Minerva's eyebrow arched slightly. Her lashes dipped toward the noticeable object on her sister's chest. Her words sparked questions in her mind.
"What am I supposed to understand?"
Monica hesitantly offered the album, and Minerva acted without hesitation, yet the thought of easily snatching the album made her eyebrow rise. Monica appeared unwilling to let go. "Release it," she stated firmly, but Monica shook her head. "Promise you won't tell anyone. You'll be the only person who knows," Monica insisted as she yanked the album back. Now the two were engaged in a sort of tug-of-war.
Minerva tightly grasped the album and yanked it away, causing Monica to lose her hold. Minerva let out a sigh of relief and glanced at her sister's pleading expression. She could only place a hand on her forehead and nodded. She cared deeply for her sister, and it only took one look from her pleading eyes to make her agree. "Of course. I promise."
As soon as she uttered those words, Monica smiled and straightened up. "Alright," she said, motioning for Minerva to open the album. Minerva could only shake her head three times before she opened the book. Her eyes widened. Her fingers paused for three seconds as she flipped through the pages, then eventually continued. Her mouth dropped open as she turned the thick book in her hands.
The entire book features just one image of a youthful and vibrant Jared. Minerva glanced at her sister, whose cheeks were tinted with a lovely blush and wore a shy expression. The corner of Minerva's mouth twitched. "This—"
Monica, with a charming smile gracing her lips, shyly looked away, her white slender hands nervously twisting the bedsheet. "Hehe. He was my crush in college. But I lacked the courage to confess since dad arranged for me to have a fiancé. Hehe. Sis, I can only share this with you, so please keep it a secret."
Minerva couldn't stand to see the ridiculous look on her sister's face. Her flushed cheeks, her delightful grin—everything about her radiates the traits of someone love-struck.
It's her sister! The sister she always knew as reserved and disinterested in men could display such an expression! The sweet and charming youngest sibling, who used to regard boys as if they were mere pests... who could have imagined she could show such emotions?
On top of that, Minerva glanced back at the photo album. Each image is perfectly captured, as clear as can be. Her skill in capturing candid moments would put even the paparazzi to shame.
Stalker!
Her sister is such a d*mn stalker!
"D*mn!" Minerva shut the album and rubbed her temples. She paused when a sudden realization struck her. "Why didn't you tell him? If you've known him for so long, what stopped you? Forget about your fiancé, why didn't you say anything at all?"
She understood Monica wasn't keen on the arrangement, so why didn't she speak up?
"Uh, well... because he's just an average guy," Monica replied. Minerva knitted her brows in confusion. "What do you mean by average?" What does her sister mean by that?
Is it really so average that Jared owns the entire Yellow St? From the buildings to the roads, how is he average?
"Hey sis. He lives in an older neighborhood and works part-time jobs. His last job was at the diner on Yellow St., where I also worked. I'm worried that dad might harm him if he finds out about Jared. I've kept my feelings hidden because I don't want to burden him because of me---"
"Hang on!" Minerva motioned for her to pause. "Did you say both of you worked on Yellow St.? When was that?"
Something feels off. There's definitely something suspicious happening.
Monica nodded. "Yeah, it was a month ago," she said, recounting the whole story of what happened to them. Minerva listened intently, processing the information her sister provided.
With the details about Jared, Minerva finally arrived at a definitive conclusion.
Her sister is an obsessed stalker. A lovesick stalker!
After sharing everything, Minerva nodded her head. Her mind was working overtime, processing all the information and evaluating every consideration, eventually devising a plan. She placed her hand on Monica's shoulder and nodded with clear understanding.
"I get it, sister. This sister will support you in whatever you choose. I don't care if he's just a regular guy or someone without money, as long as you like him, that's all that matters to me. Stay positive, sister. I only want the best for you in your love life. I hope the other person feels the same way as you do."
Of course, Minerva said this because she was aware of who Jared really was and based on Monica's story, Monica had no clue about Jared's true identity. Whether he was an undercover wealthy man or merely a rich second-generation leading an ordinary life, Minerva wouldn't mind. But naturally, she didn't completely trust Jared since she had only met him a few times. She needed to observe Jared more closely to determine if he was like those fake young heirs from affluent families.
