Eleven years ago
The streets were crowded with traffic this morning. Sean saw a taxi broken down in the middle of the road. A girl got out of the passenger seat. Her eyes darted back and forth, looking for help. Every now and then she glanced at the watch on her wrist. The panic on her face was clear.
Sean ordered the driver to stop right next to the taxi. Soon after, Sean opened his car window, intending to help the young girl wearing the same uniform as him. Her face was unfamiliar. This young girl looked like a new student.
"You're an Eldermount Academy student, right?" Sean offered to help because the school gates were about to close.
"Yes." The girl lifted her chin, nervously accepting Sean's offer. She couldn't be late, especially on her first day at her new school.
The car sped along at high speed, with no conversation during the trip. Every now and then, Sean glanced at the girl sitting next to him. She had bangs and an innocent face. Sean remembered that his first encounter with this woman had sparked lively conversation at his school. The gossip was that this girl was Sean's girlfriend and that was why Sean always rejected Alexa.
The satin fabric fell perfectly, accentuating her curves. Her hair was styled in a low messy bun, leaving only a few strands falling over her temples, giving her an elegant look. Her gaze was calm, not seeking attention, but her presence was enough to captivate Sean's heart. Sean walked closer, and the woman rewarded him with a soft smile that seemed to welcome his arrival.
"Hi." Sean greeted her, giving her a warm hug and staring intently at her face. Beautiful. Still the same as when they first met.
"Hi, Sean. How are you?" Liora, who was a little nervous, tried to break the ice. For some reason, even though they had known each other for quite a long time, Liora was always nervous when she was with Sean. Liora Vivianne Skye was known for her intelligence. Since high school, Liora had achieved remarkable success by winning many international science competitions. Now, this young doctor was reaching the peak of her career as a prospective obstetrician. The hospital where Liora worked belonged to the Sterling family, a large and influential institution. Liora's intelligence made Sean secretly admire her.
Sean and Liora's conversation was interrupted by someone's arrival. Sean's expression immediately turned flat because of the intruder. Raphael Quinn, one of Sean's best friends and Becca's boyfriend, approached Sean to ask about Becca's whereabouts, as his girlfriend's phone was turned off. Raphael glanced at Liora briefly, and Liora, feeling awkward about Raphael's arrival, decided to join the others.
Raphael is known for being cold toward women, except for his girlfriend, Becca. Unlike the friendly Sean, his best friend can't even tell the difference between special treatment and regular treatment. He often treats all women the same way. Sean always believes that women are gentle creatures, so we as men must treat them well. Men are indeed foolish. Raphael is very disgusted with his statement about that. We all know that as men, we must respect women and treat them well. However, not all women should be treated the same, Sean. Then, what's the difference between a special woman and other women if that's the case? And where's the point of protecting her heart, Sean? Sometimes Raphael thinks that men like Sean are just like playboys, except they play more subtly. It doesn't look hurtful, but in fact, it's just as hurtful. It can even be more hurtful.
"You're her boyfriend. Why are you asking me? Maybe she's still on her way," Sean replied briefly.
"You're Becca's best friend, how could you not know?" Hearing Raphael's reply, Sean gave him a sharp look, making Raphael chuckle.
"Earlier, she said she wanted to meet al.." Before Raphael could finish his sentence, he bumped into someone. Raphael looked up and turned to see who had spilled wine on his tuxedo. It was his own friend, Julian. The troublemaker label was aptly pinned on him. Julian always had some project or other going on every day. Seeing no sign of guilt on Julian's face made Raphael furious. Raphael sighed deeply. It was pointless to waste his energy arguing with Julian, so this time Raphael gave in. He went to the restroom to clean his tuxedo.
Raphael is known as a wiser and more mature person compared to his other friends, which is probably why Becca, a spoiled girl, feels very comfortable in her relationship with Raphael. Becca's spoiled nature is not considered wrong when she is with Raphael. Perhaps if she were with another man, a woman of Becca's age would be expected to be independent, but not with Raphael. According to him, love is when a couple shows their vulnerability to each other.
Without saying much, Julian took a glass of wine and gave it to Sean. His best friend didn't seem as cheerful as he used to be since Alexa left. Sean only gave him cold stares. Although Sean often felt annoyed by Alexa's presence as she always sought his attention, the little things Alexa did made Sean smile.
"How's Alexa? Is she coming?" Julian was curious and wanted to know because he hadn't heard from Alexa in a long time. Alexa used to follow Sean everywhere he went.
"I don't know." As usual, Sean always gave a short answer when asked about Alexa.
"You really don't like Alexa?" Julian was surprised that a girl as beautiful as Alexa was rejected. Julian's question was only answered with a shake of the head from the owner. It was always like that.
Raphael, who had just finished cleaning his tuxedo, accidentally overheard their conversation. Raphael remembered something. The words that had been left unsaid.
"Bro, I just remembered. Becca said she was going to meet Alexa." Raphael's words surprised his two friends. Before they could respond to Raphael, their attention was diverted by cheers.
With a soft creak, the large door of the hotel ballroom opened, revealing the sparkling lights inside. A beautiful woman stood under the dim lights. The soft pink dress she wore tonight fit her body perfectly, while her textured high bun hairstyle showed off her slender shoulders and neck. The soft pink hue radiated her feminine charm, while also evoking a sweet, romantic vibe perfect for the reunion. Every movement was so elegant. Becca walked with confidence, drawing the attention of all eyes.
Right behind her was Alexa, wearing a soft blue dress. The dress was made of soft, flowing silk. The top of the dress was covered with silver floral embroidery that sparkled softly under the lights. Her hair was left loose in a half up, half down style. The top of her hair was neatly arranged, twisted and pulled back, then decorated with a string of small stars that added a sweet and elegant touch. The rest of her hair was left loose. The touch of volume and texture made her appearance even more enchanting. She radiated a commanding aura in the midst of the crowd at tonight's reunion.
"You're perfect," Becca whispered as Alexa approached her.
"Look at you." Alexa replied, holding her friend's hand.
Thump!
She's back