Meant to Collide

76. Unmasking Lies, Unfolding Truths

The Black Knight roared as it came to a halt in front of the grand palace. Sky and Jules stepped out, determination etched on their faces and courage blazing in their eyes. Sky immediately reached for his phone and dialed Silvy's number, but the call went unanswered. He tried again. And again. Frustration grew with every failed attempt.

"Silvy isn't picking up," Sky growled, his voice tense with anger.

He turned to Jules, who seemed overwhelmed, her breath uneven, her stance unsure. Sensing her turmoil, Sky softened his tone. "It's okay, mon. If she doesn't come, I'll go talk to Grandmother myself." He tried to reassure her, but her eyes betrayed her, fear and uncertainty swirled within.

Sky stepped closer, gently cupping her chin with his hand. "Wait for me here. I'll come back in a bit."

Jules nodded hesitantly, a flicker of hope lighting up her otherwise heavy heart. "Thank you for doing this for me, Sky," she whispered, her words carrying the weight of her trust. She pulled him into a tight embrace, her grip lingering as if this was her last plea.

With determination, Sky broke away and strode into the palace.

Inside, Lady Arina sat surrounded by an array of glittering jewelry, her attention fixed on her granddaughter, Mia.

"This one is nice too, Grandma," Mia said, holding up a delicate necklace.

Lady Arina smiled approvingly. "I agree, dear. Your taste is improving."

Sky's entrance drew Mia's attention. "Sky!" she called out, waving him over. "Perfect timing! We're picking jewelry. Come help us." Her tone was light, but Lady Arina's prideful voice overshadowed her.

"Since I'm choosing, it will surely suit you," she declared with a satisfied grin. "Don't you agree, Mia?"

Mia nodded eagerly. "Yes, Grandma."

Sky's expression didn't shift. Instead, he stepped forward, his voice soft but heavy with burden. "I need to speak to you."

Lady Arina waved him off. "Oh, about the pre-wedding photoshoot? Have you booked the date yet?" she asked, deliberately ignoring the gravity in his voice.

Sky stiffened, his patience snapping. "I will not marry Mia," he said firmly, his voice rising to cut through her performance.

The room fell silent. Lady Arina and Mia turned to him, their expressions more composed than the last time he'd made this declaration. Yet, surprise lingered in their eyes.

"You will," Lady Arina said, her tone brooking no argument.

Sky shook his head, his smile tinged with pain. "No matter what I say, you never listen. You only hear yourself and your judgments. I'm done explaining. I won't marry Mia."

Lady Arina's calm shattered. "Stop! Stop speaking nonsense!" she snapped. Her voice cracked, betraying her fear. "Is that woman the reason you're behaving like this? Didn't we agree? I would leave her alone if you married Mia! What more do you want from me? Do you want me to die? Would that satisfy you?"

Her fury overwhelmed her, and she collapsed faintly onto the couch. Mia rushed to support her, panic in her eyes. Sky hurried over, tears pooling in his own.

Outside the palace, Jules paced restlessly. Her heart raced as she replayed Sky's words in her mind. Suddenly, a familiar voice broke through her haze.

"Mon!"

Jules turned sharply, searching for the source. Silvy came into view, running toward her.

"Why didn't you go in with Sky?" Silvy demanded, her urgency palpable.

"Erm... but... he asked..." Jules stammered.

"No buts," Silvy cut her off. "Come with me. Now." Without waiting for a response, she grabbed Jules by the hand and led her into the palace.

Inside, Lady Arina's voice wavered as she addressed Sky. "Sam, you're my hope. Don't disappoint me. Remember, you will find happiness if you marry Mia."

Before Sky could respond, a sharp voice echoed through the hall, growing louder as its owner approached.

"Would you call it happiness when one person has run away and another is dead?"

Silvy stormed into the room, her presence commanding. Lady Arina's eyes widened in shock. "Silvia?" she whispered.

Silvy smirked. "Hello, Granny. This is the first 'hello' in years, isn't it?" Her tone dripped with sarcasm.

Lady Arina's gaze shifted to Jules. "Why did you bring her here?" she demanded, her voice laced with disdain.

Silvy's reply was swift. "To bring Sky's true happiness, of course. By now, you should realize that everything you've done wasn't for us, it was for you."

Lady Arina rose to her feet, trembling with fury. "What would an ungrateful child like you understand?"

"Ungrateful?" Silvy scoffed. "Do you even know the limits of filial piety? You should, before you reach your own expiration date." Her voice rose, her words cutting through the room like a blade. Tension crackled in the air as all eyes fell on Lady Arina. The confrontation had begun, and there would be no turning back.