Falling at 30,000 feets

At the Blackwood Estate, the atmosphere was deceptively calm. The grand foyer gleamed with polished marble floors and crystal chandeliers that caught the morning light, casting rainbows across the walls lined with framed aviation memorabilia. In the sunlit sitting room, plush cream sofas and armchairs were arranged around a dark wood coffee table, where a silver tea set sat gleaming.

Mandy sat gracefully on one of the cushions, her posture elegant and practiced-back straight, shoulders relaxed, legs crossed neatly at the ankle. She wore a tailored cream dress that flowed to her knees, her dark hair styled in loose waves that framed her face perfectly. Across from her, Eleanor-Jayden's mother-carefully set down a cup of freshly brewed coffee on a delicate saucer before taking a seat beside her, a polite but slightly strained smile resting on her lips.

"You don't have to be so polite, Madam," Mandy said warmly, reaching out to take Eleanor's hands in hers. Her grip was tight-almost possessive-as she squeezed gently. "We're almost family now."

Eleanor's smile faltered-just slightly-as she tried to pull her hands away subtly. "Mandy..." she began cautiously, her voice soft but measured. "I mentioned to your mother the last time we spoke that... the marriage arrangement between our families has been cancelled."

For a brief moment, Mandy said nothing. Her expression remained perfectly composed, but her fingers tightened around Eleanor's hands until her knuckles turned white.

Then-

Her hand "accidentally" tilted, knocking against the coffee cup beside her. The ceramic slipped from its saucer, hot black coffee spilling across the polished wood table in a dark, spreading stain.

"Oh my God!" Mandy exclaimed quickly, rising halfway from her seat, her eyes wide with feigned alarm. "I'm so sorry-I'm so clumsy today! I'll clean it up right away-"

Eleanor reached out immediately, gently holding her hands to stop her. "No, no-don't worry about it," she said softly, guiding her to sit back down. "The staff will take care of it. Mandy... I heard from your mother that you went abroad for treatment. How is your condition now? Is it any better?"

Mandy's expression dimmed slightly, a shadow passing across her face. She released Eleanor's hands, folding her own in her lap. "It's still the same," she replied, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "The doctors say there's only so much they can do-some things just take time."

Then, as if remembering something pleasant, her face brightened again, and she looked up at Eleanor with a warm smile. "But Jayden took very good care of me while I was overseas," she added lightly, her voice taking on a dreamy quality. "He called every week, sent me care packages... so you don't need to worry about me."

Eleanor's brows knitted together-confusion flickering across her face as she searched Mandy's eyes. "I... wasn't aware you and Jayden were that close. He never mentioned keeping in touch while you were away."

Mandy's smile stiffened, the corners of her lips twitching slightly. For a split second-just long enough for Eleanor to notice-her eyes shifted away, darting toward the window as if nervous.

Before she could respond-

The sound of a car pulling into the driveway broke the moment. Gravel crunched under tires, followed by the soft thud of a door closing.

Mandy's face lit up instantly, her earlier discomfort vanishing completely. "Is Jayden back?" she asked, already rising to her feet, excitement clear in her voice as she smoothed down her dress.

Eleanor forced a small smile-but the moment Mandy turned away, that smile vanished completely, replaced with visible tension. She pressed her fingers to her temples, letting out a quiet sigh.

Mandy walked briskly toward the door, her steps light and eager. Just as she reached it-her hand on the polished brass handle-

The door opened from the outside.

Jayden stepped in, his jacket slung over one shoulder, his tie slightly loosened from a long morning of meetings. He paused when he saw Mandy, his expression remaining neutral.

"Oh, Jayden!" Mandy said, her tone turning soft and slightly pouty as she stepped closer to him. "Why did you come back without telling me? You didn't even inform me you were coming"

Jayden barely spared her a glance as he hung his jacket on the coat rack by the door. One hand slipped into his pocket, his expression calm-detached, almost cold.

"Miss Moore," he said coolly, finally turning to look at her. His dark eyes held no warmth, only a clear sense of distance. "We are not familiar enough for me to keep you informed of my movements."

The words landed heavily in the quiet foyer. Mandy's smile wavered, but she pressed on, as if she hadn't heard him.

"My mom asked me to check with you," she continued, her voice bright again despite the slight edge to it. "When would be a good day for our wedding? She's already looking at venues-there's a beautiful church just outside the city that's perfect for a spring ceremony."

Behind her, Eleanor turned away, walking toward the sitting room as she twisted her fingers together nervously. She didn't want to be part of this conversation-not again.

"I am already married," Jayden said flatly, his gaze sharp and unwavering as he met Mandy's eyes directly. "I told your parents this months ago, and I've made it clear to you as well. Continuing this conversation will only cause unnecessary trouble for both families."

Mandy's smile vanished.

Completely.

Her face hardened, her jaw tightening as she stared at him. Her fingers tightened slightly at her sides, her nails digging into her palms. Then, slowly, she turned to face Eleanor, who had paused by the doorway, watching anxiously.

Her expression-no longer sweet or playful. Now edged with frustration and something that looked almost like anger.

"Madam..." she began, her voice low and steady.

Eleanor quickly stood up, forcing a smile as she stepped toward her, cutting her off. "Mandy," she said gently, taking Mandy's hands again-this time with a firmer grip. "You are a wonderful young woman, and your family means so much to us. You will definitely meet someone better-someone who can give you the life you deserve."

She even reached up, lightly tapping Mandy's nose in a playful gesture-trying to ease the tension, to smooth over the awkwardness.

Mandy let out a quiet sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly.

"My mom is still waiting for me," she added, withdrawing her hands and stepping back toward the door. "I should go."

She turned, her movements stiff as she walked toward the entrance. Jayden stood still, watching her go, his expression unreadable.

Then-

Through the tall glass window beside the entrance-

He saw her.

Jane.

Walking up the long, luxurious path toward the estate, the morning sun illuminating her dark hair. She carried a thick file in one hand, her head held high as she made her way up the stone steps, completely unaware of what awaited her inside. She'd clearly come straight from work-still in her pilot uniform, her cap tucked into her pocket.

Jayden's eyes widened.

For the first time-

Real panic flickered across his face.

No-

As Mandy moved to pass him, reaching for the door handle-

He reached out suddenly and grabbed her arm, his grip firm enough to stop her but not to hurt her.

"Wait."

His voice was firm-unusual for him, carrying a note of urgency he rarely showed.

Mandy froze, startled, turning back to look at him with wide eyes.

Jayden's gaze remained fixed on the approaching figure outside, his jaw tight with worry.

"No..." he said under his breath, his fingers tightening slightly on her arm.

Then, more clearly-

"You can't leave yet."