Chapter 1
Once in a lifetime, you meet someone who changes everything… ♥
“Bea…! I’ve been looking for you everywhere—and here you are, as always.” It was the nearest café to their college. Jade was always on her toes searching for Bea, and there she was, devouring every sip of her coffee.
“If you know you can always find me here, in the same place, then why were you searching for me here and there? You should’ve texted me instead,” Bea said without taking her eyes off her coffee.
“A text? I’ve been calling you, Bea. But why would you pick it up, when you’re more in love with your coffee than anything else?” Jade sat down next to her, unable to resist teasing her.
“You must devour love, especially if it’s for coffee or food. Oops! Sorry, I forgot. Have some. Enjoy it,” Bea said, putting an end to the discussion they were about to start.
“No thanks. You carry on,” Jade replied, amazed at how relaxed Bea was.
“Okay,” Bea muttered. That was the only thing she could say. Ugh…
“Stop it, Bea. Nothing is going to happen to you if you don’t eat or drink for a while. Please tell me…did you attend Sir James’ class? Can you share your notes with me?” Jade was already opening her phone camera to snap a picture.
“Don’t tell me you missed it again,” Bea said.
“Yup. Now please hurry.” Jade was asking for notes, but Bea wasn’t even listening.
“Bea, it’s your second cup of coffee. Please put it aside and let’s discuss a few things.” Jade opened Bea’s bag and pulled out the notes herself.
“Jade…! Do you want a sip? It’s yummy,” Bea offered, ignoring everything else. Her full attention was on her second cup of coffee. But she never missed a chance to tease Jade, especially since Jade hated coffee.
“Hell no!” Jade said angrily. She was about to say something when someone came and stood in front of them.
“Hey, beauties! How are you? Why are you always sitting in the same place? Aren’t you bored? Just look around you…the world is so beautiful.” Without noticing their expressions, he kept tossing out suggestions.
“Excuse me! Who are you? And what are you doing here? Nobody asked for your suggestions.” Jade stared at him, while Bea looked downright annoyed.
“Don’t you know me?” His tone was sarcastic, but he had no idea what was about to happen.
“No. I have no interest in knowing who you are,” Bea replied boldly.
“I’m Henry! Henry Paul! This whole university knows me.” It wasn’t him talking…it was his pride.
“Correct yourself. I’m a part of this college, and I don’t know who you are. Don’t tell me you actually believe you’re famous here. Whoever you are, leave now. We’ve got no time for your nonsense.” It was Bea’s turn to return the unwanted favor.
“Wait. Now you know who I am. But if you want to know more, you can ask me anytime,” he said, trying his best to hide the sting from the slap of words.
“I have no interest. You are excused. Let’s go, Jade.” Bea and Jade were about to leave when Henry caught Jade’s wrist and pulled her slightly closer.
“Remember, we have a lot to talk about. Where are you going, dear Jade?” Henry looked straight into her eyes. At his touch, Jade froze.
“Leave her!” Bea had a strange feeling, the way he said Jade’s name, the way he held her wrist…but all she could do was protect her best friend from this idiot. With every passing second, his grip tightened, and Jade’s eyes welled up with tears.
“I won’t leave her. What can you do?” Henry challenged her. All he could hear was the sound of that slap Bea landed on his face.
Many students were now watching. Jade’s wrist was free. All she could see was rage on Henry’s face.
He took two steps toward Bea. But before he could take another, Jade grabbed Bea and dragged her away. But his last words made her heart sink.
“I’ll remember this, and I’ll make sure you never forget it!” Henry was shouting, but Bea paid him no attention.
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“Hey…! What’s up, Kidi Bidi?”
As soon as Bea entered the house, she saw Julie waiting for her eagerly, practically on her toes. Born with psychological trauma, Julie was the youngest and most delicate member of the Morton family.
“Don’t talk to me. I’m angry,” Julie snapped, turning around and heading to her room.
