"Finally, I'm here..." she whispered with a smile as she stepped slowly out of the train door, pausing for a moment to look around her surroundings.
A lady in her twenties, has an hourglass figure, perky breasts, and smooth alabaster skin. Her lustrous dark hair cascades down to her well-rounded buttocks, and she possesses attractively long, smooth legs. Her almond-shaped eyes and small nose complement her other facial features, and her smile lights up her surroundings.
She has an angelic face that captivates everyone who looks at her.
"Sherina!" a feminine voice echoed through the area.
The short-haired blonde woman wearing casual pants and a plain shirt happily waved her hand to capture the attention of the lady.
Sherina Sze, wearing a lightweight casual dress, glanced at the person who shouted and quickly ran towards them while pulling her luggage.
"Liliana!" She greeted her with a bright smile and a warm hug.
"Oh my! Delliana was right. You are one gorgeous lady!!"
"Thank you, But I'm nothing compared to Delly'" Sherina giggled.
"Stop it!" Liliana exclaimed, her eyes widening in playful disbelief. "When I first saw you, I honestly thought you were a celebrity." She quickly shifted her gaze to the tall man standing silently beside her, his expression unreadable. "Please, take her luggage," she instructed, her voice softer now, and then, in a swift motion, her eyes snapped back to Sherina. "Well, you must be exhausted from the trip. We should head back to the Mansion. The others can't wait to meet you."
The man, clad in a tailored suit, moved with quiet precision, gently lifting Sherina's luggage and leading them toward a sleek, black luxury car that gleamed under the fading sunlight. Sherina's best friend, Delliana Liu, owned a sprawling villa mansion just twenty minutes from the train station, nestled on the outskirts of the city—a place that felt more like a sanctuary than a home.
After two long years on an isolated island, Sherina finally decided it was time to return to Edenia City. But before diving back into the hustle of city life, she craved a brief moment of peace. A small town, five hours southeast of the city, was Delliana's childhood home, and she had offered Sherina a relaxing stay at her mansion before her return to the chaos of Edenia.
As the car made its way down the winding road, Sherina felt the weight of her decision to leave the island finally lift, replaced with the calming anticipation of a brief escape. Minutes later, the car slowed as they approached a towering bronze-colored gate. To Sherina's surprise, it opened automatically, revealing the expansive grounds beyond. Her eyes widened in astonishment; though she had spent countless days with Delliana on the island, she had never once guessed the extent of her family's wealth in the city.
The long, winding asphalt driveway stretched ahead, flanked by meticulously manicured gardens and towering trees. At the end of the path, standing proudly against the backdrop of a crisp blue sky, was a gleaming white mansion. The three-story structure stood tall, with expansive windows and a massive double-glass door that gleamed like crystal. At the top of a grand staircase, an elderly couple waited patiently, their warm smiles and open arms inviting them inside.
As the car came to a slow stop in front of the mansion, Sherina's breath caught in her chest. She took a moment to absorb the overwhelming beauty of the place before stepping out.
"Welcome, Sherina. It's such a pleasure to finally meet you," the elderly woman greeted, her voice soft with kindness. She extended her arms slowly, her movements slow yet graceful, as she stepped forward for a welcoming hug.
Sherina, overwhelmed by the sudden warmth of the welcome, offered a genuine smile. "Thank you, Grandmother," she said, her voice sincere.
The woman, Delaila Loredan Liu, was an Italian beauty who hailed from the prestigious Loredan family, known for owning shopping malls that spanned across the globe. She had married the legendary Chinese businessman Ding Xiang Liu, founder of the powerful LIU Finance Corporation. Both had retired early, passing their empire down to their son—a business prodigy who had taken over the family business at the age of 30.
Yet Sherina knew none of this.
The Liu family had always maintained an elusive presence in the public eye. Their privacy was fiercely guarded, and only a handful of high-profile individuals even recognized their faces. In fact, it was rare to find any photos of them online. Sherina, having spent most of her life detached from the world of business moguls and celebrities, had no idea that the legendary figures she had just met stood right in front of her.
Delliana had been thrilled by this, reveling in the fact that Sherina remained completely unaware of her family's vast wealth and influence. It allowed her to live a more "normal" life, away from the pressures of public scrutiny. The two had bonded over their shared experiences, with Sherina treating Delliana like a sister—someone who didn't judge her for her background, someone who taught her to live simply, to experience the world without the filters of fame or fortune.
For Delliana, it had been a rare, priceless gift—a friendship that had been built on sincerity and mutual respect, rather than the weight of wealth or status.
And for Delliana, she didn't found serenity on the island. She found serenity in Sherina. She gave her a kind of solace that no villa, no grand estate, or expensive vacation could ever offer. It was the peace that only a true connection could bring—the kind of friendship that made Delliana feel more grounded, more real, than she ever felt amid her family's wealth.
