CHAPTER ONE
THE BOND WE BUILT
Myra's POV
It had been more than five long years since I last saw Lyla.
After college, we both applied for scholarships, and fate carried us to different countries, different schools, and different lives. We kept in touch through messages, calls, and the occasional video chat, but distance had drawn an invisible wall between us. No matter how much we talked, it could never compare to being together.
But today was different. Today we were both finally returning to our home country. The thought of reuniting with Lyla after all these years filled me with excitement. She wasn't just my best friend—she was the best of the best, my soul sister, and I had missed her more than words could express.
The plane touched down at exactly 4:28 p.m. After clearing immigration and signing the necessary documents, I grabbed a taxi straight to our family house.
The sight of it pulled me into a wave of nostalgia—our "small mansion," as we fondly called it, surrounded by blooming flowers of every kind. "Wow… these flowers are still thriving," I whispered with a smile. Pulling out a spare key, I unlocked the door and stepped inside.
Everything was exactly as we had left it, only hidden beneath layers of dust and cobwebs. Memories clung to every corner, but so did dirt. I couldn't possibly sleep in such a mess. Dropping my luggage in my old room, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. From my room, to Lyla's, to the guest rooms, kitchen, bathrooms, dining, and living room—I scrubbed and cleaned until exhaustion wrapped around me like a heavy blanket.
By the time I was done, I was drained. Still, I needed to prepare dinner. Opening the fridge, I groaned—completely empty. Of course, no one had lived here for years. Smacking my forehead, I grabbed my purse and bank card, then headed to the nearest store.
"Good evening, ma'am. Could you direct me to the beverages, bread, and groceries?" I asked politely.
"Right that way," the attendant replied with a smile.
I thanked her, quickly made my purchases, and returned home. But as I reached the door, my heart skipped. It was unlocked.
That can't be right—I was sure I locked it.
Instinctively, I picked up a wooden plank lying nearby and tightened my grip. Holding the groceries in my other hand, I slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside.
In the kitchen, a chubby woman with blonde hair stood facing the window, munching away in black pajamas.
"Who the hell are you, and what are you doing in my house?" I screamed, clutching the plank tightly.
She turned around, and my eyes widened in disbelief. My jaw dropped so low a fly could have found a resting place inside.
Then I saw her face.
"Lyla!" I shouted, dropping both the wood and the groceries as I ran to hug her.
"Oh my goodness, you scared me! When did you arrive?" I asked breathlessly.
"Not too long ago," she smirked. "And you? Don't tell me you've already made new friends?" Her eyes narrowed playfully. "And why were you holding a plank? Planning to kill me?"
Laughing, I shook my head. "You ask too many questions! Fine—I came back a few hours ago. The house was a disaster, so I cleaned it top to bottom. I wanted to cook but realized the fridge was empty, so I ran to the store. When I returned, the door was unlocked. I panicked, grabbed that wood just in case it was a thief… but thankfully, it was you. You nearly gave me a heart attack!"
Lyla chuckled. "You actually did well—you would've made a good fighter. But I think you were about two seconds away from smashing my head."
I grinned. "Don't forget, you're the one who taught me to always keep something sharp or strong nearby for protection. Remember? Your parents taught you, and you passed it on to me. So, thank you, sensei."
Her laughter faded and her expression softened. "Yeah… I guess some lessons just stick. But enough of that—let's talk about something else. Tell me everything. How's life been? How were your studies?"
I smiled warmly. "Honestly, it's been fine, though not easy. I graduated with a first-class in medicine, which I'm proud of. Now the plan is to find a good job, settle down, and eventually have enough saved for vacations—just the two of us. But most of all, I missed you. You're the only person I can truly call mine." I hugged her tightly again, tears pricking my eyes.
She returned the hug and pulled back with a grin. "Bestie, I've missed you too. And guess what? I completed my master's in journalism. It was tough, but worth it. I know Mom and Dad would be proud of us both. But right now, what I need most is rest. My brain is fried—I'm taking a month off for my mental health."
I laughed. "Oh, look at you acting like you're the only one who's tired. We're both drained, and that's exactly why we're here. This month is about us—rest, peace, and fun before the chaos of job hunting begins."
"So," I said, leaning forward, "what should we eat?"
She shrugged. "Maybe noodles? What do you think?"
I smirked. "Forget that. I already bought pizza, burgers, fries, chicken, and soft drinks. No need to cook tonight."
Her face lit up. "Wow, I didn't even think of that. You're a lifesaver, bestie. Tomorrow I'll make us a proper breakfast, but tonight we feast."
"I'll go grab the food from my room," I said, already smiling at the thought of the reunion dinner.