In Sydney
The morning sun filtered softly through the curtains, painting Bella Harrison's room in golden light. She slept peacefully on her bed, her dark hair spread like a silk halo, her face calm and radiant. There was no trace of worry or stress, only the effortless beauty of someone truly at ease.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed on the bedside table. Bella stretched, blinking sleep from her eyes, and picked it up. On the other end, Jack called with his usual cheerful tone.
"Good morning, Beauty!" he said, his voice warm.
Bella felt her cheeks heat instantly. Jack wasn't her real brother—he was her cousin, and she had always harbored a tiny crush on him—but she quickly composed herself.
"Morning… Jack," she said softly, trying not to sound flustered.
From behind on the screen, Abby laughed and joined in with a teasing, "Morning, sleepyhead!" His grin made Bella giggle, and the awkwardness melted away.
Just then, Navya entered the room, yawning and stretching, and greeted them warmly. Bella couldn't help but smile at her little cousin's cheerful energy.
Moments later, Richard Harrison walked in, holding himself with calm authority. He bent down to kiss Bella and Navya on the forehead, his presence grounding the lively morning.
"Good morning, girls. How's my little princess today?" he asked, his eyes twinkling.
They all chatted happily, the room filled with laughter and warmth. The air was alive with the easy rhythm of a family who had grown close despite the bustle of life.
Soon, Susan Harrison called from the downstairs, her voice carrying through the house: "Breakfast is ready! Come on, everyone!"
Bella took a quick shower and slipped into a stunning pink shirt with a crisp white skirt. She caught her reflection in the mirror and couldn't help but smile—she felt radiant, confident, and just a little daring. Her hair framed her face perfectly, and there was a spark in her eyes that made her feel unstoppable. Today, she felt like she could conquer the world.
Downstairs, Navya joined her, equally vibrant, and the two shared a quiet moment of laughter over breakfast. There was something comforting in the routine, the gentle teasing, the shared excitement that only best friends could understand. Bella's heart swelled, knowing Navya had always been by her side through everything.
The car ride to Space School was filled with giggles and playful chatter, the sunlight dancing on their faces. When Bella parked, all eyes immediately turned to her. The famous Space School beauty had arrived—graceful, confident, and impossible to ignore. She shot Navya a playful smirk, which was mirrored perfectly back, a silent promise of mischief and fun.
Boys in the courtyard couldn't help staring, and Bella felt a rush of amusement. Meanwhile, some girls whispered and exchanged glances, jealousy hiding behind forced smiles. Just then, a lively, tomboyish figure came barreling toward them, arms wide, a bright grin lighting up her face. Mia Whitmore.
Mia enveloped them in a warm hug, the kind that made Bella feel instantly at home. Heart fluttering, Bella hugged her back, feeling the bond of friendship that had grown stronger with every shared secret and laughter-filled moment.
The trio made their way to the café, their steps light with excitement. Bella's birthday was coming, and there was a sense of anticipation in the air, almost like electricity humming just beneath the surface.
Mia leaned in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So… what's the plan, Senorita?"
Bella tilted her head thoughtfully, a teasing smile spreading across her lips. "Hmmm… Pool party?" Her voice carried a playful lilt that made her friends grin.
Navya's eyes lit up. "Perfect idea! I can already imagine the fun!"
Mia nodded, excitement bubbling over. "And it'll be at your farmhouse, right? That's going to be amazing!"
Bella teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Yeah… yeah… my brother's coming too, you know."
Mia froze, cheeks instantly flushing pink. She had a secret crush on Abby Harrison, and just hearing his name made her pulse race. Bella and Navya exchanged knowing smirks, silently enjoying Mia's adorable reaction.
Mia scowled at them, but it was playful, her embarrassment only making the moment sweeter.
Navya leaned closer, her grin mischievous. "And hey, in two days there's a holiday. Why don't we plan a little picnic too? Abby, Jack, and Julian are coming, right?"
Mia's face lit up with pure joy. "Yes! I really need a break… Studies have been driving me crazy!"
Bella laughed, the sound light and airy, filling the café with warmth. "Hahaha! Okay, they're coming tomorrow. We'll finalize the outing plan then."
The three girls hooted, their laughter mingling with the chatter around them. In that moment, everything felt perfect—the friendship, the excitement, the thrill of upcoming celebrations. It was the kind of day that lingered in the heart, making even ordinary moments feel magical.
In London
Whitmore Company
Sebastian Whitmore was absorbed in work on his MacBook when suddenly the office door slammed open. He lifted his eyes, annoyed at the intrusion, only to find Abby Harrison standing there, grinning mischievously like always.
"What… don't you miss me?" Abby asked, leaning casually against the doorframe.
Sebastian gave him a sharp glare. "Why? You're not my girlfriend. Didn't we just meet yesterday?"
Abby's eyes widened dramatically. "Sebastian… are you gay?"
Sebastian shook his head in disbelief. "Stop it, Abby. And keep your distance from Julian—you're starting to behave like him."
Abby laughed, unbothered by the warning. "I'm here to tell you I'm going to Sydney for a month."
Sebastian raised a brow, curious. "Why? Everything okay?"
With a radiant smile, Abby said, "Yes… it's my sister's birthday, and I promised her I'd spend the whole month with her. I can't miss it."
Sebastian's expression softened slightly, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at his lips. "Julian is going to Sydney tomorrow for the same reason. Why don't you two go together? I'll join after a week."
Abby blinked, genuinely shocked. "Wait… you're really coming to Sydney?"
Sebastian's voice lowered, calm but firm, carrying a weight of determination. "Yes… I miss my parents. And there's someone… someone I've been thinking about for years. I need to see it through before anything else."
Abby's grin softened into a knowing smile as he hugged him. Over the past few years in London, they had become close—more than just friends. Both CEOs of major companies, with parents who were long-time family friends, they had formed a bond as age peers. Julian had always been friends with the Harrison family because of Bella, but Sebastian, with his serious, focused personality, had rarely allowed himself friendships. Abby had become his first and best friend, someone he could truly trust and confide in.
After Abby left, Sebastian leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. In his mind, her eyes, her lips, her smile—it all played in vivid, haunting detail. The warmth, the mischief, the innocence… it consumed him. He felt a strange ache in his chest, a pull he couldn't ignore.
A soft, satisfied smile tugged at his lips as he opened his eyes, staring out at the city from his glass office. He whispered, almost to himself, "Now… you're just mine. I'm coming, my girl."
Every plan, every empire, every decision—everything now revolved around her. In a week, he would be in Sydney. And she—wherever she was—would be his first priority. For years, he had held back, respecting his promises, building himself into the man he wanted to be. But now… the moment had come. Nothing, no distance, no circumstance, would stop Sebastian Whitmore from finding her.