Janie shared snippets of Justin's childhood with Lisa, giving her a more complete picture of his upbringing. After his mother's tragic death, Justin and his two half-brothers were left in the care of their guilt-ridden father. Despite their father's efforts to make amends, their relationship remained strained.
Driven by his profound loss, Justin immersed himself in his studies. He became a dedicated and exceptional student, standing out with his intellect. His studies became a refuge from his turbulent emotions.
As the years passed, Justin's father recognized his potential and appointed him as the CEO of the family's business empire. Justin's promotion received mixed reactions, with some questioning his qualifications and others acknowledging his intelligence. Justin embraced his new role with determination.
Armed with this knowledge, Lisa felt a responsibility to be more compassionate towards Justin. She understood that his guarded demeanor was a shield he had created to protect himself. Lisa vowed to offer him the support he needed, blending professionalism with empathy.
As Janie finished Lisa's hair and makeup, she noticed a spark of curiosity in Lisa's eyes. Janie leaned in and whispered, "Lisa, have you ever wondered what it would be like to see the world clearly?"
Lisa met Janie's gaze in the mirror, a mix of intrigue and uncertainty in her eyes. She nodded, sharing her struggles with her eyesight since she was fourteen.
Janie smiled knowingly. "Well, my dear, I have something that might give you the clarity you've longed for." She took out a herb from a pouch, its vibrant green leaves glistening with dew.
"It's a medicinal herb," Janie explained excitedly. "When consumed, it can clear your vision, as if by magic."
Lisa's eyes widened with hope and skepticism. She realized she had nothing to lose and accepted the herb from Janie. She consumed it, experiencing a bitter yet refreshing taste.
A moment of anticipation passed before Lisa blinked, astonished. The world around her sharpened, details becoming clear. She blinked again, hardly believing her eyes. Everything appeared vibrant and distinct, a miracle after years of blurred vision.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Lisa embraced Janie warmly, thanking her for the incredible gift. Janie smiled, her eyes shining with joy. "You deserve this gift, Lisa. Now, go and step into the world, seeing it like you've never seen before."
As Lisa stepped out of her room, her heart fluttering with the newfound clarity of her vision, she accidentally collided with someone. Justin opened his mouth to express his frustration but looked up and froze.
Before him stood a transformed Lisa, her once-clouded eyes now radiant and sparkling. A lump formed in his chest, a mix of surprise and admiration. He never imagined she could possess such beauty. Lisa stammered an apology, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"I'm so sorry, Justin. I didn't see you there," Lisa said, her voice filled with genuine remorse.
Justin, still taken aback, managed to find his words. "I was going to ask if you were ready because time is running out," he said, still unable to tear his eyes away from her.
"Yeah, I'm done. Thanks to Janie, she did all this for me," Lisa replied, her gratitude evident.
"Janie is incredibly talented. There's nothing she can't do," Justin said, his gaze lingering on Lisa. Janie, glistening with joy and satisfaction, quietly retreated upstairs, giving them their space.
Lisa sighed, still trying to have compassion for Justin despite his arrogant behavior. "Next time, if I'm causing a delay, I'll leave without you, and you'll have to walk to work."
"I've apologized before, Justin," Lisa replied, clenching her teeth.
"No, you only apologized for colliding into me," Justin retorted.