I still choose you

The second encounter with Jared Wilson

Jared's assistant Joshua scoured every department in search of Lily Brooke. After what felt like an eternity, he spotted two women engaged in animated conversation near the marketing division. Their laughter echoed through the hallway as he approached, momentarily hesitant to interrupt their discussion.

"Excuse me," Joshua said, adjusting his tie nervously. "Would either of you happen to know Lily Brooke?"

The taller woman with chestnut hair turned toward him, her bright eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiled. "I'm Lily Brooke," she replied, extending her hand. "How may I help you?" Her voice carried a warm, melodious quality that immediately put Joshua at ease. .

"Oh my goodness, thank God I've finally found you!" Joshua exclaimed, relief washing over his face. His chest heaved from running across campus. "Please follow me," he urged, extending his hand toward Lily.

Hesitating briefly, Lily glanced back at her friend . Something in Joshua's desperate expression convinced her this was urgent. She followed him, her curiosity growing with each step.

They walked in tense silence for several minutes, weaving through crowds. Joshua kept glancing over his shoulder, his brow furrowed with urgency. Lily wanted to ask questions but sensed she should just wait

Finally the got to where Jared was.

"Sir," Joshua called out, his voice cracking with emotion, "she's here."

As Jared turned, he gasped, "Lily, are you the one?" Lily's face brightened with a warm smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh my goodness, Jared!" Without hesitation, he embraced her, feeling the familiar comfort . Suddenly self-conscious, he pulled away. "Oh my goodness, I'm sorry for not asking first, my lady," he stammered, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She shook her head, her expression tender, and pulled him into another embrace. "Thanks for the money," she whispered as she reluctantly stepped back, her fingers lingering briefly on his arm.

"Wow, you had a major glow up! I can't believe you're in this company," Jared remarked, his eyes widening with genuine surprise as he took in Lily's confident demeanor and polished appearance.

Lily chuckled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I can't believe you own this company, Jared Wilson," she replied with a hint of admiration in her voice. "Life certainly takes us down unexpected paths, doesn't it?"

Jared smiled. "Well, I guess we'll get to talk once we arrive at the city of Bells," Lily said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Why don't you and I stay on a separate plane?" Jared suggested, his eyes hopeful as he leaned slightly closer.

Lily hesitated, her brow furrowing. "I don't know," she replied, uncertainty evident in her voice.

"Come on, don't you trust me anymore?" asked Jared, a hint of vulnerability breaking through his usual confidence.

She paused, weighing her options while memories of their past flooded her mind. "Alright," Lily finally agreed with a small nod..

Jared's heart leaped with joy at the sight of Lily after so long. She had transformed remarkably since their last meeting. Though she retained some of her endearing chubbiness, she radiated a newfound beauty that caught him off guard. Her hair cascaded elegantly around her face, framing features that had somehow sharpened and softened simultaneously. When she smiled—that dazzling, captivating smile—Jared felt momentarily breathless. Her dreamy eyes, more expressive than he remembered, seemed to hold secrets and stories he longed to discover. The subtle glow that surrounded her wasn't merely physical; it suggested a confidence she hadn't possessed before. Jared himself hadn't remained unchanged during their time apart. Friends and acquaintances frequently commented on how he'd grown more attractive, his awkward teenage features maturing into something that turned heads. Standing before each other now, both transformed yet familiar, they shared a moment of mutual appreciation for the people they had become.

As the planes stood ready for departure, Lily pulled out her phone and texted her friend Stella. "Hi, actually I'm on another flight. Sorry to disappoint, but I'll see you in the City of Bells." The message felt inadequate for the sudden change of plans, but there wasn't time for lengthy explanations.

Stella replied instantly, her curiosity evident even through text. "Okay, and make sure to tell me who you're with," she wrote, adding a suggestive wink emoji that made Lily blush slightly.

Jared, noticing her flushed cheeks, extended his arm toward her with a gentle smile playing across his features. "Would you mind taking my arm?" he asked, his voice carrying that familiar warmth she'd always admired.

Lily smiled appreciatively, touched that despite everything they'd been through, he remained the thoughtful gentleman she met. She slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow, feeling an unexpected flutter in her chest at the contact. Together, they walked toward the plane, their matched stride suggesting a history deeper than mere acquaintance.

They were escorted to the first-class lounge, where opulent furnishings and exquisite amenities awaited them. Crystal cast a warm glow over leather armchairs, while attentive staff offered champagne on silver trays. This lavish sanctuary represented the pinnacle of luxury travel, commanding the highest prices in the industry—fitting, as the entire facility belonged to the renowned Jared Wilson, whose reputation for extravagance permeated every corner of his flagship airport.aAs he settled into the plush leather seat, Jared leaned forward with curious eyes. "So, how did you, you know...?" His voice trailed off, the unfinished question hanging between them. He fidgeted with his watch, clearly uncomfortable yet too intrigued to abandon the subject entirely.

Lily nodded. "I understand. As for how I got here, it's all thanks to your kindness," she said, her eyes reflecting genuine gratitude. "Your financial support changed everything for me. I managed to sponsor myself through university with the money you provided." She paused, a small smile playing on her lips as she recalled her journey. "After graduation, I secured a decent job, found a cozy apartment in the city, and well—here I am now. Standing before you." Her voice softened as she added, "I've often thought about this moment, being able to thank you in person for giving me a chance when no one else would."

Jared's eyes softened. "I am happy for you." He paused, then asked with genuine concern, "And what of your selfish aunty?" Lily scoffed, her face clouding with resentment. "She? She continues living her life as if nothing happened, parading around town without a hint of remorse."

"I'm so sorry," Jared whispered, gently placing his warm hand on hers. His eyes, filled with genuine remorse.

Lily's eyes widened at the unexpected warmth of his touch. Instead of withdrawing his hand from hers as she anticipated, he began tracing gentle circles across her skin with his thumb. The tender gesture sent a subtle current up her arm, and she found herself momentarily unable to focus on anything else but the rhythmic motion of his fingers. A flush crept up her neck as she wondered if he could sense her quickening pulse beneath his touch on her hand.

He gazed directly into her eyes, capturing her attention with an intensity that made her breath catch. When she met his gaze, she found herself drowning in the endless depths of those eyes—warm, searching, and somehow both familiar and mysterious. He maintained the connection steadfastly, not looking away even as she felt the urge to break the moment and turn her face. The air between them seemed to thicken with unspoken words.

"Lily," he said softly, her name like a caress on his lips, "there's something I wanted to ask you."