Darkened bonds

"Oh heyyy!" She playfully exclaimed in a sing-song tone as she emerged from her hiding spot, eliciting a chuckle..

Her friend chuckled in response and said, "Wow, Jade. So that's where you've been hiding all this time."

Jade shrugged and replied, "You're simply not very skilled at seeking."

Her friend expressed her disbelief by shaking her head and uttered, "Wow." She let out a sigh shortly after and admitted, "I have to admit, I wasn't actively looking for a while."

Jade furrowed her brows, perplexed by this revelation. "You weren't seeking? Why not? What were you occupied with?"

Her friend let out another sigh and moved towards the couch, taking a seat. "It's because of my dad. He's arranging a potential partner for me."

Jade covered her mouth, startled by the news. "Oh my goodness, Monica. Who... who is the person he's setting you up with?"

"He's the son of a politician. I believe his name is Jude Pete..." she paused, attempting to recall the name.

"Jude Peterson?" Jade interjected, her displeasure evident upon hearing the name.

Monica nodded. "Yes, that's him. How did you know?"

Jade averted her gaze from Monica, lost in her own thoughts. "I... I can't comprehend this." She turned her attention back to Monica. "Why would your dad set you up with him? You're just one week away from leaving for your MBA."

Monica expressed her confusion by shaking her head. "I have no idea. I can't seem to understand what's happening inside my father's mind anymore."

Jade let out a sigh and took a seat. Monica noticed the disapproving expression on her face and asked, "Why does this seem to bother you so much?"

Jade looked at Monica and shook her head. "It's nothing. It's just that you're about to embark on your MBA journey, and now you're being thrust into a potential marriage arrangement. It feels like your entire life is already mapped out."

"You know I won't ever forget about you, Jade. You're my closest friend. Besides, I'll be returning," Monica assured her.

Jade acknowledged with a nod. "Yeah, I know." She then let out a deep sigh, appearing lost in thought. "Um, I have to leave. My mom might need my assistance."

Monica nodded in understanding. "Alright. Goodbye."

Jade got up from her seat and departed from their grand residence.

Upon entering the room, Albert Patel, Monica's father, noticed his daughter's despondent expression. He sighed, well aware of the reason behind it.

"You understand that this is for your own benefit, Monica," he told her.

Monica looked at him, blinked, and gave a nod. "I know, Dad, but it took me by surprise. I don't even know if I'll like him, or if I'll ever develop feelings for him."

Albert walked over and sat beside her. "Just take the time to get to know him. Your farewell party is scheduled for next week, and he will be present."

"Why can't I meet him now?" Monica inquired.

"Well, there are certain matters that you need not concern yourself with. However, rest assured that the two of you will have an opportunity to meet," he assured her.

Monica released a deep breath and nodded. "Of course."

Meanwhile, Jade ventured through the densely overgrown area, making her way to her usual meeting spot. To her surprise, she discovered the person she typically encounters was already present. "You... you're here early."

"Yeah, and I have something important to tell you," the person responded.

Jade's eyes blinked in slight astonishment. "I believe I already know what it is. You and my friend are being formally engaged."

Jude let out a sigh. "I truly don't want this. I don't even like your friend, and you're aware of that."

Jade nodded sympathetically. "I understand, but do we have any other choice? You come from a political background, Monica is the daughter of a wealthy man and an heiress, and who am I? Just... just the daughter of a housekeeper and cook."

Jude averted his gaze, lost in contemplation. He had an idea, although he doubted Jade would accept it. Eventually, he turned back to face her. "What if we were to elope?"

Jade's eyebrow arched in surprise. "Are you out of your mind?! Eloping is simply not an option for me. I have a mother who relies on me, and you know that."

Jude nodded solemnly. "I understand your concerns, but I promise you, I will find a way to free myself from this situation. I promise."

Jade let out a weary sigh and nodded. "Yeah. Strangely, it feels like I'm engaging in forbidden behavior just by talking to you. If I were to be discovered, I'd face severe consequences. I must go."

Jude nodded once more, his gaze fixed on the departing figure of the person he loved. He knew he had to take action to change their circumstances.

One week later, at the going away party.

"Hey, Monica!" a familiar voice called out.

Monica turned around, her face lighting up with joy.

"Congratulations on your upcoming MBA!" Her friend greeted her with a happy smile.

Maintaining her cheerful expression, Monica replied, "Thank you, Rhonda. I'm really excited."

