𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

"Father! Your back! You're really here!"
Juliette said as she ran into her father's arms. Tears of joy streamed down Juliette's face as she held onto her father tightly, unable to believe that he was finally home after so long. She had missed him more than words could express, and she felt an overwhelming sense of relief and happiness in his embrace.

Juliette and her father had a type of relationship that people would envy, filled with love, trust, and understanding. There was no bad blood, and there was never a moment of doubt or resentment between them. And now, with him back by her side, she knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, stronger than ever.

He held her hand as he guided her to the sofa, and they sat down together. With a flick of his hand, the maids and butlers scattered away as Declan signaled for privacy.

"I heard about a little incident with a girl; her name is Hana. Is that right?" Declan's face turned sour as he mentioned Hana's name. Juliette could sense his disapproval and concern, knowing that her father had always been protective of her.

"My men told me that you took care of her," he continued, his voice laced with relief as he sat on his big brown leather chair, sipping on the tea the maid had carefully bought. Juliette nodded, understanding her father's concern. She reassured him, "Yes, Dad, I handled the situation and made sure she wouldn't cause any trouble again."

His gaze was cold, boring into her as he questioned, "And what exactly did you do to handle it?" Juliette felt a pang of guilt, realizing that she hadn't been entirely honest with her father about the extent of her involvement.

"Something that you would be proud of," she replied confidently as his eyes suddenly returned to their usual warmth. He smiled, proud of his daughter's maturity and responsibility.

"That's my girl," he said as he stood up and patted her back. "I knew I raised you right. Just remember, if there's anything else you need to tell me, don't hesitate to do so." Juliette nodded, grateful for her father's understanding and support.

Juliette slowly started to yawn as she rubbed her eyes. Little moments like this still make Declan's heart melt, as he still sees Juliette as his little girl.

"Aigo, my daughter, you must be tired; go; you should rest and take care of yourself," he said, concern evident in his voice.

Juliette smiled as she stood up and gave her father a final hug before she went upstairs and crashed onto her bed. She couldn't help but feel fortunate to have such a loving and caring father who always puts her well-being first. As she closed her eyes, she knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she could count on her father to be there for her, providing guidance and reassurance.

As soon as Juliette disappeared into her bedroom, her father's face turned cold, as his face that once smiled with warmth was now straight and emotionless. He let out a heavy sigh before he ordered the bulter to bring out whiskey.

"Sung-hoon," he muttered under his breath, "I never thought it would come to this." With aheavy heart, he poured himself a glass and took a long sip, trying to find solace in the bitter liquid.

Sung Hoon is his secretary, who has been with the Van Dorens ever since Juliette was little. They were best friends despite him being a few years older than her.

Sung-hoon Introduction.

Sunghoon, despite his cold demeanor, couldn't help but crack a small smile at her playful nickname for him. "Well, even princesses need their knights in shining armor," he replied with a hint of amusement in his voice.

Sunghoon was not one to easily let his guard down, but Jewel's playful banter had a way of breaking through his walls. 

He was strong, confident, and always seemed to have everything under control. These were only some of the traits that made Declan Van Doren so smitten with the boy. He had dark brown eyes that held a hint of mystery; his brown hair was always perfectly styled; and his tall, lean frame exuded an air of quiet strength. Sunghoon's presence commanded attention wherever he went, but it was his genuine kindness and quick wit that truly captivated Declan. The way Sunghoon effortlessly navigated social situations and effortlessly made people feel at ease only deepened Declan's admiration for him.

Despite his stoic exterior, there was a warmth in his eyes that only those close to him could see. Sunghoon was a true enigma, and Jewel couldn't help but be intrigued by him.  

"Yes, sir", Sung Hoon replied, his voice filled with concern. He had always been loyal to the Van Dorens, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at that moment. He bowed before Declan and he subtly looked up to find Declan's eyes staring back at him, filled with anger and irritation. Sung Hoon quickly averted his gaze, knowing that he had somehow disappointed his boss. He wondered what could have caused such a sudden change in Declan's demeanor, fearing the consequences of his actions.

