The Weight of Four Years

As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, Akai's focus on her studies and caring for her grandma only grew stronger. She would occasionally visit the Thompson family, who had become like a second family to her. Mrs. Thompson, in particular, showered her with love and affection, making her feel like a daughter.

Time flew by, and before Akai knew it, four years had passed. Despite the distance and busy schedules, she and Ryder remained close, their bond strengthened by phone calls.

"Akai, I miss you so much!" Ryder's voice echoed over the phone, filled with longing.

"I miss you too, Ryder," Akai replied, her voice trembling with emotion. "It feels like an eternity since we last saw each other."

"I know, me too," Ryder said, sighing. "But I'm so proud of you, Akai. You're doing great things, and I know your grandma is proud of you too."

Akai's heart swelled with gratitude. "Thanks, Ryder. That means a lot coming from you."

Ryder replied, his voice filled with warmth. "We may be apart, but our connection remains strong. I can't wait until we can be together again."

Akai's heart skipped a beat at the thought. "Me neither, Ryder. Me neither."

After ending the call, Akai wandered to her room, lost in thought. Her eyes roamed around the familiar space, filled with memories of her childhood. The house, built by her grandfather, held a special place in her heart. She had heard countless stories about him from her grandma, and his legacy lived on through the love and warmth that permeated every corner of the double-story building.

As she gazed out the window, her mind drifted to Ryder. She couldn't believe he was finally returning! The thought sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach. It had been far too long since they last saw each other, and she couldn't wait to rekindle their friendship.

"Akai, come down for dinner!" her grandma called out from the kitchen.

"Coming, Grandma!" Akai replied, making her way downstairs.

Over dinner, Akai's grandma couldn't help but notice her excitement. "You're beaming, Akai! I know Ryder's return has you thrilled."

Akai blushed, her eyes sparkling. "Grandma, I can't help it! Ryder's my best friend, and I've missed him so much. And now that he's taking over the Thompson Group... wow, it's a huge deal!"

Her grandma smiled, her eyes shining with warmth. "Yes, it is. The Thompson Group is one of the largest conglomerates in the world. Ryder's father is handing over the reins to him, and I know he'll do great things."

Akai's eyes widened in awe. "I can't believe it! Ryder's always been destined for greatness."

Her grandma reached out, squeezing her hand. " Akai, I know he cherishes your friendship deeply."

Akai's heart swelled with happiness, her excitement for Ryder's return growing with each passing moment.

As Akai sat in the airport waiting room, her heart raced with anticipation. She clutched the surprise gift she had carefully wrapped, a small token of her excitement to see Ryder again. The atmosphere around her was electric, filled with the joy and tears of reunions and goodbyes.

She watched as a young couple embraced, tears of happiness streaming down their faces. An elderly woman clutched a bouquet of flowers, her eyes shining with joy as she waited for her loved one to arrive. Akai felt a lump form in her throat, her own emotions mirroring those around her.

"Ryder, where are you?" she whispered to herself, glancing at her watch for what felt like the hundredth time.

Just then, a voice announced over the loudspeaker, "Flight 121 from Scotland has landed. Passengers are disembarking."

Akai's heart skipped a beat. She stood up, her eyes fixed on the arrival gate.

Akai's eyes scanned the crowded airport, her heart racing with excitement. And then, suddenly, she saw him - Ryder, walking towards her but he had not noticed her yet. Her eyes widened in surprise as she noticed a woman walking beside him, their arms brushing against each other. The woman was stunning, with long, curly brown hair and piercing green eyes that seemed to gleam with a knowing intensity. Akai felt a pang of unease as she watched Ryder laugh at something the woman whispered to him.

As she approached them,

"Ryder" she called him and waved her hands at his direction, and his smile grew wider Aaj he finally noticed her. "Akai!" he exclaimed, opening his arms for a hug.

Akai's unease melted away as she embraced him tightly. "I can't believe you're finally back!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled in his chest.

Ryder pulled back, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "How did you know I was coming on this flight?" he asked, his brow raised in curiosity.

Akai grinned mischievously. "Aunty Thompson told me," she replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

As she glanced at the woman standing beside Ryder, she felt a jolt of recognition. It was Savannah, the same woman she had met four years ago when she visited Ryder at his university. Savannah's eyes met hers, and she smiled warmly, but Akai detected a hint of coolness in her gaze.

"Hi Akai, we met four years ago," Savannah said, her voice husky.

Akai's eyes narrowed slightly as she replied, "Hello, nice to meet you again." She couldn't help but feel a twinge of possessiveness towards Ryder, and Savannah's presence seemed to be a reminder that their friendship was no longer the same.

John, Ryder's friend, chimed in, his voice laced with humor. "Akai, you haven't greeted me yet!" He feigned hurt, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

Akai laughed, feeling a warmth in her chest. "Sorry, John! How have you been?" she asked, opening her arms for a hug.

John enveloped her in a tight embrace. "I've missed you, Akai! You're still the same, always so full of life!" He whispered in her ear, "And still the same spark in your eyes when you look at Ryder!"

Akai blushed, feeling a flutter in her chest. She pushed John playfully, her eyes shining with laughter. "Shut up, John!"

"Just kidding," John replied laughingly, his eyes twinkling with mischief. Akai's face flushed a deep pink, her eyes darting to Ryder .

"What did you say, John?" Savannah asked, her voice laced with curiosity, her eyes fixed on Akai's blushing face.

"Actually, I..." John started to reply, his grin still plastered on his face.

But Akai quickly interrupted him, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's nothing, really." She waved her hand dismissively, her eyes pleading with John to drop the subject.

Savannah's gaze lingered on Akai's face, her expression unreadable. Ryder, sensing the tension, stepped in. "Hey, let's focus on the reunion, shall we?" He smiled warmly, his eyes locked onto Akai's.

Akai's blush deepened, but she smiled gratefully at Ryder. "Yeah, let's." She turned to John, her voice playful. "No more teasing, John."

John chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Okay, okay, I'll behave." He held up his hands in mock surrender.

Savannah's gaze still lingered on Akai, her eyes narrowed slightly. "So, Akai, what have you been up to these past four years?" Her voice was polite, but Akai detected a hint of coolness beneath the surface.