Sherina's POV
As I stepped inside the mansion, I was immediately struck by the grandeur of the interior. The living room was a masterpiece of luxury—a spacious expanse of polished marble floors, gleaming like mirrors under the soft, golden light that spilled from the crystal chandelier hanging overhead. The furnishings were exquisite—elegant sofas with plush, velvet cushions and intricate, gilded accents. Every corner of the room seemed to whisper of refinement, of a life steeped in opulence.
But it wasn't the lavish décor that seized my attention. It was the portrait above the white brick fireplace, a full-length oil painting of a family—an image so perfectly captured, it almost felt like a living memory suspended in time.
I took a step closer, drawn by the need to study the details. The woman at the center of the portrait was foreign, her beauty timeless, sitting gracefully in an ornate chair while holding a young boy in her arms. The boy wore a brown suit, complete with a black bow tie that complemented his golden hair, a face so angelic it almost seemed unreal. Beside them, a young girl stood—dressed in a soft blush pink dress, a headband crowning her blonde hair. Her fair skin and wide, round blue eyes gave her an innocent, doll-like appearance, so perfect that it seemed almost too good to be true.
The family appeared flawless—a picture-perfect unit, serene and untouchable. But what caught my eye wasn't just the children's beauty or the woman's graceful elegance—it was the man standing behind them.
A tall figure, his presence commanding the space, with black hair that seemed to capture the light in a way that made it glisten like polished obsidian. He exuded a powerful, almost intimidating aura. His features, a perfect fusion of Asian and foreign traits, created a strikingly handsome face—sharp, strong, and undeniably captivating. His gaze, though still, seemed to carry a story—one of depth, of strength, and of an intensity that made him almost seem alive. There was something about his presence that made the rest of the painting fade into the background.
"What do you think?" The voice beside me pulled me back from my thoughts.
I glanced up to find the elderly man standing next to me, a cigar dangling from his lips, his hand gripping a finely crafted cane. He exhaled a cloud of smoke, his steady gaze locking onto mine, his eyes warm and knowing, like the man in the painting.
"It's a perfect family," I murmured softly, unable to take my eyes off the portrait as I responded.
"Not quite," he replied with a faint chuckle, his voice rich with experience.
I shifted my gaze back to him, sensing something deeper in his words.
"Grandfather, Delly told me to give this to you," I said, reaching into my shoulder bag and pulling out a neatly folded letter. I extended it toward him, my fingers brushing the edge of the envelope as I offered it to him.
"The phone reception on the island was terrible, so she couldn't always contact you or grandmother," I continued. "But she wanted to tell you that you don't need to worry about her. She's happy, living a good life as an art teacher, and finally doing what she loves. She's content."
Grandfather took a moment to stare at the letter, his gaze faraway, as if searching for something hidden in the words that only he could understand.
"I see," he said quietly, a deep sigh escaping his lips. Gently, he took the letter from my hand and tucked it into his suit pocket, as if holding onto the small piece of her life with a quiet reverence.
"I suppose she still doesn't want to return," he murmured, his voice tinged with a soft melancholy. He closed his eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply before exhaling, his sigh thick with unspoken emotions. When his eyes opened again, he offered me a smile, though there was a sadness behind it.
"Thank you," he said, his voice warm and grateful. "You are a very sweet lady for taking such good care of Delliana on the island. It means a lot to me... to us."
I smiled back at him, a little unsure of what to say, but feeling the weight of his gratitude nonetheless.
End of POV
The family sat around a grand, spacious dining room table, its elegance almost overwhelming. The room exuded refinement, with soft, golden light spilling from the ornate glass chandelier overhead, its design delicate yet imposing. The faint clink of cutlery echoed in the air, blending with the murmur of casual conversation. The ambiance was warm, inviting, and intimate—a perfect setting for a meal shared among family.
"I really love your look, Sherina. Have you ever considered modeling?" Donna's voice rang out, playful and genuine, as she smiled warmly at her.
DonnaLyn Liu Conti, the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. Liu, leaned forward slightly as she spoke. She was the mother of Lilliana and Landon, her presence radiating grace and charm. Her husband, Caesar Conti, owned Velvet Entertainment Production, a company that blended the worlds of fame and wealth seamlessly.
"Uh... no," Sherina answered, her lips curving into a modest smile. "I'm not good in front of cameras."
"Well, you should try at least," Donna continued, her tone teasing but sincere. "You're almost perfect for it. I guarantee you'd be the face of the entertainment industry. Not to mention your height and beautiful figure. Darling, you'd be famous in no time." She chuckled lightly, clearly enjoying the thought.
Before Sherina could respond, a sigh broke through the conversation, and Landon, seated beside his mother, looked up from his plate. "Mamma, per favore, non mettere pressione," he muttered, the words escaping between bites. His voice was laced with a mild exasperation, though his fondness for his mother was evident.
Landon Liu Conti, the older brother of Lilliana, was a striking figure, exuding quiet authority. As the Chief Operating Officer of Velvet Entertainment, his presence carried the weight of both success and responsibility.
"Va bene, va bene..." Donna replied with a soft laugh, raising her hands in mock surrender as she turned back to Sherina. "But I'll give you my business card in case you change your mind."
"Thank you," Sherina smiled, appreciating the gesture, but shaking her head lightly.
