...Hi beloved readers, ...
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*My name is Jade Diora. I'm the youngest daughter of the Diora family and the little princess to my lovely brothers, Ronan and Rockey. I adore my life; having loving parents, a supporting grandmother and protective brothers make me the happiest person. What makes it even more special is that my crush has turned into my fiancé, my future husband.*
It all began when he came to our house for my grandmother's birthday when I was 18. He's three years older than me, the son of our parents' close friends. When introduced, I extended my hand to greet him, but he didn't reciprocate, just coolly acknowledging me as a "little girl."
Before our conversation could develop, an announcement interrupted us, and my brothers whisked me away to celebrate our grandmother's birthday. Later, during the cake-cutting, my grandmother and Aiden's parents, and also my parents made a significant announcement that made everyone joyful, except Aiden. He left the party upon hearing the news while he was on the phone.
"Thank you, everyone, for joining my birthday celebration. Today is especially memorable as we announce the engagement of Jade Diora, my beloved granddaughter, to Aiden Hento. They've been engaged since my little Jade was first born with a wish of her grandfather was alive, and today's gathering marks their official engagement," my grandmother announced.
Looking for Aiden in the crowd, I couldn't find him. Conflicted emotions arose; although I was ecstatic, I also worried about Aiden's absence. My mother approached me, sensing my mixed feelings. "Are you happy?" she asked knowingly.
"No, not entirely," I tried to hide my true feelings, but my mother saw through it. "You little girl, I know you're happy. We also know about your crush," she chuckled. My brother chimed in, "Your face gives it away."
I cherished the moment with my family before departing to study abroad, still holding onto the hope that someday he might reciprocate my feelings.
During my five-year tenure in City, New Zealand, I persistently wrote him letters, despite knowing he might not respond.
Time flies so fast, I already graduated and it’s time to go back home. To reunited with my family and my future husband. “Waiting for me, my future husband.”
@Airport
Upon landing at the airport, I was welcomed by my brother Rockey, who came to pick me up. During our ride home, he seemed uneasy and mentioned having something to tell me.
"Jade, there's something brother wants to talk with you," he said cautiously.
"Sure, what is it?" I replied, glancing out of the window. "Just promise not to overreact." brother Rockey confirmed.
I teased, "Are you serious? Is it about you having a girlfriend? Who's the lucky girl?"
"No, it's not about that. But I do have a girlfriend. That's not what I need to tell you, right now." he responded.
"Then what is it? Don't tell me Brother Ronan got a girlfriend." I inquired, sensing his hesitation.
"That impossible. Emm…It's about your... fiancé," Rockey hesitated.
"What's wrong with him?" My voice trembled as I asked, "Did something happen?"
"Aiden got into an accident 5 years ago and he's become a blind man" Brother Rockey's words hit me like a shockwave, and I couldn't stay still.
The car pulled up at our house, where my parents awaited my return in the living room. Supported by Rockey, I stepped inside, and my mother rushed over to embrace me.
"I've missed you so much, Jade, my daughter. I'm glad you're back," she said, tears in her eyes.
I made my rounds, hugging everyone in the house—my father, grandmother, and my other brother, Ronan. Confused and emotional, I confronted them, "Why didn't anyone tell me about what happened to my fiancé? Why was I kept in the dark?"
My mother, tearful, explained, "We didn't want to disrupt your studies." I retorted, "I'm really okay, Mom. I'm not a child anymore. You should have told me."
"Don't be upset with your mother. It was my decision not to tell you," my father interjected, trying to soothe the situation.
"Jade, Dad knows you love him, and we're not asking you to break the engagement with him due to his condition. That's why Rocky was instructed to ask you to decide whether you want to continue the engagement or not. This is what his parents wanted to know because they understand their son's condition. Jade, whatever decision you make, we'll respect and support you." Dad said to me with a strong sense of support.
Touched, tears welled up in my eyes as I hugged my father, my mother, and everyone else. "Thank you so much, Dad, Mom, Brother, and Grandma too," I said, grateful for their understanding and support.
Accompanied by her parents, Jade arrived at Aiden's house, causing surprise to Aiden's parents, who warmly welcomed them. The conversation commenced.
"Good morning, Aunt and Uncle," Jade greeted with a smile. Aiden's mother expressed her gratitude, "Thank you, Jade, for coming right after your landing."
"I understand this is a difficult situation for you. Jade, what's your decision? Whatever it is, Auntie will accept it, even if you want to break the engagement," Aiden's mother spoke empathetically.
"Auntie, I'm here to give you my answer," Jade responded, prompting Aiden's parents to expect a potential break in the engagement due to their son's condition. To their surprise, Jade announced, "I will accept him just the way he is."
Aiden's mother cried tears of excitement, embracing Jade and expressing her gratitude, "Thank you, Jade." Both Jade's parents and Aiden's father felt warmth and excitement at Jade's decision, as they realized their son wouldn't be alone; he'd have a beautiful and kind-hearted woman by his side.
Meanwhile, in a room illuminated by faint candlelight, a man standing and silently playing a violin. A knock on the door disrupted him, and a young man around 25 entered, asking, "Sir, I got a news about Miss, LiaLa whereabouts?"
In a tense tone, the man in the put down the violin and inquired, "Where is she?"
The young man responded, "She's in the USA. She and your cousin got married there." This news enraged the man, causing him break his violin, creating a loud sound heard in the living room where Jade and her parents conversed with Aiden's parents.
