Beyond Boundaries

Life can be a test sometimes. Wherever you go, you will face many challenges. However, when it's about family, everything starts to change. It affects not just our emotions but also the entire system of our lives. Can this be real? We can't know what the future holds, but love, compassion, family, and friendship will intertwine. What kind of drama will it create? Estelle Jefferson, a hazel-eyed girl with dark brown hair and tanned skin, is the only daughter of Michael Jefferson, the owner of the Jefferson Group's commercial companies. She started working with her father after turning twenty-two, two years after she graduated from Harvard. Estelle is a rebellious and spoiled girl who never focuses on work and wants to have fun. She is very irresponsible. It's already Estelle's twenty-fourth birthday. As the only heir of her family, we all know the birthday party will be like a banquet. This princess's birthday must be extravagant, Estelle is deeply in love with her long-distance boyfriend, Lucas, who, despite his modest financial status, has won her heart. However, Estelle's father disapproves of Lucas because he believes Lucas isn't suitable for his daughter, who is the heir to the Jefferson family fortune. Instead, Estelle's father is pushing for an arranged marriage between her and Mateo, the son of his best friend, Gustaph. This situation creates a lot of tension as Estelle is determined to be with Lucas and not be forced into a marriage she doesn't want. On Estelle's extravagant birthday, which is sure to be a lavish affair filled with luxury and grandeur, this conflict could come to a head. The pressure from her father, the presence of Mateo, and her longing for Lucas might make for an emotionally charged and dramatic celebration. Estelle's birthday party is set in a grand ballroom, filled with elegant decorations, a live orchestra, and a guest list featuring the city's elite As the evening progresses, Estelle's father takes the stage. He begins with a heartfelt speech about how proud he is of his daughter and how much he loves her. As he speaks, Estelle feels a mixture of apprehension and hope, wondering what he might say next. Then, with a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes, her father makes the surprise announcement: "Tonight, in front of our dearest friends and family, I am thrilled to announce the engagement of my beloved daughter, Estelle, to Mateo, the son of my best friend, Gustaph The room erupts in applause, but Estelle is stunned. She feels a rush of emotions: shock, anger, and sadness. Her eyes search the crowd for Lucas, who has managed to attend despite the distance, standing in the shadows at the back of the room. Their eyes met, and she could see the pain and disappointment in his expression. Mateo, looking pleased and somewhat smug, approaches Estelle with a confident smile, holding out her hand. Her father beams with pride, while Gustaph looks equally pleased. Estelle runs after Lucas, who is annoyed by the news, stopping him. Estelle: Lucas, I am so happy you managed to come even though you're so busy. And don't mind my father; I would never accept something like that. You know that the only one I love is you! Lucas: I would never miss such an important event. However, I didn't expect it would go this far just to keep me away! Estelle: I am sorry, I didn't expect that either. He's just challenging me, and I'm sick of it! I will discuss this with him. Please don't be upset with me. I will deal with this matter! Lucas: You don't have to force yourself. You've already had many fights with him because of me, and I trust you no matter what! Lucas takes a small box out of his pocket. Lucas: This is a small gift from me to you before I leave tomorrow morning. Happy birthday, Estelle! Estelle's eyes fill with tears. Estelle: This is the best gift I've received today. Thank you, Lucas. Estelle embraces Lucas, who is leaving again for his work. He is a company worker starting a new project, which is why he is far away. Lucas is doing his best to meet Michael Jefferson's expectations, trying to prove that he is worthy of Estelle despite her father's disapproval . Estelle went back to the party, which had quieted down after the announcement. She asked her father for a talk. After they went inside, she started complaining, anger filling her eyes. Estelle: Michael Jefferson, I am already a grown-up, and you are making decisions instead of me? What’s with this announcement? You are just playing with me, am I right? When you saw Lucas, the idea came to you directly! Michael, with a strict and sharp look, raised his voice. Michael: Estelle, watch your tone and show some respect. I am your father! And of course, it's up to me to make decisions for you since all you do is fail! Can't you grow up? Look at you, at this age, being a rebel is such a shame! Estelle is visibly upset, her voice trembling with frustration.) Estelle: Oh yeah, I forgot that you are my father. All you do is complain about my actions. Even if you bring the best person for me, I won't give up on Lucas. You just want to crush him every time he catches your eyes! Michael speaks sternly, his face showing a mix of anger and disappointment Michael: You still act like a child. You should at least learn how to be responsible. And Mateo is the suitable person for this. Estelle's eyes are filled with tears, and her voice cracks with hurt Estelle: You never asked what I truly wanted! You just want to get rid of me! Michael looks at her with a serious expression, his tone becoming more intense. Michael: It's not important. I am leading you to a glorious path! And it's not this announcement I wanted to discuss with you! It's