Rhonda nodded understandingly. "I can tell."

"Monica!" her father called out, grabbing her attention.

She glanced back at her father and then back at Rhonda. "I need to go."

Rhonda nodded in acknowledgment as Monica hurried off to join her father.

"We should go and meet the Petersons. They've arrived." Albert informed.

Monica's nerves kicked in, but she nodded in response. "Of course, Dad."

"Let's go and greet them," her father suggested, leading the way.

Monica affirmed with another nod, accompanying her father as they approached the Petersons.

"Mr. and Mrs. Peterson," Albert called out as they reached their presence.

All of them turned their attention towards Albert. "Mr. Patel, we've been searching for you. Is this your daughter?" Mr. Peterson inquired.

Albert nodded proudly. "Indeed, she is my one and only."

Mrs. Peterson expressed her admiration, gazing at Monica. "Oh, my goodness. She's absolutely stunning. Much more captivating than the girl my son is currently dating."

Monica furrowed her brow and glanced at her father. "What girl? Was he in a relationship?"

Jude let out a sigh and approached them. "Yes, I was indeed dating someone."

Monica's eyes widened as she beheld the handsome guy standing before her.

"Monica, meet Jude Peterson," Albert introduced him to her.

Monica responded with a simple smile.

"Isn't she beautiful, son?" Mrs. Peterson inquired, seeking her son's opinion.

Jude glanced at Monica. "I believe I still prefer my girlfriend."

"I've told you to forget about that girl, son. She doesn't meet your standards," Mr. Peterson asserted.

Jude shook his head resolutely. "But I still love her, Dad."

His parents exchanged disappointed glances, while Monica stood there, feeling disheartened.

"My daughter is a better match for you, Jude. I can assure you of that," Albert reassured.

Jude looked at Monica, knowing they would not let the matter go. They would try to force them together. He shook his head and left them behind.

"I apologize for my son's behavior," Mrs. Peterson apologized sincerely.

"Who... who is this girl he's dating? Do I know her?" Monica inquired, her voice filled with curiosity and surprise.

"I'm not sure. But her name is Jade White," Mrs. Peterson replied.

Monica was left utterly speechless, unable to process the revelation.

Monica walked aimlessly, lost in her thoughts after learning the truth about Jade. The attractive guy her father intended for her turned out to be her best friend's boyfriend.

She shook her head in disbelief, unable to fathom that Jade had kept this from her. Jade had failed to confide in her.

A scoff escaped Monica's lips. What kind of friend does that?

Suddenly, her steps came to a halt as she noticed a sight in the shaded area behind her house. Both Jade and Jude were there.

She let out a sigh and averted her gaze, feeling a mix of emotions.

"Isn't that Monica? You... you need to go to her. I don't want her to see us together," Jade urged Jude upon spotting Monica ahead of them.

"Are you certain she didn't notice?" Jude questioned.

Jade shook her head and glanced at Monica, who seemed lost in her thoughts. "She's not looking in this direction, and it's a bit dim here, so I'm fairly certain."

"But I don't want to."

Jade nodded understandingly. "I know, but it could strain my friendship with Monica. At the very least, just get to know her. She will be leaving soon, anyway."

Jude let out a sigh and reluctantly agreed. "Alright. Alright, I will."

"In that case, you should go now."

Jude nodded and began walking away, while Jade turned away herself.

"Hey, Monica!"

Monica turned around and faced Jude. "Oh, hey Jude. Where did you come from?"

Jude let out a low chuckle. "Let's talk."

Monica raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really?"

Jude nodded in affirmation. "Yes."

"Well, let's head to the beach then. It's a tranquil place to have a conversation."

Jude nodded again. "Okay."

Together, they made their way towards the beach.

“Listen to the soothing sound of the waves," Monica shared, appreciating the serene atmosphere. "It creates a calming sensation, especially when we have this entire place to ourselves."

Jude agreed with a nod. "Indeed."

Upon reaching the beach, they settled on the sand, just close enough to feel the water's gentle approach without it reaching them.

Jude observed Monica's elegant gown and remarked, "You don't seem concerned about your beautiful attire."

Monica shrugged, nonchalant. "I have plenty of them, so it doesn't matter."

Jude nodded, having already anticipated her response. "I was informed that you'll be leaving for your MBA the day after tomorrow."

Monica confirmed with a nod. "Yes, that's correct. That's why it's crucial for us to learn more about each other before I depart. I won't spend much time there."

Jude gazed at her a