She lowered her gaze, her hands clenching at her sides. After a long moment, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "I already knew. Sir Sky told me."

Mia's discomfort deepened, her expression apologetic. "After we're married, Mon... if anyone finds out that you're still seeing him..." Her words faltered, and she looked away, guilt shadowing her face. "I honestly don't want to say this, but... other people will think you're a homewrecker."

Jules' tired eyes met Mia's, her exhaustion evident. Yet, her voice remained steady as she said, "For Sir Sky, I'm willing to be anything."

Mia's eyes filled with unease, but she pressed on, her tone pleading. "I know you love Sky so much, Mon. I do too. Please... let him go. Let him live a life like other people."

Jules remained silent, her expression unreadable, her heart a storm of emotions she refused to show.

Mia lingered for a moment, her lips parting as though to say more, but she thought better of it. She turned and walked away, leaving the invitation in Jules' trembling hands.

The door clicked shut, and Jules stood motionless, staring at the card. Her chest tightened, and her breathing grew uneven. Something felt wrong terribly wrong.

As the realization dawned on her, her knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the floor, clutching the invitation to her chest. A deep, guttural sob escaped her lips, the sound of her pain echoing in the empty room.

Her tears flowed freely, streaking her face as she cried out, releasing the agony she had held inside for so long. Her wails filled the air, raw and unrestrained, as though her soul itself was breaking.

In that moment, Jules wasn't just grieving the love she felt slipping away she was mourning herself, the sacrifices she had made, and the person she had become in the process. Her phone rang, breaking the heavy silence.

She hesitated before answering, her voice weak. "Hello?"

"Thank you for giving me your number," came the familiar voice on the other end.

Jules straightened slightly, her mind catching up. "Lady Silvia?" she asked, her voice laced with exhaustion. She recalled the moment she had given her number to the lively, sharp-tongued woman before leaving.

"Could you ask Sky if he can lend me 500 dollars?" Silvy's voice was casual but teasing. "I'm kidding, kid. I just want to know my little one's decision about you, Mon."

Jules felt her throat tighten. Before she could muster a response, Silvy's tone shifted. "I'm sure Granny would never accept this," she said, her voice dripping with disdain.

Jules couldn't hold back the sob that escaped her lips. The sound was soft but filled with a pain too deep to hide.

"Oi, why aren't you answering? Did I hit bullseye?" Silvy's voice grew concerned.

After a long pause, Jules managed to speak, her voice trembling. "I might... I might not be able to see Sir Sky again."

"What?" Silvy asked, startled. "What happened?" Jules closed her eyes as tears streamed down her face. "He's about to marry Mia."

Silvy let out a frustrated sigh. "Damn him. I knew it. Granny's such a witch, and Sky's lost to her," she muttered angrily.

Jules clutched the phone tighter, her voice breaking. "What should I do? I don't know what to do anymore."

"I warned you already, kid," Silvy said, her tone firm but not unkind. "If you're not strong enough, and not selfish enough, this love will fall apart. A pushover like Sky will eventually obey Granny."

Jules remained silent, her heart aching at the truth in Silvy's words. "Give me his number," Silvy demanded abruptly. But Jules couldn't bring herself to reply. Her trembling fingers ended the call.