Jude let out a long, heavy breath and rubbed the back of his neck. "I don't want this, Jade. I don't even like your friend, and you know it."
She nodded slowly, eyes softening with understanding. "I know. But what can we do? You're the son of a politician. Monica's an heiress, daughter of one of the richest men around. And me?" She gave a small, bitter laugh. "I'm just the housekeeper's daughter. The cook's kid. That's it."
Jude looked away for a long moment, staring at the ground as if the answers were hidden in the dirt.
He had an idea, although he doubted Jade would accept it.
Eventually, he lifted his gaze back to her, hesitant but determined. "What if we just… ran away? Together."
Jade's brows shot up. "Are you out of your mind?! Jude, no. I can't. Eloping is simply not an option for me. I have a mother who relies on me, and you know that. If I disappeared, she'd be the one who'd suffer most."
He nodded, the hope in his eyes dimming but not disappearing. "I get it. I do. But I'm not giving up. I'll find a way to free myself from this situation. I promise."
Jade let out a weary sigh, shoulders slumping. "Okay." She glanced around the clearing, suddenly hyper-aware of every rustle in the leaves. "But being here with you now already feels like I'm doing something dangerous. If anyone ever found out…" She trailed off, shaking her head. "I should go."
Jude didn't try to stop her. He just watched as the woman he loved walked away through the undergrowth, her figure gradually swallowed by green
He knew it was up to him. He needed to take action to change their circumstances.
One week later
The going-away party was in full swing with string lights twinkling across the garden, laughter drifting over the music, trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres circulating.
"Hey, Monica!"
Monica turned at the familiar voice, her face breaking into a genuine smile.
"Rhonda!" She stepped forward for a quick hug. "You made it."
"Congratulations on the MBA, girl! I'm so proud of you," Rhonda said, beaming. "You look incredible, by the way."
Monica laughed softly, keeping her expression bright. "Thank you. I'm honestly really excited."
"I can tell," Rhonda teased, giving her a playful nudge.
"Monica!" Albert's voice cut through the chatter from across the lawn.
She glanced over her shoulder, then back at Rhonda. "Sorry I should go. Dad's summoning."
Rhonda waved her off with an understanding grin. "Go on. We'll catch up later."
Monica smoothed her dress and hurried over to her father, who was already scanning the crowd.
"The Petersons just arrived," he said quietly, placing a guiding hand on her back. "We should go say hello."
Monica's stomach did a small flip, but she managed a steady nod. "Okay. Of course, Dad."
He led the way through clusters of guests until they reached a small group near the fountain.
"Mr. and Mrs. Peterson," Albert called warmly as they approached.
The Petersons turned, smiles widening.
"Albert! We've been looking for you," Mr. Peterson said, extending a hand. His eyes shifted to Monica. "And this must be your daughter."
Albert's chest puffed slightly with pride. "Yes, my one and only. Monica."
Mrs. Peterson's gaze softened as she took Monica in, head to toe. "Oh my goodness, she's breathtaking. Far more striking than the girl Jude's been seeing."
Monica's smile faltered for half a second. She shot a quick, questioning look at her father. "What girl? He was… dating someone?"
Before anyone could answer, Jude stepped forward from the edge of the group, hands in his pockets, expression tight.
"Yes," he said evenly, meeting Monica's eyes for the briefest moment before looking away. "I am."
Monica's eyes widened the moment she saw him… tall, sharp jawline, blue eyes that carried intensity. He was even more striking up close than she'd imagined.
"Monica, this is Jude Peterson," Albert said smoothly, gesturing between them.
Monica managed a polite smile, though her pulse had picked up. "Hi."
Mrs. Peterson beamed, turning to her son. "Isn't she beautiful, Jude?"
Jude flicked his gaze toward Monica, brief, almost reluctant, then looked away again. "I still prefer my girlfriend."
Mr. Peterson's smile tightened. "We've been over this, son. That girl isn't suitable for you. She doesn't fit the life we've planned."
Jude's jaw clenched. "I love her, Dad. That doesn't change just because you say it should."
His parents shared a quick, exasperated glance.
Monica felt the air grow heavier around her, her own smile fading as embarrassment and disappointment settled in her chest.
Albert stepped in smoothly, voice calm and confident. "My daughter is an excellent match for you, Jude. You'll see that in time."
Jude met Monica's eyes for a single, loaded second before he gave a small, tight shake of his head.
He knew they wouldn't let the matter go. They would try to force them together.
Without another word, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd of guests.
Mrs. Peterson pressed a hand to her collarbone, cheeks flushing. "I'm so sorry about his behavior. He's… stubborn sometimes."
Monica swallowed, forcing her voice to stay even. "Who… who is the girl he's dating? Do I know her?"
Mrs. Peterson sighed. "I'm not entirely sure. But her name is Jade White."
Monica was left utterly speechless, unable to process the revelation.
Jade.
Her Jade.
She stood frozen.