"Why is it that my daughter always seems to be surrounded by trouble?" Declan's voice was filled with frustration as he paced back and forth. Sung Hoon could sense the weight of his boss's worry, realizing that something serious must have happened. He hesitated for a moment before speaking up. "I'm not sure, sir, but I will do everything in my power to protect her and ensure her safety."

"Good, we wouldn't want her to find out," Declan said as he stared into a picture of a young Juliette in his arms with her mother as he took another sip of his drink. Sung Hoon nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. He knew that keeping Juliette safe was of utmost importance to Declan, even if it meant withholding information from her. As he watched his boss, Sung Hoon couldn't help but wonder what had caused such concern and secrecy.

"And make sure a single hair on her head is not harmed," Declan warned, his voice dripping with intensity. Sung Hoon nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of the situation.

"Notify the men and have them on high alert. We can't afford any mistakes," Declan added, his voice filled with determination. Sang Hoon nodded in agreement, knowing that hey needed to act swiftly and decisively to protect her.

Juliette POV

"Good morning, father," she said as she kissed her father on the cheek as he was reading his newspaper. The breakfast was laid out on the huge dining table, consisting of a variety of delicious dishes. The aroma filled the room, tempting her taste buds. "Good morning, my dear," he replied as he placed his newspaper down.

As I was digging in and eating my favorite dish, I couldn't help but notice the tension in the air. The atmosphere was heavy with unspoken words, and I could sense that something was off. I looked around and saw that the maids were all whispering to each other nervously, avoiding eye contact with anyone else in the room. It was clear that they were aware of the tension as well, but none of them seemed willing to speak up about it.

"I hope you'll be able to attend this afternoon," Declan said as he motioned to the letter, which Sung-hoon handed to her.

"Thank you, Sung-hoon," Juliette smiled, as Sung-hoon wavered for a moment before finally nodding and leaving the room. Juliette unfolded the letter, and her smile faded as she read its contents. The tension in the room grew even thicker, and I couldn't help but wonder what could be so troubling in that letter.

"This...letter Juliet's voice trailed off before she stared at her father with a straight face as she took a deep breath.

"The Parama group...father, why are they asking for my attendance at dinner?" I asked as my father's face turned pale. He hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting around the room, before finally meeting mine. "The Parama group is not to be taken lightly," he said, his voice filled with concern. "They hold immense power and influence, and their invitation to you is both unexpected and concerning."

"Father, I know who they are and am not even slightly bothered by this. I am confident in my ability to handle any situation that may arise," I assured him, trying to ease his worries. "Besides, it could be a valuable opportunity for me to network and expand my own influence in the industry."

My father looked at me skeptically, his brow furrowed with worry. "I understand your confidence, but remember that this group operates in secrecy, and their true intentions may not be clear," he cautioned. "I just want you to be cautious and prioritize your safety above all else."

"I appreciate your concern, Dad," I replied, understanding his worries. "Rest assured, I will take all necessary precautions and keep my safety a top priority. I'll make sure to stay vigilant and trust my instincts throughout this experience."

I stood up and kissed my father on the cheek. "I have to meet with my agent, but I'll stop by after," I reassured him. "I'll keep you updated on my whereabouts and let you know if anything feels off. You can count on me to be careful and make wise decisions." With a determined smile, I headed towards the door.

As the door closed, I took a deep breath before receiving a call.

"Hello, Love," said a familiar voice.

"Kavin, my name is not Love," I replied with a chuckle. "You know that, Kavin. What's up?"

"I heard you were about to tango with the devil," Kavin continued, concern evident in his voice. "Just promise me you'll be cautious and have a plan in place. Don't underestimate the Paramaantra, alright?"

"Why are you so worried, Kavin? Am I sensing a hint of worry? You haven't met me for long. enough to be concerned about my safety. But don't worry; I've done my research and I have a solid plan in place. I'll be careful, I promise."

"Actually, I do have a favor to ask you..." I paused, hesitating for a moment.

"I was wondering if we could go shopping, even though I'm a model and have impeccable style," I chuckled. "I need a second opinion since you've already met Thyme's mother".

"Hmmm," Kavin pondered for a moment, considering Juliette's request. He replied, "Sure, I'd be happy to go shopping with you. It'll be fun to give my opinion on your style choices."

"Good, you can pick me up after school," I said.