something else, way more important! Estelle sneers. Estelle: What could be more consequential than this? Don't tell me you have already arranged my marriage for tomorrow! Michael remains composed. Michael: It doesn't concern you. Estelle, full of worry. Estelle: What do you mean by that? You are scaring me, Dad! What do you want to announce? Michael stands seriously. Michael: It's not something you should worry about. Estelle, impatiently, raised her voice. Estelle: So say it already! Michael answers. Michael: I am going to get into a committed relationship. Estelle is fascinated and shocked by this news. Estelle: What! On the same day, at 10 PM, the same news was announced to Nolan, a tanned-skinned man with brown eyes and black hair, who's twenty-four years old, by his mother, Layla! Nolan is a programmer at a technology company. He is talented and gifted. He is also responsible and brilliant! His mother, Layla, was an event planner. They are a normal family, living a comfortable middle-class life. Nolan, surprised. Nolan: Mom, are you serious? You have been through a lot all your life. Why decide to get married all of a sudden to a person like him? Layla, with a non-hesitant look. Layla: Of course I am serious about that, and he is the suitable person for me. He already knows every single thing about me and never hesitates to ask me to marry him! Nolan, with a look full of worry. Nolan: I am worried about you. I don't want you to suffer! What about him? Are you aware of everything concerning him? Layla confidently answers him. Layla: Yes, I am! Both of us faced many difficulties in life. We just want to support each other! Nolan speaks unsurely. Nolan: What about Dad's issue? Did he truly accept it? Layla sighs after hearing her son's words. Layla: Yes, he did! I don't know what's bothering you! You are already a mature man, and you will get married as soon as possible! Layla, wondering. Layla: Is it about your new sister? She might be spoiled, as her father said, but since both of you are grown up, you don't need to worry about this! Nolan rolls his eyes. Nolan: You are already calling her a sister! And we are not even related! Tomorrow morning, at 7:30 AM, when everyone started their work, Estelle headed to the company for a special agreement since her father had a meeting. The employees didn't respect her because she often ruined important deals. However, she was the one in charge when Michael was absent. She was quite strict with the employees since they didn't treat her well. While Estelle was in her office, the secretary announced the presence of Killian Industries' owners. They wanted to have a meeting with her to propose an investment in Jefferson's new project of creating a vacation complex. Estelle didn't truly like them because she suspected they had illegal activities hidden. However, since Michael didn't believe her and there was no proof, she accepted the meeting. Estelle asked the secretary to take them to the meeting room and headed out with a confident look! She took a deep breath before entering the meeting room. Estelle opens the door with a bright smile! Estelle: Welcome to our company! I am grateful to introduce myself to the Killian Industries owners. I am Estelle, Michael Jefferson's daughter. It's nice to meet you! The businessman and his young colleague were surprised to see Estelle's confidence when they were expecting to meet Michael face to face. The businessman: It's very unusual for Michael's daughter to meet us! Who would have known that he had such a pretty daughter like you? The businessman stared at Estelle and then spoke again. The businessman: I am James Killian, and this is my partner Jeremiah. We are glad to meet such a wonderful woman like you! (From Estelle's perspective) I feel uneasy with these two men, but I should respond without hesitation. Estelle: You are flattering me! That's very kind of you! And what about this Jeremiah? Why does he keep staring at me? I should welcome them with a handshake. Stay focused, Estelle! When I extended my hand for a shake, that young colleague kept holding it uncomfortably! I should steer the conversation to business. With a smile, I removed my hand from his and started asking questions, trying to create a positive atmosphere. Estelle: So, what brings the biggest Killians to our company? I heard about an interesting investment! Tell me more! James composed himself as if preparing for a serious conversation. James: We are willing to invest in your vacation complex project, leaving you ninety per cent of the profit while taking just ten per cent for ourselves! Isn't this an offer you can't refuse? What's wrong with this man? Is he serious about giving us most of the benefit? It's quite abnormal! What's the real goal of this offer? He must be trying to undermine us with such a risky proposition. I should at least respond properly, showing surprise. Estelle: That was truly unexpected! It's not an offer I should miss; however, I can't take such a big risk because this benefit might have negative effects on the company! I spoke sarcastically yet confidently. Estelle: Well, you should have suggested thirty per cent. I may consider it, but this is too risky! So, I'm afraid I have to refuse. James made a mischievous smile, which worried me, and then spoke. James: Who told you we won't take benefit from investing in a project with you, Miss Estelle? Is he serious? What is he aiming for? I gave him a sharp look. Estelle: Excuse me ? Jeremiah stood up and got closer to me, then tried to touch me uncomfortably, and said: Jeremiah: There are many ways to pay us, Miss Estelle ! I got angry, moved away, and said Estelle: The meeting is over. Then , I walked out