Sam's bitter words

Sam called Patrick as the tournament was about to start, and they needed to practice hard to win. "We need to win this, so don't go anywhere," Sam said. Patrick agreed. After their practice, Sam called Rose to meet him at the park, and she arrived, asking, "Is something wrong?"

Sam replied, "Yes, but before that, show me your hand." He tied a bracelet on her wrist, and a diamond ring on her finger, saying, "You're the only one dearest to my heart, and I don't want you to forget that, no matter the circumstances we face, we'll overcome them together. Just promise me you won't leave me, even when it's hard." Rose was stunned but made the promise. "You have to promise me too," she said. Sam assured her, "Of course, you are always mine forever."

Sam then explained that he had to practice for his tournament for one month and would be unavailable. Rose smiled and said, "After one month, our third year of school starts. Will you be able to talk to me then?" Sam replied, "Of course I will. Just one month—that's all." He kissed her on the cheek and added, "I'll drop you home."

Meanwhile, Sarah Samuels was deep in thought, remembering how John had apologized to her. She had hesitated when he asked her to be his girlfriend, worried he might return to Rose. It wasn't that Sarah hated Rose; she just wanted all of John's attention. Sarah stared at the teddy bear he had bought her and decided to keep the keychain in her bag when the third year began.

"Oh! I almost forgot, prom is coming soon. I better call John," Sarah said, dialing his number.

"Tring, tring..." The phone rang, and John picked up. "Hey, Sarah, will you go to prom with me?"

They both laughed, and Sarah replied, "I guess we both think the same."

They agreed to go to prom together.

Knock knock. John opened the door to find Sam standing there. Sam saw John and Sarah together, discussing something. "Oops, sorry to disturb," Sam said.

"Just come in," John invited.

Sarah explained, "We were discussing the business model for our shop."

Sam replied, "I have something to tell you both. I have a tournament coming up, so I won't be available for the next month. I already told Rose about it, and she agreed."

John, however, was visibly upset. "Agreed?!" he shouted. Sarah was confused by his sudden anger. John pushed Sam into the wall and said, "You said you loved her, you'd cherish her—so why aren't you taking her with you? Why make it harder for her? You don't even know her dreams. She always wanted to be a pop star, but since she started dating you, she put you first and stopped singing. You've taken her for granted. You think your tournament is more important than her dreams? What about her? She's a miracle, Sam. She asked me for help when her father wouldn't let her pursue her passions. You think it's easy for her to be in this situation?"

Sam stood frozen as John continued, "She deserves more than you, Sam. You already have everything—life, future, all given to you. But she doesn't have that support."

John paused. "But don't get me wrong. I still care about Sarah. I've always been there for her."

Sam's voice turned cold. "I know, John. And while I'm gone, take care of her. But if I don't come back after a month—if I'm not there for school—don't blame me if she falls for you."

John was taken aback. "Like that's ever going to happen."

Sam smirked. "We'll see."

John stood silent, but his mind was racing. Was Sam right? Did he really understand Rose?

As Sam left, John was filled with confusion. He had tried so hard to forget Rose, but every time he did, something reminded him of her. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was losing something important.

Meanwhile, Sarah realized that John couldn't erase Rose from his heart. She thought to herself, Sam's leaving for a month. What if Rose falls for him again? Sarah decided it was best to focus on herself. She would learn more about creating different dress styles for their shop, and she would support John and Rose as best as she could.

Rose, on the other hand, decided to continue her singing lessons with John to distract herself from her feelings for Sam. She packed up her things and went to John's house. "I thought I'd be the one to come to your house," Rose said as John opened the door.

"Rose, what's wrong?" John asked, noticing her distress.

With tears in her eyes, Rose revealed, "He broke up with me."

John hugged her tightly, comforting her. "It's okay, Rose. I'm here for you."

He took her to the beach and sang a song to cheer her up.

"Little flower sings to a princess, underneath I shed my tears to you... you're all I've got, I love you, there's no one else. I treasure you, you're the one I have pleasure... Little flower sings to my princess underneath, you're my lovely treasure, I don't want to lose you, I love you."

Rose asked, "John, was that a proposal?"

John smiled and replied, "Better late than never."

Rose said, "I love you too, but it's hard for me to get over Sam. Can you give me some time? We can stay friends for now."

John agreed, "Of course. Take all the time you need."

Rose kissed him on the cheek, "Thank you for always being there for me."

John took Rose home, and as she turned to open the door, he called out to her. "Hey, Rose," he said. She turned, and he kissed her cheek, saying, "Don't worry, okay?"

Rose smiled, "I wonder how long you'll always be with me."

John replied, "Always."

As he returned home, John couldn't contain his joy. He jumped out of bed, shouting, "Yes! I still have a chance with Rose!"

The next day, he planned to take her to an ice cream shop and buy her a necklace. He dreamed of a future with Rose, but then, in his sleep, he had a nightmare. Sam came back after a year, and Rose married him.

John woke up, sweating. It's just a dream, he thought. But I can't lose her. I'll make it work.

He promised himself, I'll build our shop and keep fighting for Rose—no matter what.

End of Book #1: The One I Cherish

Upcoming Book #2: The Tournament

John is determined to pursue Rose, but deep down, he knows he may not be able to compete with Sam. As Sam leaves for a month, things will change, and John will find himself caught between his feelings for Rose and the reality of the situation. Will Sam return? Will Rose's heart remain with him?

Stay tuned, my lovely readers.