The night was calm, and the streets glimmered faintly beneath the scattered streetlights. Ava walked beside Jedidiah in silence, her heels tapping rhythmically on the pavement. Their destination stood quietly ahead — a small, well-kept house with dim lights peeking through drawn curtains.
Jedidiah stopped at the door and knocked twice. A brief shuffle sounded inside before the door opened, revealing a young woman.
The instant her eyes met his, time seemed to pause.
"Jedidiah?" Aquileia breathed, disbelief clouding her voice.
Ava's lips tightened. Her gaze flickered sharply between the two as if measuring unspoken history.
Jedidiah's expression softened faintly. "It's been a while."
Still stunned, Aquileia blinked before slowly stepping aside. "Come in," she said at last.
Inside Aquileia's House
The interior was simple yet neat — pale curtains, old photographs on the wall, and the faint smell of chamomile. Jedidiah's eyes lingered on the framed photo of a younger version of her at a company party. A faint smile tugged at his lips.
"Still the same décor," he murmured, walking in with calm, practiced grace. Ava followed, her eyes subtly scanning every corner as if she were reading traces of a story hidden in the furniture.
Aquileia tried to compose herself. "Would you… like something to eat?"
Jedidiah gave a small nod. "If you don't mind."
She disappeared briefly into the kitchen. The clatter of dishes and scent of fried rice soon filled the air. Ava hesitated before finally sighing and accepting a plate when it was offered.
Jedidiah began eating without ceremony, his movements unhurried. But he noticed it almost immediately — the stillness between the two women. Ava's posture was stiff, her fork untouched, while Aquileia's gaze occasionally drifted toward her with thinly veiled tension.
Jedidiah looked up from his meal and smirked. "Ten years… and it seems time still hasn't cleared the misunderstanding."
Both women turned toward him, startled — then toward each other, their displeased expressions confirming his point.
Aquileia broke the silence first. Her tone was composed, but her eyes betrayed the storm inside. "Why are you here, Jedidiah? After all these years — why come to me?"
Jedidiah didn't answer right away. He leaned back slightly, meeting her gaze with quiet curiosity. "Why aren't you working at Raymond Tech?"
The question hit her harder than she expected. She blinked, her composure faltering. "What?"
Jedidiah's tone was calm, but firm. "You were one of their best. When I left, you were rising fast. What happened?"
For a moment, Aquileia just sat there in silence. Then, with a shaky breath, she spoke.
Flashback – Ten Years Ago
"I went back the day after you left," she began quietly. "I thought I could at least prove that your departure didn't destroy everything. But the moment I walked into Raymond Residence, they treated me like I was a traitor."
(Her voice trembled as she recalled the memory.)
"Dr. Raymond didn't even look at me. Michelle pretended I didn't exist. Kate made sure everyone knew I wasn't welcome. They said I was part of their downfall."
(Ava's expression softened slightly, though she didn't speak.)
"I begged for a chance to explain, but Hayden—" her voice cracked, "Hayden ended things right there. He didn't even ask for an explanation. Just said he couldn't be with someone who 'sided with Jedidiah.'"
Jedidiah's fork paused mid-air.
Aquileia laughed bitterly. "I was fired on the spot. No compensation. No farewell. Just security escorting me out as if I were trash." Her eyes glistened faintly, though she fought back tears. "Kennedith was the only one who treated me kindly — helped me find a small job, gave me advice when I wanted to give up. But even that wasn't enough. I was thrown away, Jedidiah. Like I never mattered."
Her voice faded. The room fell into silence again.
End of Flashback
"That's why," Aquileia said finally, looking up at him. "That's why I can't go back."
Jedidiah's eyes softened. For once, his usual composure faltered. He sighed quietly, setting down his fork. There were no words that could undo what she'd endured.
But before he could speak, Ava broke the silence. Her tone was gentle, but her words deliberate.
"What if… we make a deal?"
Both Aquileia and Jedidiah turned toward her.
Aquileia tilted her head slightly, her curiosity piqued despite herself. She leaned back, folding her arms. "Go on."
Ava smiled faintly, her voice calm and confident. "You don't have to return to them. Work with us instead."
Meanwhile – Sophia's House
The next morning, Sophia lay on her bed, her injuries still tender but improving. Alice sat beside her, carefully cleaning the remaining wounds with practiced gentleness.
"You should rest," Alice murmured. "You're healing, but not enough to start moving around again."
Sophia smiled faintly. "Yes, doctor."
Alice chuckled softly and stood to tidy the room, humming quietly to herself. Her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen — and froze.
Kennedith.
For a long second, she hesitated. Then, taking a deep breath, she answered. "Hey," she said softly.
"Hey," came his voice — low, careful, almost tender. "I just wanted to check on you. And Sophia." He added immediately.
Alice blinked, surprised by his tone. "She's… better. Thanks to you."
"I'm glad," he said, then paused as if debating his next words. "You are sounding tired. Have you been sleeping at all?"
Alice smiled faintly, sitting on the edge of the couch. "Barely. Too much to think about."
Kennedith chuckled softly on the other end. "Still overthinking everything, huh? Some things never change."
Her lips curved despite herself. "And you're still teasing people who worry."
"That's because it works," he replied with mock seriousness, earning a quiet laugh from her.
They spoke for a few more minutes — about Sophia's recovery, the situation at Raymond Tech, and even trivial things like her favorite snacks still being the same. When the conversation faded, silence settled between them — the kind that was peaceful yet heavy with memories.
"I should let you rest," Kennedith said finally. "Take care of yourself, Alice."
"I will," she replied quietly. "Thank you… for calling."
The line went silent.
Alice stared at her phone long after the call ended, a faint smile ghosting her lips before she caught herself and looked away.
Sophia, who had been pretending to sleep, opened one eye with a mischievous grin. "Someone's smiling like a schoolgirl."
Alice turned sharply. "Sophia!"
Sophia laughed, mimicking her sister's soft tone from the call. "Oh, thank you, Kennedith… you're so kind…"
Alice's face flushed as she threw a pillow at her. "Stop it!"
Their playful bickering filled the room until Sophia finally quieted, her expression softening. "You still care about him, don't you?"
Alice hesitated. "I… don't know. I can't jump to conclusions. I don't know what he's up to—or if any of it is real. After everything, I can't just trust his words."
Sophia nodded slowly, understanding. But she could see something different in her sister's eyes—something that wasn't there before.
Alice stood, quickly composing herself. "I'm going to the supermarket. Don't move too much while I'm gone."
Sophia waved dismissively. "Yes, yes, mother."
Alice grabbed her purse and left.
Moments later, Sophia's phone vibrated. She frowned, then smiled faintly as she read the message.
It was from Brian.
"Long time no see. We need to talk."
Sophia's expression changed — intrigue mixed with unease.
The storm was far from over.