"Mamma, voglio quello," the young boy beside Donna piped up, his voice insistent as he pointed to the plate of cupcakes on the table, his large eyes gleaming with a child's determination.
Liliana, who sat beside Sherina, quickly reached for a cupcake and passed it to Don, the little boy's eyes lighting up as he grabbed it with both hands. "I can't imagine you and Delly together," Liliana mused with a playful glint in her eye as she gently fed Don. "I'm sure both of you won a lot of hearts on that little island."
Sherina chuckled and shook her head, looking over at Liliana. "You're taller than Delly, right? Are you older than her?" Landon added, his voice full of curiosity.
Sherina smiled warmly, thinking for a moment. "Well, actually..." She paused, a playful glimmer in her eyes. "She's two years older than me, but whenever we're together, they always think I'm the older one. Hehe."
The family chuckled in unison, their laughter light and easy, as they settled into the warm rhythm of their meal.
"Do you think Delly hasn't grown any taller?" Landon teased, his laughter infectious as he exchanged a glance with his sister.
Sherina's smile deepened as she pulled out her phone from her bag. "Actually," she said, scrolling through her album, "I have a picture with her." She found the most recent one, taken at the airport on the island. She held the phone up, showing the photo to the table.
The elderly couple's eyes softened instantly, their faces lighting up with affection as they looked at the image. Delaila, her gaze full of warmth, let out a gentle sigh. "She hasn't changed at all," she said in a low, nostalgic tone.
"She's still short and flat," Landon teased, a grin spreading across his face as he leaned back in his chair.
"You still bully her, even when she's not here," Lilliana laughed, shaking her head at her brother, though there was a fondness in her voice.
"I just miss her," Landon said, his tone quieter now, his eyes distant for a moment as he looked down at his plate.
"We all do," Ding Xiang Liu said softly, taking a slow sip of his tea. His voice, calm and measured, carried the weight of someone who had seen much in his years, yet still held a deep affection for his family.
The conversation drifted into a comfortable silence for a moment, as everyone continued their meal, the soft clink of glasses and the occasional burst of laughter filling the air. The bond between them was clear—strong, enduring, and full of love, despite the distance that now lay between them and Delliana.
Sherina's Pov
"Yes... Even me. I miss Delly," I whispered, letting out a faint smile as I quietly resumed eating.
She and I were always together on the island—at school, at home—we were inseparable.
But now, our paths are drifting apart. I miss her already.
My thoughts drift back to the first time we met.
It was two years ago, the end of July, when I first arrived on Masahi Island—a remote, windswept speck in the sea, far removed from the noise of the mainland.
The island's isolation made it difficult for children to access proper educational resources. So I applied for a full-time position as a school-based tutor. With my strong academic background, I was hired almost immediately.
At night, I worked as a barmaid in a modest little tavern tucked near the harbor.
But it was never about the money.
I chose that quiet life deliberately—chose Masahi because I needed to escape. I needed to disappear from the shadow of my harrowing past... a tragedy that had unfolded just four months before I arrived. I never spoke about it. I never intended to.
-
One humid evening, I was walking along the roadside, carrying a paper bag filled with groceries, when I saw her.
A lost flower in an overgrown field.
Her pale skin glowed under the last light of the day, her blonde hair tucked beneath a pink bucket hat. Turquoise eyes—shimmering with fear—darted nervously toward the shadows.
She was cornered in a narrow alleyway by five men. Their laughter was cruel, echoing off the walls like a threat.
"Come on, beauty! It'll be fun," one jeered. "I'm sure you'll enjoy it more than us."
"Please... just let me go," she replied, her voice trembling like a leaf in the wind.
"We will, if you make us happy," another sneered.
A white-hot anger flared up inside me. Without thinking, I dropped my groceries, surged forward, and grabbed her hand.
I didn't look at them. I didn't speak.
I just ran.
They chased us like rabid dogs, snarling threats behind us—but my apartment was nearby, and somehow, we made it.
We slammed the door shut and hid in silence, hearts pounding. That moment changed everything.
We talked. We learned about each other.
Her name was Delly—Delliana Liu. She was also new to the island and struggling to live on her own. Coming from a wealthy, sheltered family, she'd never truly known independence.
Soon after, she moved into the apartment next to mine.
We became inseparable.
She was an artist. Her soul lived in every brushstroke. She found work as an art teacher at the same school where I taught. Watching her paint was like watching her heart speak without words—her art, a language only the brave could read.
As time passed, I realized we weren't so different.
She, too, was running—from something... or someone.
But I never asked. Just as I hoped she'd never ask me.
For two years, we built a quiet world together. Until the day I received that letter.
A Scholarship Award from Winston University—the most prestigious institution in Edenia City. The very same city I once swore I'd never return to.
The school had encouraged me to apply, but I never believed I'd get in. It was Delly who pushed me. She believed in me when I couldn't believe in myself.
Without her, I might've stayed on that island forever.
And that...
That's how I met Delly Liu.
That's how we became something more than friends—
We became each other's safe place.