The next day, all those things were still disturbing Jade.
She needed to understand everything. She needed answers.
The worst part was that she couldn't tell anyone.
Not even Gabriel, her best friend.
He had been very busy these past weeks. After dropping out of university, his father had been furious at him. But now that Gabriel had decided to resume his studies, their relationship had improved, and they were finally on good terms again.
Her phone vibrated.
Gabriel: "Let's meet at the park. I have something to announce to you."
She stared at the message for a few seconds, then locked her phone.
I'll tell everything to Gabriel. I can't keep this to myself, she thought.
Even though he'll probably say, "I told you so." She sighed.
She got dressed, grabbed her bag, and left.
.
.
In the park, Gabriel was already waiting at their usual spot, sitting on the bench under the big oak tree.
When he saw her, he smiled
"Your driver dropped you?" he teased.
"You're not taking taxis anymore?"
Jade sat beside Gabriel on the bench, crossing her arms dramatically.
"So?" she asked. "You sounded like you were about to confess a crime in that message."
Gabriel chuckled, then suddenly sat straight like he was giving a speech.
"Okay, listen. Big news."
She raised an eyebrow.
"If you tell me you got a girlfriend, I'm leaving."
He laughed and lightly hit her shoulder.
"No, idiot. I got accepted to work abroad for my father's company."
Her eyes widened.
"Abroad?"
"Yes. Another country. Real responsibilities. Real salary. Real adult life." He said it proudly, puffing his chest.
"I'm really happy, Jade. My father is proud of me for once."
She smiled, genuinely happy for him.
"That's amazing, Gabe. I'm proud of you too."
But her smile slowly softened.
"You're really leaving…" she murmured.
He tilted his head, noticing her expression.
"Hey, don't look like that. It's not forever."
She looked away, pretending to focus on the trees.
"You're going to miss me," she said quietly, then forced a playful tone.
"I mean… who's going to save you from bad decisions now?"
He laughed, then gently pinched her cheeks.
"Don't worry. I'll always be here. We'll do video calls all the time, whenever you want. Day or night."
She smiled sadly.
"You're going to miss me," she repeated softly.
He nodded.
"Of course. You're my annoying soulmate."
She rolled her eyes, but her eyes were warm.
He suddenly studied her face more closely.
"…You look tired."
She blinked.
"Do I?"
"Yes. You look exhausted. Did Daniel push you too far?" he asked, his tone instantly protective.
"If that guy crosses the line, I swear—"
She laughed quickly, cutting him off.
"No, relax, hero."
She crossed her legs and flipped her hair dramatically.
"You know how it is. I'm now a high-society woman and an event planner. It's exhausting to be this fabulous."
He stared at her.
"…You're ridiculous."
She smirked.
"Thank you."
But deep inside, she swallowed the words she wanted to say.
About VESPERIS.
About the mysterious woman.
About the curse.
Because if Gabriel knew, he might cancel everything just to stay by her side.
And she couldn't do that to him.
.
.
They spent the rest of the day together, then each returned to their own homes.
Back at the penthouse, Jade felt mentally exhausted.
Her mind was a mess. Questions, fears, mysteries—everything was spinning inside her head.
Tears silently rolled down her cheeks.
She didn't even notice when Riguel entered the living room.
"Hey, Jade," he whispered softly.
She turned her head slightly, surprised.
"What's wrong?" he asked, sitting beside her. His voice was filled with concern.
Before she could answer, Jade suddenly leaned forward and hugged him tightly.
Riguel froze.
He wasn't used to seeing her like this.
Jade was always sarcastic, strong, untouchable.
Seeing her cry felt… wrong.
"I'm sorry, Riguel," she murmured and slowly pulled away.
"It's just… right now, I really needed a hug," she added, trying to sound sarcastic, but her voice trembled.
Riguel sighed and looked at her seriously.
"Jade. Talk to me. What's wrong?"
She hesitated, then looked down at her hands.
"You remember the mysterious woman who talked about the sky and all that weird stuff?"
He nodded.
"Yes. The crazy one."
"I saw her during the ceremony."
He straightened, shocked.
"What? How did she even get in? There was security everywhere."
"I don't know, Riguel. I really don't."
She rubbed her temples.
"She talked again about the sky… about warnings… about things I don't understand."
He frowned.
"Maybe she's insane."
Jade laughed bitterly.
"Then I'm insane too, because I'm starting to believe her."
Riguel stared at her. He didn't laugh this time.
She looked scared. Truly scared.
He gently took her hands in his.
"If you want, I can help you find her," he said softly.
"So you can finally get your answers."
Her eyes widened.
"Really?"
He nodded and smiled.
"Yes. Really."
Her face brightened instantly. She almost jumped on him and hugged him again.
"Thank you, Riguel."
He chuckled softly, but his eyes were serious.
Whatever was happening to Jade… it wasn't just stress.
And he was starting to worry.
.
.
.
Jade decided to give Daniel one last chance to answer her questions before starting her own investigation.
So she took a drastic decision for that.
When Daniel returned, he found her on the balcony.
She was standing there, arms crossed, her expression serious—too serious.
On the table between them, she pushed a folder toward him.
"What is this?" he asked calmly, though his eyes narrowed.
Riguel, who had returned to the penthouse to retrieve his forgotten phone, heard their voices.
Curious, he quietly stopped and listened from the hallway.
"It's the contract," Jade replied coldly.
"A contract?" Riguel whispered to himself, surprised.
Daniel picked up the folder.
"Our contract? Why is it here?"
Jade leaned forward, her gaze sharp.
"I want to cancel it."
Daniel froze.
"I can't stay in this game if you keep hiding things from me," she continued.
"Don't forget that our marriage is based on a contract. Almost a fake marriage."
His jaw tightened.
"If you break the contract, you remember the penalties, right?"
"I remember," she said without hesitation.
"I'd rather go to prison and repay the money—even if I don't have it."
Riguel's eyes widened.
He was shocked.
Jade was really serious.
Then, slowly, a sly smile appeared on his lips.
This was getting interesting.