“What’s the meaning of this? Don’t we follow the principle of ‘first come, first served’?” she asked the
staff member with a cold edge to her voice.
Rolling his eyes, he retorted, “What’s your hurry? Don’t waste the big company’s time, for they have a
lot on their plate. You, with your newly established company, probably don’t have much business. Wait
your turn, what’s the big deal?”
“What do you mean by ‘wait your turn’? I was here before him!” Ariana’s annoyance was palpable as
she stood her ground, refusing to yield her position.
Seeing her steadfastness, the staff member stood up, growing more aggressive. “Are you trying to
cause trouble? If you can’t wait, you can get out! There are plenty of people who want to take your
spot.”
He was on the verge of calling security to remove Ariana.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtJust then, a man appeared, his voice stern as he inquired, “What’s going on? What’s happening here?”
Ariana turned towards the voice, a hint of familiarity tickling her senses. After a moment of recognition,
it dawned on her — it was Jayson!
Jayson’s appearance seemed to exude a vibrant energy, a stark contrast to the image Ariana had held
of him five years ago. His once-short hair, now even shorter, was the only familiar trait that gave her
any inkling of recognition.
In that moment, Ariana escaped Jayson’s notice, but the staff member intercepted him with a
deferential grin and a bow. “Hello, Mr. Spears,” the staffer greeted him. He gestured towards Ariana, his
finger pointing in her direction. “Someone overseeing a recently established contracting agency is
causing a bit of a stir,” he disclosed, his tone laced with amusement.
“She’s attempting to jump the queue using a stolen invitation.”
Jayson’s face contorted into a frown, an expression that didn’t escape the notice of the staffer. Seeking
to clarify, he added, “Our event’s invitation list has undergone meticulous rounds of scrutiny and inquiry.
We don’t extend invitations to fledgling entities Looking to lower our standards.”
Jayson’s scowl deepened, his attention shifting towards the thin woman who had clearly caught his eye
with her smirk.
Momentarily taken aback, Jayson’s surprise was soon replaced by recognition as he realized it was
Ariana. His astonishment was palpable, the frown melting away as he strode over to embrace her
warmly.
“It’s truly you! Remarkable. It’s been five long years since I last heard from you,” Jayson exclaimed, his
voice laced with surprise.
“Much has transpired over the past few years,” Ariana replied, reciprocating his embrace with a
heartfelt hug.
Their hug bore the traces of respect and camaraderie. Encountering each other here was a delightful
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmtwist of fate neither had anticipated. Jayson’s satisfaction was evident as he reminisced, “That film
achieved tremendous success in its time. Yet, my attempts to reconcile accounts with you bore no fruit.
Nevertheless, I held onto the funds, awaiting your eventual return.”
Ariana’s emotions were a blend of conflicting sentiments as she absorbed his words.
The car accident had heralded a series of tumultuous events, casting a pall over her life. The weight of
responsibilities had drained her, and she had gradually distanced herself from her closest companions.
The continuity of their friendship across five years was a sentiment she had not dared to hope for.
She had a lot to say to her old friend, but this was not the place for catching up due to the presence of
others.
Ariana shifted her mood and glanced around, eventually focusing her gaze on the staffer. With a playful
smile, she addressed him, “Mr. Spears, it seems you’re in command here. Could you perhaps help me
with the current issue?”