"Liam!" the man turn around and Liam walk to assist him because he can’t see clearly and he said "What about the things she took from me?"
Liam reported, "Everything was destroyed; there's no evidence left. What's our next move, Master?"
"Let's keep an eye on them for now and maintain a low profile. You may leave," the man, is Aiden Hento, instructed. However, Liam seemed hesitant, prompting Aiden to inquire, "Do you have something to add?"
"Well, um… Master, your fiancée... she's here," Liam revealed. Aiden, initially reacting coolly, raised an eyebrow, remarking, "The little girl has returned."
"Yes, sir. I overheard your parents asking her if she wanted to break off the engagement, and they would comply with her wishes?" Liam continued. Aiden smirked, assuming Jade would request to dissolve the engagement, but his expression turned to curiosity and seriousness when he learned of Jade's unexpected decision.
"No, sir. she didn't ask to end it. She said she'll accept you just the way you are," Liam replied to Aiden's inquiry.
There was a knock on Aiden's door, startling both him and Liam. His parents remained unaware of the case of his accident and the circumstances surrounding it, including his ex-girlfriend, LiaLa.
"It's Mother, Aiden," his mom called from outside. Liam, in response, opened the door, greeting Aiden's mother, and noticed Jade standing beside her, smiling to him.
"Good morning, Auntie. Master is still asleep," Liam informed Aiden's mother, who became concerned, not wanting to disturb her son's rest. However, before Liam could intervene, Jade walked into the room.
Jade approached the window, covered by a black curtain. She gently rolled up the curtain, allowing the morning sunlight to stream in and illuminate Aiden's face, despite his feigned slumber. Liam and Aiden's mom observed, curious and concerned about Jade's actions.
"What are you doing, Miss?" Liam inquired, displaying his concern, while Aiden's mother seemed intrigued.
"Oh, Morning sunlight is good for health. He shouldn't be in such a dark atmosphere," Jade explained as she tied the curtain up. Her gesture pleased Aiden's mother, who suggested, "Perhaps we should leave since he's still asleep. Jade, I heard your mom mentioning that you need to head to the hotel for your first day at work, right?"
"Yes, Auntie. I'll come to visit him often," Jade assured them before departing with Aiden's mother, leaving Liam behind, looking somewhat lost. As they exited, Aiden opened his eyes, and Liam hurriedly moved to close the curtain, knowing his boss preferred the room dark.
Jade arrived at the hotel with her brother Ronan accompanying her to the door. Ronan was known as the CEO of the King’s hotel, while Rockey handled another company, Fashion World Company. Unlike her brothers in high-ranking CEO positions, Jade possessed a passion for cooking, inspired by her late grandfather who shared the same love.
Making her way to the hotel's kitchen department as a newly hired chef, Jade introduced herself to the team, warmly welcomed by everyone. The Head Chef assigned her duties and responsibilities, and Jade relished the experience of cooking in this environment. Though the kitchen staff was unaware of her status as the owner's daughter, the Head Chef, a friend of Jade's late grandfather, recognized her but kept it discreet.
Her first task involved preparing a seafood dish, specifically milk-steamed scallops, ordered by a guest. The Head Chef was known for his strict assertions : if a newbie chef's dish returned completely empty, they passed; if not, they left on their own.
While cleaning the scallops, Jade encountered some difficulty. However, with the help of her colleagues' silent guidance, she managed to finish on time. Her creation was served to the guests, awaiting their response to her culinary skills.
As the dish returned, to everyone's surprise, it came back as an empty plate—a clear indication that the customers relished her cooking. Applause erupted in the kitchen, and Jade thanked her colleagues for their assistance. The Head Chef, while smiling, maintained a stern demeanor, emphasizing the importance of caution ⚠️ in cooking. He left, leaving a lasting impression.
Another chef approached Jade, sharing their own experiences and offering encouragement, reminding her to learn from mistakes. Jade acknowledged her error but resolved to learn from everyone around her.
After completing her shift, Jade left the hotel, where Ronan awaited her.
"How was your first day, little princess?" Ronan asked as they approached the car.
"It was good. I made a tiny mistake, but hey, the customers finished every bit of my dish," Jade replied playfully, showing a cute expression.
"That's a relief. I was worried you'd be in tears dealing with Chef Erich; he's quite stringent, no matter who they are," Ronan commented as they got into the car.
"He's strict, but I kind of like him," Jade said, fastening her seatbelt. "Brother, can you take me to the supermarket?" she requested, and Ronan agreed.
Arriving at a local minimart, they entered.
"What do you need?" Ronan inquired, observing the displayed ingredients.
"I want to buy some ingredients for cooking," Jade replied, prompting curiosity from Ronan.
"Our kitchen isn't lacking in ingredients," Ronan noted.
"Of course, Aunt Yuri takes care of our cooking. These are for my fiancé; I want to cook for him," Jade explained, surprising Ronan with her sincerity. He remarked on her dedication to her fiancé but teased her for not cooking for her brothers or parents.
"Our parents, of course, I do cook for them as a beloved daughter. But for you, I say no… you should learn from brother Rockey who found his personal chef, referring to Rockey’s girlfriend," Jade chuckled. Ronan felt a bit embarrassed by her comment and watched as Jade headed to the counter to pay, leaving him stunned. "You little girl, Dara to taste your brother."
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