Few Months Later…
Time had a strange way of moving—slow, soft, almost forgiving—yet somehow purposeful.
In the months that followed the chaos, heartbreak, and quiet healing of Crystal's life, everything began to shift into place like the pieces of a pattern she never realized she was stitching.
---
Crystal stood at the massive iron gate of Grayson Royal University, the most prestigious private university in the region.
The kind of school meant for the wealthy, powerful… and the chosen.
She wasn't supposed to be here.
Not with her background.
Not with her life.
But fate—or something more divine—had opened the door anyway.
Her admission letter still felt unreal.
Fashion Designing.
Her dream course.
She inhaled the scent of fresh paint, manicured lawns, and possibility… and allowed herself to smile widely.
Unbeknownst to her, someone else stood just a couple meters away, his cap pulled low, his hands tucked into his hoodie:
Liam Harrington.
He had gained admission too—under Business.
But unlike before, he made no move toward her.
No teasing.
No confrontation.
No dark, cryptic words meant to warn or claim her.
He simply watched.
From a distance.
He kept his longing tucked deep inside him, like something fragile he feared might shatter if he tried to hold it.
Crystal saw him sometimes—passing between lecture halls, crossing the parking lot, lingering near the design studios.
She pretended she didn't.
But she always knew.
Always felt it.
Always sensed the familiar coldness of his eyes tracking her every move.
Yet she didn't care.
Or pretended not to.
Her mother's business —was slowly rising from the dust thanks to Mrs Olivia's hard work.
New customers.
New orders.
And new everything .
She was really pleased at the efforts.
Small miracles, but they meant everything.
Crystal would come home and help after school, both of them working late into the evening.
For the first time in years, hope lived inside their home.
The sun was bright on Crystal's matriculation morning.
Her white gown hugged her body perfectly, her silver sash shining.
Her hair was styled in soft curls Olivia had insisted on doing herself.
Yes—Olivia, her foster mother, had come.
She arrived with gifts, tears, and pride glowing in her eyes.
"My baby… look how far you've come, I'm really proud of you my girlie" Olivia whispered, pulling her into a long embrace before whispering " I'm really sure that your mother's spirit in heaven will be happy."
Crystal held her tightly.
Some wounds never truly healed, but love helped them breathe.
While moving around the venue, Crystal bumped into a petite, lively girl with curly hair and a hyperactive smile.
Her name: Maya Benson.
A Business student.
Smart-mouthed.
Fearless.
And instantly attached to Crystal.
Within minutes, they were laughing like old friends.
"You're too pretty to be quiet," Maya said.
"And too fashionable to be normal. You must be in Design."
Crystal laughed. "Fashion Designing."
"Ah! I knew it! I'm in Business—future CEO and occasional troublemaker."
They clicked instantly.
Later that day, while taking pictures near the fountain, Crystal accidentally bumped into a tall guy with sandy-brown hair and warm brown eyes.
He steadied her gently.
"Whoa… careful."
His smile was soft. "Are you okay?"
His badge read: Ethan Thatcher — Business Dept.
Son of a hotel tycoon.
Playful.
Charismatic.
Warm where Liam was cold.
"Sorry," Crystal whispered.
"No—thank you," Ethan said, still smiling as if she had bumped into his fate, not his chest.
"I'm Ethan."
"Crystal."
"Well, Crystal… I hope this isn't the last time we meet."
He offered his hand.
Crystal didn't take it but smiled politely.
She wasn't interested in romance—not in that way.
But Ethan… Ethan felt something spark.
Something instant.
Something dangerous.
Liam stood behind one of the pillars near the hall entrance.
Watching.
Observing.
Silent.
Expression unreadable.
But his jaw tightened.
His fist clenched.
Ethan's laugh.
The way he stared at Crystal.
The way Crystal smiled politely back.
He hated it.
He wasn't jealous.
He wasn't possessive.
He was… territorial.
He had always been.
And Crystal knew he was there.
She didn't look his way even once.
Which hurt him more than any blade could.
The matric procession ended. Music played.
Pictures were taken.
Students shouted and threw confetti.
Olivia hugged her again.
Maya took a hundred pictures of her.
Ethan offered her a cupcake, laughing when frosting touched her cheek.
Liam watched from a shadow like he always did.
Longing.
Wanting.
Waiting.
But saying nothing.
When the ceremony ended and the crowd began to disperse, Crystal reached her seat to pick up her bag—
And froze.
A small black velvet box sat on the chair.
No one around.
No one near.
She looked left.
Right.
Left and right again to confirm.
Nothing.
Her heart beat faster.
Slowly, she picked up the box.
Inside was a silver pendant—pure, elegant, shaped like a half-moon with tiny embedded stones that glimmered.
But what made her breath catch…
…was the note.
A thick cream-colored card tucked under the pendant.
One letter.
Just one.
Written boldly in elegant handwriting:
"A."
Crystal felt her stomach drop.
"A?"
Who was A?
She looked around again.
Liam was gone.
Ethan was nowhere near.
Maya was taking calls.
Olivia was hugging other parents.
Someone had left it.
Someone watching her.
Someone bold.
Someone unknown.
Someone dangerous.
Or familiar.
Crystal closed the box slowly, her heart pounding.
A new thread had just been woven into her fate…
And it began with A.