"Ohhh heyyy!" Jade sang out playfully as she popped out from behind the curtain, a mischievous grin on her face.
Her friend burst into a laugh. "Seriously, Jade? That's where you've been this whole 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 looking? 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 trying to set me up with someone."
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 some politician. I think his name is Jude… Pete-something?"
"Jude Peterson?" Jade interjected, her displeasure evident upon hearing the name.
Monica nodded. "Yes, that's him. How did you know?"
Jade looked away for a moment, staring at nothing in particular. "I just… I can't believe this." She met Monica's eyes again. "Why would your dad set you up with him... or anyone? You're literally leaving for your MBA in like a week."
Monica gave a helpless little shake of her head. "I have no idea, Jade. Honestly? I don't even understand what's going on in his head anymore."
Jade let out a slow breath and sank onto the couch beside Monica.
Monica tilted her head, catching the troubled look on her friend's face. "Okay, why does this actually bother you this much?"
Jade met her eyes for a second, then looked away, shaking her head. "It's nothing, really. It's just… you're literally days away from starting your MBA, your whole future opening up, and now this arranged-marriage thing drops out of nowhere. It feels like someone already drew the rest of your life for you."
Monica reached over and gave Jade's hand a gentle squeeze. "Hey. You know I'm never going to forget about you, right? You're my person, my closest friend. And I'll be back, I promise."
Jade managed a small nod. "Yeah. I know." She let out another long breath, her gaze drifting somewhere far off. "Anyway… I should go. Mom might need me for something."
Monica gave her a soft, understanding smile. "Okay. See you soon."
Jade stood, offered a quick wave, and walked away from their grand residence.
A moment later, Albert Patel stepped into the room. He paused when he saw Monica's expression, shoulders slightly slumped, eyes distant.
He sighed quietly, already knowing why.
"You know this is for your own good, Monica," he said gently.
Monica looked up at him, blinked once, and nodded. "I know, Dad. It just… caught me off guard. I don't even know him. What if I don't like him? What if I never feel anything for him?"
Albert crossed the room and sat beside her, close but not crowding. "Then give it time. Get to know him. Your going-away party is next week, he'll be there."
Monica frowned a little. "Why can't I just meet him now?"
"There are a few things still being sorted out," he replied carefully. "Things you don't need to worry about. But I promise you'll have the chance to meet him properly…soon."
Monica drew in a slow breath and let it out. "Okay," she said quietly. "Of course."
Meanwhile, Jade pushed through the thick tangle of overgrown bushes and vines, following the familiar narrow path to a secret clearing. When she stepped into the dappled sunlight, she froze.
"You're… early," she said, blinking in surprise.
The man she was there to meet was already there, leaning against the old mango tree, hands in his pockets. "Yeah. I needed to talk to you. Something important."
Jade gave a small, tired smile. "I think I already know what it is, Jude. You and Monica… they're officially setting up your engagement."