"Alright, love," Kavin said with a chuckle, knowing that would get Juliet's attention.

"HEY! I TOLD YO-" I was cut off as I realized that Kavin had hung up on me.

I arrived at school, and as I stepped out of the vehicle, a mass number of photographers, reporters, and fans surrounded her, eager to capture a glimpse of the famous fashion influencer. I smiled confidently while she made her way through the crowd.

"This is school grounds; please respect other students and my privacy. Only interview me outside of school. Thank you," I politely reminded the crowd, maintaining my composure and professionalism. Despite the overwhelming attention, I remained focused on my education and the importance of creating boundaries between my public and private lives.

As soon as she was away from prying eyes, Juliette let out a sigh of relief.

"Seriously! Do people not know what personal boundaries are?" I yelled, frustration evident in my voice.

Suddenly Ren appeared from the corner, with a smile on his face.

"Hey, don't let it get to you. You handled it like a pro out there." Ren said, offering her a reassuring pat on the back.

"You're weird, you know that. One minute you were all brooding, saying things like 'I don't pay attention to others'; she mimicked his voice and actions, and now you're all supportive and encouraging. What's gotten into you?" I asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise.

Ren chuckled and shrugged. "I guess seeing you deal with those nosy people made me realize that sometimes it's okay to show a little empathy and support. Plus, I couldn't resist the opportunity to make you smile."

I chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through me. "Well, I have to admit, it's a pleasant srprise. But don't get too used to it; I still expect my fair share of brooding from you." Ren grinned mischievously, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

As we were talking on the rooftop, Gorya suddenly appeared as she called out to Ren. She didn't see Juliette until Ren moved a little. Gorya looked at us with a puzzled expression before turning into a smile.

Out of Juliette's POV

"Ren, Juliette!" Gorya exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. "It's so good to see you both up here! What brings you to the rooftop?" Gorya asked, her eyes scanning the surroundings curiously. Ren's eyes shifted for a moment as he looked at Juliette for a quick moment before he chuckled and gestured towards the breathtaking view. "We were just enjoying the peacefulness and taking in the view," he replied a hint of tranquility in his voice.

Juliette looked at how Gorya looked at Ren, a glimmer of delight as she noticed the subtle connection between them. She smiled and added, "I have class; I have to go, so I'll see you later, Gorya," Juliette said before quickly hugging Gorya.

She whispered into Gorya's ear, "You two look cute." She snickered before waving goodbye to Ren.

"Wait, I'll wal-" Ren stuttered, his voice filled with eagerness, but Juliette interrupted him with a gentle shake of her head. "No need, Ren. I'll be fine on my own," she assured him, her eyes twinkling with gratitude. With one last wave, she turned and walked away, leaving Gorya and Ren standing there, their gazes lingering on each other.

Ren's smile slowly disappeared as he watched Juliette leave, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he turned back to Gorya. "She's something special, isn't she?" he commented, a fondness evident in his voice.

Gorya looked at Ren, her eyes narrowing in sadness as she saw how Ren looked at her. Like how he used to look at... Mira...

It was the end of school, Juliette tiredly gathered her belongings before a man's ands started packing them for her. She looked up to see Kavin, his eyes filled with warmth as he had a smile on his lips. "Let me help you," he offered, a warmth in his voice that made her heart skip a beat.

"Wow, you're such a gentleman," she snickered as she let him pack away her books.

*And as she should, she's a queen made to be pampered. Lowkey is receiving the princess treatment right now.*

"Only for you", Kavin replied with a playful wink.

"Ew, never wink at me again", she teased, playfully rolling her eyes as she looked disgusted.

"Dang, way to hurt my pride, love", he said with a mock pout, pretending to be wounded by her playful remark. But his eyes sparkled with amusement, showing that he was just teasing back. "I guess I'll have to work on my winking."

"Yeah, you do that, she replied.

"Well, your carriage awaits," he said as he threw her bag over his broad shoulders and gave him his arm. Juliette smiled and graciously accepted his offer, linking her arm with his as they walked towards the waiting carriage.

She received another message on her phone but decided to ignore it.

"You must be having fun playing princess, Jewel."

-???

 𝐀/𝐍 𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭. 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧.

 -𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲? 

- 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟?