Meant to Collide

83. The Calm Before the Collision

The grandeur of the palace seemed quieter today. The air was thick with unspoken words, and Sky couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He walked through the corridors, his footsteps echoing softly, until he reached the familiar figure of Lady Arina, standing still by the window, staring out into the vast garden with a quiet intensity.

"Do you need anything, Grandma?" Sky asked, his voice low, almost uncertain. He noticed the distant look in her eyes, the way her face seemed weighed down by something unspoken.

"It's been a long time since I saw you cry," Lady Arina replied, her voice soft but filled with an emotion Sky couldn't place.

"Yeah, I never cry," Sky responded with a forced smile, trying to mask the uncertainty brewing within him.

Lady Arina's gaze remained fixed on the outside world, her voice thick with sorrow as she continued, "You only smile when you're upset. In the past few weeks, you've been smiling, but I know... I know you're not happy. I pretended not to see it because I thought you would get through it. But that is not the case. Sorrow is written on your face every day, and it scares me. I fear that you, too, will leave me... just like Selena did."

Sky felt a cold wave wash over him as his grandmother's words echoed in his mind. He stepped closer, his heart tightening. She continued, her voice shaking with emotion, "You've always kept my promise, and you still do, but it makes you suffer, and I do not wish to see you sad. Do you know? When I see you losing your appetite, losing your sleep, I don't feel a trace of happiness. If this marriage will make you lose yourself like I lost Selena, I will not be able to bear it."

Lady Arina's voice trailed off, but the pain in her words lingered, piercing through Sky's heart. Suddenly, her mind was swept away by a vivid flashback.

Lady Arina sat alone, holding a family photograph in her hands, her gaze lost in the memories. The night was quiet, yet her heart felt as if it was in turmoil. Mia, with her quiet resolve, had come to speak to her earlier. "Grandma," Mia had said gently, "I need to talk to you. I'd like you to reconsider this marriage between Sky and me. I do love Sky so much, Grandma, but you should know this very well, Sky's happiness is not to be by my side. I'm truly sorry, Grandma. I wish nothing but the best for both of us, but I can't stand to see Sky so sad."

The flashback ended, leaving Lady Arina standing frozen, torn between her love for Mia and her beloved grandkid Sky. Sky looked at Lady Arina, his heart heavy with uncertainty. "What do you mean by that, Grandma?" he asked, his voice trembling with confusion.

"Mia came to talk to me," Lady Arina began, her voice breaking as she recalled the conversation. "She told me to reconsider the marriage. She said she is willing to do anything to make you happy. But I... I am selfish. I never thought about your feelings. I am selfish, just like Silvy said. You've done so much for me, Sky, and you've done enough. It is time for you to choose the life you want."

Tears welled in Lady Arina's eyes as she looked at Sky. "I don't want to lose you like I lost Selena," she whispered, her voice full of vulnerability. "Please, choose your happiness, my dear."

Sky's heart shattered as he rushed to her side, his arms wrapping around his grandmother. "Grandma, thank you," he cried, his emotions spilling over in a torrent of grief. "Thank you for everything."

Lady Arina chuckled softly through her tears, wiping her eyes. "You deserve to be with someone you love, Sky," she said, her tone filled with tenderness. "But make sure to keep your composure. Don't do anything inappropriate in public," she teased, trying to lighten the moment with a smile.

Sky nodded, his chest tight with the weight of her words. "Please excuse me, Grandma. I'll be back," he said, his voice shaky as he pulled away, determined to make things right.

He hurried out of the palace, his heart racing. He switched on his black knight, his trusted Audi, and roared down the road, each second pulling him closer to the one he loved. His thoughts were a whirlwind of emotion, his mind focused solely on one thing...finding Mon.

As the tires screeched on the asphalt, Sky's phone buzzed in his hand. He called Jim, but the call went unanswered. His eyes darted to the road ahead, and he saw the social media post from Dianne. His heart skipped a beat as he realized what it meant, he had to get to the airport, and he had to get there now.

Minutes passed like hours, and Sky's frustration grew as he watched the car in front of him. The horn blared, annoying Tee, who was in the passenger seat. Through the front mirror, Sky saw the car ahead of him, its brake lights flashing.

"Woah!" Jim shouted in panic as Sky swiftly overtook them.

They came to an abrupt stop, and Sky stepped out of the car, his eyes fixed on the woman standing just ahead. Jules Parker.

Jules stepped out of the car, frozen in place as she saw him. Her heart raced, and she could feel the weight of the moment pressing on her chest. Sky's voice cut through the air, loud and clear. "Oi, Jules Parker! Congratulations on becoming Jules Chandler!"

The words pierced through Jules like a dagger. She stood there, motionless, as her vision blurred with tears. The world around her faded, and all she could hear was the pounding of her heart. Her body refused to move as her mind grappled with the truth. Sky Chandler, her one and only love, was standing there, and the weight of his words shattered her completely.

Her world spun as she lost control of her body. She couldn't run, couldn't speak, she was completely frozen, lost in a whirlwind of emotions that left her breathless.