Angela Watson's Office – Night
The city lights shimmered through the tall glass windows as Angela Watson sat immersed in work inside her pristine office. The soft hum of her computer and the distant clatter of keys created a serene backdrop—until the door creaked open.
"Moooom!" Alice burst in with a mischievous grin, tiptoeing behind the large executive chair and wrapping her arms around her mother's shoulders.
Angela smiled warmly, placing a soft kiss on her daughter's cheek. "You're glowing," she said. "Give me ten more minutes and we'll go for dinner. I know you're starving."
Alice pouted playfully. "Only if we go to Aubergine. You know it's my favorite."
Angela chuckled. "Of course. But first, tell me—did you finish that new dress design?"
"Almost done," Alice beamed. "Just final touches left."
Angela's eyes lit up with pride. "I love it already. If that design hits the market, it'll skyrocket in sales."
Alice laughed, shaking her head. "Mom, don't hype it just because I'm your daughter."
Angela turned in her chair, eyes sincere. "I'm not. I'm just proud—because you are designing branded clothes for our company. And you're the best."
Alice blushed. "Okay, now come fast. My stomach's starting to yell at me."
Angela was about to rise when something on her screen caught her eye. Her smile faded. "Wait... what is this?"
Her brows furrowed. She clicked furiously, eyes narrowing. "What the hell...?"
She slammed the table and pressed a button on the intercom. "Alex, come to my cabin immediately."
Alice tensed. "Mom... what's wrong?"
Moments later, Alex, the assistant, rushed in, breathless. "Yes, Ma'am?"
Angela's tone turned sharp. "Why are all public articles about Alice and Rico's engagement announcement removed from media channels?"
Alice's eyes widened. "What?"
Alex trembled. "Ma'am... yes... they were taken down."
Angela stood, voice thundering. "Who gave you permission to remove that news?"
She slammed her palm on the desk. Alice touched her arm, gently. "Mom, please... calm down."
Angela's eyes burned. "Answer me, Alex. Was it Clara?"
Alex stuttered, lips trembling. "No, Ma'am... it was... Mr. Michael Watson. He told me to remove it."
Angela froze. "Michael?! I should have known. Always standing against his own mother's wishes."
Alice stepped in. "Alex, it's okay. You can go."
As Alex turned to leave, he mumbled under his breath, just loud enough to hear, "If I didn't try to steal that document... if Michael hadn't caught me... he wouldn't have blackmailed me to cover it by removing the articles... now I'm sure I'll be fired…"
He vanished behind the door.
Angela stood there, shaking. Alice stepped closer and softly said, "Mom… Michael is right. That news article... it might ruin his image... and FJ4's brand too. Even Rico's reputation could get hurt."
Angela scoffed. "Who told him to become an idol in the first place? I raised him to be a businessman. I built this empire for him."
Alice tried to soothe her. "Maybe... he's just trying to protect what matters to him in his own way. Please, don't be too harsh…"
Angela exhaled deeply and sat down again, emotions churning beneath her silence.
---
Night Beach Near Resort – Later That Evening
The waves rolled softly under the moonlight, the sea breeze brushing gently through Jenna's hair as she sat on the sand, arms wrapped around her knees, watching the glowing skyline.
It was peaceful.
Until—
"Beautiful night, isn't it?" came a smooth voice.
Jenna turned.
A tall man in semi-casual attire approached. He looked oddly familiar.
"You…" she squinted. "I think I've seen you somewhere…"
He chuckled. "We haven't officially met, but you've got sharp eyes. You must've seen my picture on the invitation the Liora Group's party. I'm Zack. Zack Vincent."
Jenna nodded, now recognizing him. "You're Hendrix Vincent's son?"
Zack smiled. "Bingo. And you are... Jenna, right?"
She returned the smile. "Nice to meet you. Are you here on vacation too?"
Zack shook his head. "Not exactly. This beach is part of our resort. My family owns this place."
Jenna blinked. "Oh... wow. That's... unexpected."
Zack sat beside her. "Are you alone here? Or did you come with your boyfriend?"
Before Jenna could answer, a firm voice cut through the night air.
"She came with me," said Michael, stepping forward and placing his hand on Jenna's shoulder.
Jenna's heart skipped. "Michael?!"
Zack smirked. "So this is your girlfriend, huh? Then what about Mira "
Jenna shocked.
Michael rolled his eyes. "How many times do I have to say it? Mira is not my girlfriend."
Jenna shrugged off his hand. "I'm leaving. You two go ahead and talk."
Zack grinned. "Bye, Jenna. Hope we meet again."
Jenna walked briskly toward the resort path, but Michael followed and caught her hand.
"Are you seriously flirting here with another guy?" he asked, almost breathless.
Jenna whipped around. "Stop! I'm not like that. I only love one person... and that person is supposed to be my future husband."
Michael froze.
The wind carried her words as his defenses shattered.
He took a step closer. "Then… why were you talking with him?"
Jenna laughed lightly, trying to mask the storm inside her. "Why are you asking? And who are you to ask?"
He stared at her, brows tight. "Because I—"
Jenna narrowed her eyes. "Then let me ask. Who is Mira?"
Michael looked away. "You didn't answer me yet…"
Jenna snapped back, "And you haven't answered me either."
He took another step forward. His hands trembled slightly. "I am…"
Before he could finish, he leaned in suddenly, his lips capturing hers in a deep, passionate kiss—warm, intense, and unguarded.
Jenna's eyes widened in shock, but something inside her melted.
When he pulled back, he didn't say a word.
He turned... and walked away.
Jenna stood alone, her fingers slowly brushing her lips, stunned.
The night air was still, but her heart raced wildly.
And somewhere deep inside, she knew—
Nothing would ever be the same again.
---
To be continued... 🖤