Bea had always been more like a mother to Julie…caring for her, providing everything she needed before she even asked, and often feeding her by hand. Though Julie was twelve, she needed attention like a toddler. Bea pampered her constantly. Julie was usually calm, patient, and quiet…….rarely naughty.
“Oh, hey Mum! You’re home today?” Bea was surprised to see her mother, Daphne. She rarely stayed home, always preoccupied with mysterious affairs, neglecting even the child who needed her most. It often felt like Daphne had no real role in the house.
“Yeah… Not happy to see me here?” Daphne asked.
“Of course I am! It’s a nice change, even if it’s just for a day. By the way, where’s Dad?” Bea asked cheerfully, unpacking her things……except for one item she’d already taken out while chatting.
“He’s out with a friend. Anyway, go get changed and come quickly. Let’s have dinner together. We’ve been waiting for you,” Daphne said, watching her.
Daphne wasn’t the kind of mother who nagged about every little thing. She was mostly wrapped up in her own world.
“Alright! Let me go and call Julie. I know she’s cross with me,” Bea said and left the room.
Julie, who had been secretly peeking from her room to watch Bea, quickly sat down by the door to show her displeasure.
“Kidi Bidi… Hey, sweetheart, I’m sorry. Look what I got for you,” Bea said, holding out a box of Julie’s favorite candies.
“No! I don’t want to talk to you.” Julie’s eyes locked on the candies, her mouth watering, but she held her ground.
“Okay… I said sorry. But if you don’t want these delicious chocolate candies, I’ll just throw them in the bin. Oh……and Mum’s waiting for dinner. Come on,” Bea said, standing up.
“Hey! How could you??” Julie cried, quickly snatching the box and running out of the room.
“Kidi, you are one of a kind,” Bea said with a smile, following her to the dining table.
“Bea, would you like to have some coffee after dinner?” Daphne asked. She knew Julie would fall asleep soon afterward.
“Yeah, sure, Mum…if you make it!” Bea said, a spark of excitement in her voice. Moments like these, just her and her mum, were rare.
“While you’re making coffee, I’ll put Julie to sleep,” Bea added. It was Julie’s bedtime, and she always needed Bea’s warmth to drift off.
“Perfect,” Daphne replied, with a smile that hinted at peace and inner contentment.
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“Bea! Bea! I’ve been calling you forever. What world are you lost in this time?” It had become a habit between them, one sitting quietly in their secret spot, the other searching until she found her.
“Hey, Bea! My hand’s burning here, take it!” Jade said loudly, still getting no response.
Jade had grown up in a different world, pampered and protected. She had never done things like this for anyone. But spending time with Bea had changed her. It opened her eyes to new perspectives and deeper understanding.
“Umm… No, I’m not thinking about anything. I was just… Give it to me. What were you saying?” Bea asked, finally snapping out of her daze and taking the coffee from Jade.
“Nothing. I just brought you a cup so we could enjoy this weather and chat a bit. But no college or study talk, please!” Jade said, holding her hands together dramatically. But she noticed that Bea, though physically present, was somewhere far away.
“Alright, tell me, what’s eating you up? I’ve noticed for days now. Spill it, man…” Jade’s tone shifted to one of concern.
“Today… Henry stopped me on my way to class. Some students noticed, and I… I don’t know, Jade. I’m not scared. I’m just… worried. Do I have to give up on my dreams because of what happened that day?” Bea’s fear was visible in her eyes. There was no point hiding anything from Jade.
“Wait…what? You still haven’t told your parents?” Jade asked, shocked.
“No…” Bea replied in a soft voice.
“But why, Bea? You have to tell them,” Jade said, frustrated.
“It’ll be really bad if they find out. They’ll stop me from coming back here. Don’t you know how strict….my father can be? I know he’s kind, but in this case, he won’t listen. He’ll assume the worst and start lecturing me,” Bea said, her voice trembling, revealing her inner turmoil.
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