But Minerva hopes he's not.
That's why, sister. I want to make something of my life."
Minerva raised her gaze to her sibling. The way she spoke suggested that something significant was about to occur. Monica met her sister's gaze, locking eyes with her.
"I will break off the engagement, and if our parents don't approve..." Monica hesitated, struggling to get the words out, then continued, "I will leave home."
Minerva opened her mouth to respond, but no words emerged. She gazed into Monica's clear eyes, sensing there were no falsehoods in her words. The intensity with which she stared and spoke suggested that Monica had made a firm decision, one that would soon be unchangeable.
Yet, she is still so young. What will become of her in the outside world? What if their father severs all ties with her? What options would she have?
Minerva exhaled deeply, feeling a heavy weight settle in her chest. "Ending the engagement isn't a simple matter. You know it was established by the elders of both families. They won't terminate it just because you want them to."
Minerva felt a deep sense of helplessness. It was a promise made by both grandmothers, binding both families involved. Despite her grandfather's opposition, both her grandmother and father supported the arrangement. What else could be done? If Monica chooses to sever ties, their family would face the consequences because the other family has shares in the bank, and if they withdraw, the financial impact could be devastating, potentially driving the business into bankruptcy. This would mean directly opposing the other family.
"No" Monica added. "I will do it legally".
Monica was aware of how challenging it is to break a promise made by elders, yet she was determined to avoid it. She could only find other means to legally sever ties with the other party.
"I'll ensure that everything ends appropriately."
Two days later. At Rocky's.
As the days went by, Jared's routine focused on getting fit while secretly training at home. The gossip about the game spread rapidly, and many people shared their opinions, both positive and negative. However, Jared, who was at the center of the rumor, remained unconcerned. He was only focused on the thoughts occupying his mind.
Matthew strolled over and casually leaned against the wall. His arms were folded across his chest as he looked down at Jared, who was sitting on the ground. "I got front-row tickets for the gangs. They want to watch you fight."
Jared stood up, stretching his stiff joints. "It's not really something that girls should be watching," he replied nonchalantly. Matthew chuckled. "I told the girls, but they're still eager to see you fight"
Jared chuckled and agreed. "I'll provide them with enjoyable entertainment."
It would be a lie if Matthew says he is not worried. He is worried, anxious. Stepping into the den of ferocious beasts, he couldn't help but worry. But his worries are unnecessary since Jared is not worried at all...not even a little bit.
That evening, at the same club, everyone gathered at the table, sipping drinks that suited their preferences. Gandrick disrupted the cheerful atmosphere by bringing up the subject of battle combat. Matthew recounted how Milton had invited Jared into participating in the underground arena combat tournament.
"That arrogant old man. Is he just a kid trapped in a balding man's body? He's acting so childish about that invitation he sent you," Selestine expressed her disgust at the news Matthew had shared with them. The others felt similarly.
Filio emptied his glass and poured another drink. He raised his glass to meet Jared's. "Absolutely. That guy is as sly as a fox. He must want you dead because he lost that last bet. What a foolish old b*st*rd!" He then took a sip and shook his head, clicking his tongue in disapproval.
"But there's an important detail..." Matthew interjected seriously, finishing his drink and adding, "we have no idea which set he plans to contest," before turning his gaze to Jared, who remained quiet in his seat.
Gandrick and Filio's mouths formed an 'O' in surprise compared to the reactions of the two girls. Filio gulped the last of his drink. "Is there a chance that that crafty old man will push his name into the final battle?"
The three guys looked at Jared one after the other. They saw nothing out of the ordinary. Jared appeared completely unfazed to them, exuding the usual carefree attitude as if he wasn't facing a fight in two days.
"Are you not at all anxious? What if your name ends up in the final match? The ultimate battle is all about the king of the arena. I heard it's the guy who's won five years straight and holds a title. He's not an easy opponent," Matthew remarked while scrutinizing Jared's indifferent expression.
Jared gently swirled his glass, watching the golden liquid dance around inside, smooth and elegant. "No. I just hope there are no rules in the ring," he replied in his casual tone.
It mattered not who the opponent was, whether amateur or professional. With his most notorious card up his sleeve, he felt no cause for concern.