Chapter 26:
When you're with someone, you start wanting more of them.
More time.
More closeness.
It's like… not too much, but also too much?
Does that even make sense?
The next day, I went shopping with Lily and May.
Clothes, jewelry, accessories, we tried everything. Every time we said no, they insisted.
At some point, May leaned closer and whispered in my ear,
"You have to wear it in three days."
I blinked. "Why—?"
But before I could finish, she had already changed the subject.
Suspicious.
Later, while we were sitting down to eat, Lily suddenly said:
"You should definitely marry into this family."
I choked. "What??"
She kept going like it was the most normal thing ever.
"You have to. So I can come here all the time and enjoy these perks."
I burst out laughing, imagining her surrounded by endless food, living her best life.
After that, May stood up.
"I have to go for my regular check-up."
We said goodbye, and once again, I couldn't stop thinking about what she said earlier.
Three days…?
On our way back to the villa, we saw Jack and Kyle sitting on the balcony.
"So that's the childhood friend?" Lily whispered.
Then, without hesitation:
"He looks stuck-up. I'll pray for you, Lea."
"I don't think he's that bad…" I replied, though even I wasn't fully convinced.
Jack waved us over.
He mentioned there was a festival nearby, but since it was already late, Lily suggested something else:
A barbecue.
And honestly?
It was perfect.
We ate, laughed, lit small fireworks…
For a moment, everything felt warm. Real.
I looked up at the sky and smiled.
Last year, I was in my room, watching dramas and dreaming about a life like this.
And now… I was living it.
"You're enjoying yourself?"
Kyle's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
His tone wasn't warm. It was… sharp.
"Yes, of course," I said politely. "What about you?"
He let out a quiet breath.
"Make sure you enjoy it to the fullest. It won't last long."
My smile faded.
"…What do you mean?"
"Have you met his parents?" he continued.
Now I was confused. Completely.
"I guess… You don't like me?" I asked.
He looked at me, slowly, from head to toe.
"It doesn't matter whether I like you or not," he said flatly.
"You seem nice. Maybe too nice."
My chest tightened.
"And that's exactly why you won't be able to stand beside him."
And just like that… he left.
What… was that?
I stood there, frozen.
What does that even mean?
Not good enough?
Not compatible?
Too different?
…Too poor?
"Hey."
Jack's voice softened everything.
"You okay? Want something sweet?"
I shook my head. "No… I think I'll just go rest."
He didn't push. He just nodded.
Back in my room, I showered and got ready for bed.
But instead of sleeping, I stepped onto the balcony.
The night air was calm.
Too calm.
I came here to spend time with him.
But… I barely saw him today.
No hugs.
No closeness.
My fingers brushed my lips.
No kiss.
It was strange.
For the first time…
I felt like I needed him.
And after what Kyle said…
I just wanted to know one thing.
Does he really love me?
I stood up suddenly.
Maybe he was still awake.
I texted him.
No reply.
So I opened the door—
—and froze.
Jack was right there.
About to knock.
"What are you doing here?!" I whispered, panicking.
I pulled him inside quickly, my heart racing.
Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around me.
Pulled me close.
Held my face.
Kissed my forehead.
"I just needed to recharge," he murmured.
Then his lips brushed along my jaw, slow, soft, dangerous.
"I missed you," he whispered. "Didn't you?"
I couldn't handle it.
Just minutes ago, I was thinking the same thing…
And now he was right here.
Too close.
Too real.
"I missed you so much," I admitted, my voice trembling.
He lifted me gently and laid me on the bed.
Then laid beside me, pulling the blanket over us, holding me tightly.
"I should stop here," he said quietly.
"Let's just sleep."
His hand moved softly on my back.
Comforting.
Steady.
Then he spoke again.
"I know you're thinking about what Kyle said."
My heart skipped.
"I am from a rich family," he continued.
"But that doesn't matter to me."
His voice softened.
"I love what I love."
A pause.
"And I love you, Lea."
My chest tightened.
"Trust that," he said. "I'll take care of the rest."
With my head resting on his chest, I could hear his heartbeat.
Strong. Steady.
Real.
I looked up at him.
"I love you too."
And just like that…
Everything felt whole again.