FOREVER WITH YOU IN IT

The luxurious glass walls of the Stones & Co. Jewels boardroom reflected the confident personality of thirty-year-old Jessica Stones in a crisp, elegant ivory suit. Her voice was gentle but carried weight. The executives sat in polished leather chairs with their notepads, tablets and sparkling water neatly placed before them. Jessy rose from her seat, Her posture was a perfect blend of elgance and authority. “Ladies and gentlemen,” she began, "Our priority is securing the partnership with channel.This is our gateway into dominating the European luxury jewelry market this quarter. With Channel’s distribution network and our unmatched craftsmanship, we are positioned to set trends, not chase them. She glanced around the table, her sharp eyes meeting those of the executives, one after the other. “I expect every department to align with this vision. Marketing will focus on storytelling campaigns, not just glossy adverts. Sales must be trained not to sell jewelry, but to sell legacy. And the design team serves us with what they do best. I know the pressure is high. But I also know this team." ”We all need to work together to achieve this goal before us. Questions, please?" A silence followed. The executives exchanged glances, but none dared speak. Jessy’s reputation for sharp intelligence and meticulous planning meant she rarely left room for doubt. There were no questions asked. The meeting ended with an applaud from everyone in the room, and Jessy rose, gathering her files with graceful efficiency. but as soon as she stepped out, her parents were waiting. Vivian Stones, her mother, carried herself with pearls, poise, and the timeless confidence of a woman who had once ruled the same circles Jessy now dominated. Beside her, Sir Luke Stones stood like a fortress of authority, his tailored suit sharp, his gaze steady. He was not just her father but the architect of the empire Jessy now led. Vivian Stones: "My darling, you have worked so hard to build the company. Jessy smiled politely. “Work is what keeps us ahead, Mother. You know that.” The space was spacious, lined with crystal awards, framed magazine covers, large wall paintings, sketches of jewelry designs. Jessy poured tea for them, though her instincts told her this wasn’t a simple courtesy visit. Viavian Stones: My darling legacy is more important right now than profits." "Legacy?" Jessy asked, setting the tea down. Sir Luke: (He cleared his throat) "It’s high time you settled down and got married; we are not getting any younger.The family name must continue. Henry Flinch would make a good partner, if you ask me. The Flinch family would be a nice family to settle down with. The Flinch family’s influence would be invaluable.” Jessy looked at her father. At the mention of Henry’s name, Jessy felt disgusted. She remembered the endless tabloid headlines: Henry Flinch Parties Till Dawn Again, Flinch Heir Caught in Another Scandal. His reputation was as inattractive as his wealth. Jessy: "Henry Flinch. The same Henry who never ceases to make headlines every month for his 'social adventures'?" Father, I’ve built this company’s European expansion. The Stones legacy is secure. “I have given everything to this company. And you ask me now to sacrifice myself as well?” Sir Luke: "The business and everything you have built is not everything my dear. You need to trust me. He is a spirited young man who would help you achieve your dreams." "We are not asking you to sacrifice yourself we just want an heir to the stones empire." Vivian: "You can still have everything you want my darling. But you must also think about the future." The room fell silent, Jessy's mind swirled. Jessy stood near the window for a moment, her thoughts went beyond her as she starred at the stars and lights in the beautiful city. The world outside looked so beautiful and alive; cars honking, lights flickering, strangers laughing as they passed each other on the streets, A group of men getting drunk, beggers on the streets, lovers holding hands and kids giggling as they play. They are all free, she thought. Free to do and choose. For the first time in years, Jessy felt the walls of her success closing in, like glass that looked beautiful but trapped her inside. Jessy trusts her father more than anyone in the world, but she is filled with doubt concerning this matter. She was shocked at the fact that her father was asking her to trade choice for obligation; still, her loyalty to her father won. After a long pause, She looked at her father and said, "If this decision would help the company progress, then I will agree to get to know him." Her father's eyes was filled with joy and pride in his beloved daughter, and her mother sighed in relief. But the tea in Jessy's hands suddenly tasted sour. Two weeks later - The engagement dinner. The lights glimmered, the ballroom was filled with camera flashes, each flash captured the image of perfection and champagne toasts The hall shinned brightly, as well as everyone's smile. Henry Flinch looked dashing in his tailored black suit, looking like a fine man born into wealth. His smile was radiant but not genuine. Jessy stood beside him with a warm smile, Looking radiant as always in her sapphire gown, endowed with gold pieces. Her fingers clutched her glass tightly as she was nervous and uncomfortable but she had to look the part regardless. Henry: (leaning close, voice low) “Relax, Jessy. You’re here to look pretty. I’ll handle the real decisions from here." Her fingers tightened around her glass. The words hit her like a rock, she was so pissed but could not react because she did not want to make a scene. Her father noticed her rigid posture. His expression darkened, and his jaw tightened but he said nothing yet. Jessy kept her smile in place for the cameras. Though the night glittered with music, champagne, and applause, Jessy Stones knew that the price of legacy had only just begun.