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In Front of Castle Hotel
The night air was cold, and the glowing lamps outside the Castle Hotel shimmered like lonely stars.
Ameya sat slumped in a chair near the entrance, her cheeks flushed red, eyes half-lidded. The smell of alcohol lingered around her.
Her lashes trembled as she opened her eyes. For a split second, a blurry figure appeared before her.
"Rico…" she whispered, her lips quivering in shock.
But when she blinked again, it was empty. Just the silence of the street and the faint hum of cars passing by.
Ameya pressed her palms against her face, trembling.
"It's all… just a dream," she muttered, tears streaming down. She hugged her knees tightly, curling up in pain.
A sleek car pulled up, its headlights slicing the shadows. Jenna stepped out, her expression softening the moment she saw Ameya's broken figure.
"She's still hurting… maybe about the group disbanding," Jenna thought, her chest aching.
She walked forward and gently patted Ameya's shoulder.
"Ameya…"
At once, Ameya turned, clutching Jenna tightly while still sitting in the chair. Jenna bent slightly, hugging her back with warmth, standing tall like a shield for her fragile friend.
---
In Rico's Car
The city lights blurred past the tinted glass. Rico sat in the back seat, his face pale with worry. His hand rested against the window, tapping nervously.
"Sir, where shall we go next?" the driver asked cautiously.
Rico didn't look away from the window. "My house."
"Yes, sir," the driver replied, steering toward the familiar road.
Rico's eyes darkened with thoughts that gave him no rest.
---
Morning at Rico's House
The golden sun poured through Clara's curtains as she stirred awake. She rubbed her eyes, glancing at the clock.
"What…? I slept too long!" she gasped, sitting up abruptly. She pressed the bell, and soon the maid entered.
"Morning, ma'am," the maid greeted.
"Did Rico come back yesterday?" Clara asked quickly.
"Yes, ma'am," the maid replied.
Clara frowned. "Then why didn't you wake me up? I told you to call me the moment he arrived."
The maid bowed slightly. "Sorry, ma'am. Mr. Rico said not to disturb you. He came to your room at night, but then went to his own room."
Clara's lips softened with a rare smile. "He… came to my room?" She quickly gathered herself. "Fine. Then arrange breakfast with my Rico. It's been so long since we've eaten together."
The maid lowered her head. "Ma'am, sir already left for the office."
Clara froze. "What…?"
Her face darkened as the maid quietly left.
---
In Clara's Office
Clara stormed into Rico's cabin but her heart melted the instant she saw him. He was buried in files, his back straight, more mature than before.
"Rico," she called softly.
He looked up, startled, then brightened. "Mom!"
He rose immediately, walking toward her. Clara smiled warmly as he wrapped his arms around her.
"How are you, Mom?" he asked with a smile.
Clara chuckled. "You've changed a lot… but I'm fine. What about you?"
"Me too," Rico smiled gently.
"Why didn't you tell me you were coming back?" Clara scolded lightly.
Rico hesitated, scratching his neck. "I wanted to surprise you, Mom."
Clara slapped his hand playfully. "Still the same. You didn't change."
Rico laughed, hugging her again. Clara's eyes softened. "I missed you, my boy. Spend more time with your mother."
Rico nodded.
But just then, the door swung open. Both turned, and their smiles froze.
Angela stood there, her lips curved into a venomous smile.
"How's your life abroad, Rico?" she asked, her voice dripping with false sweetness.
The light dimmed in Rico's eyes. "How do you think… Auntie?"
Angela chuckled. "Of course, you must have enjoyed yourself, right?"
"Yes… far away from all troubles," Rico said bitterly.
Clara's eyes widened. "Troubles?"
Angela gasped dramatically. "Look, Clara, your son calls us troubles."
Clara immediately pinched Rico's ear. "What is this, Rico?"
"Ow, Mom! I was just kidding!" Rico laughed awkwardly.
Clara released him, shaking her head.
Angela stepped forward. "Rico, come with me. I need to talk."
Clara interjected, "But you can talk here—"
"No, Mom," Rico interrupted quickly. "I'll be back after speaking with Auntie. Please wait."
Before Clara could stop them, Rico followed Angela out.
---
In the Café Area
Angela's heels clicked against the marble floor as she led Rico to the quiet café corner. She sat gracefully, crossing her legs, her eyes sharp as a hawk.
"I agreed with what you said five years ago. You went abroad as you wished," she began, her tone calm but heavy. "Now, you must agree to what I say."
Rico smirked coldly. "I know."
Angela leaned closer. "If anything happens to this engagement… I won't leave you, Rico. Remember, I saved your mother's company during that major loss. Don't you dare fool me again."
She rose, her voice echoing like a threat. "Three days from now, you'll be engaged to my daughter. Prepare yourself."
She turned and walked away, her perfume lingering like poison.
Rico sat frozen, his faint smile vanishing completely. His fists clenched under the table.
---
In Angela's Office
Angela returned to her office, calmly typing on her laptop. The door creaked open, and Alice entered, tiptoeing before hugging her mother from behind.
Angela smirked. "I know it's you, Alice."
Alice kissed her cheek. "Let's go for lunch, Mom."
"Wait five minutes," Angela said, her eyes still on the screen.
Alice tilted her head. "Mom…"
Angela glanced back. "What? Do you want to say something?"
Alice hesitated, then spoke brightly. "You know Michael likes Jenna, right? Why are you staying so silent? I know you like her too… I'd be so happy if she became my brother's wife. Her family is wonderful."
Angela's eyes narrowed. "And what do you want me to do? Your brother hasn't said a word about his love. How can I move forward without him?"
Alice smiled earnestly. "Because I know him, Mom. He's just waiting for the right time. But if you surprise him by talking to Jenna's family about their engagement, he'll be overjoyed. Please, Mom."
Angela studied her daughter's glowing face, then smiled slowly. "Of course."
Alice's eyes widened. "Really?"
"Yes. Let's arrange an engagement party—for you and your brother together."
Alice gasped. "What? Really? Thank you, Mom!"
She hugged Angela tightly, her heart bursting with joy, while Angela's calculating smile lingered behind her.
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