The balcony at William House RTC was a quiet refuge from the chaos of the earlier events.
The sprawling estate stretched below, its gardens bathed in soft moonlight, while the distant hum of the party faded into the background.
Sarah sat on one of the ornate chairs, her posture slightly slouched, her face painted with an expression of sorrow.
The gentle breeze rustled her Black hair, and the silver moonlight illuminated her features, making her look fragile, almost ethereal.
Sarah wasn't genuinely upset.
Her calculated sadness was a tool, a well-practiced act she'd used before.
But tonight, it wasn't just manipulation—it was also a means to cope with the storm of emotions she felt.
Max's degrading introduction had cut deeper than she wanted to admit, and while her pride burned, she knew she couldn't let it show.
---
Josh stood silently at the door to the balcony, watching her. He was still seething with anger over his father's words, but seeing Sarah like this—so vulnerable—struck a chord within him.
He cleared his throat softly, stepping out onto the balcony.
"Hey," he said, his voice quieter than usual.
Sarah looked up at him, her face lighting up briefly before she quickly masked it with a melancholic smile.
"Oh, Josh," she murmured. "I didn't hear you come in."
Josh walked over and leaned against the railing beside her. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence filled only with the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets.
"I'm sorry about what happened,"
Josh said finally, his voice heavy with guilt.
"My father… he doesn't always think about how his words might affect others."
---
Sarah let out a soft, self-deprecating laugh.
"You don't have to apologize for your father, Josh. He's just being honest, isn't he? I am a servant's daughter, after all."
Josh shook his head, his frustration evident.
"No, Sarah. You're so much more than that. My father doesn't see it, but I do. You're smart, strong, and… honestly, you're one of the kindest people I know."
Sarah's heart skipped a beat, though she carefully maintained her somber expression. She turned to look at him, her Blue eyes shimmering in the moonlight. And she Remembered her revenge .
"That's sweet of you to say, Josh," she said softly.
"But you don't need to comfort me. I'm used to people looking down on me. It's just the way things are."
Josh frowned, his hands gripping the balcony railing tightly. "It's not right," he said firmly.
"No one should have to 'get used' to being treated like they're less than someone else. Especially not you."
---
Sarah tilted her head back, gazing up at the full moon.
Its pale glow bathed the world in a serene light, and for a moment, it felt as though time had stopped. She sighed softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"The moon is beautiful tonight, isn't it?"
Josh followed her gaze, his expression softening.
"Yeah," he agreed.
"It's peaceful. Like it's reminding us that no matter what happens, the world keeps turning."
She smiled faintly, the corners of her lips barely lifting.
"Do you ever wonder what it's like up there? To be so far away from all of this… drama? To just exist in silence and light? Revenge , Love ?"
Josh chuckled, a hint of his usual cheerfulness returning.
"You're starting to sound like a Factional character , Sarah."
Sarah shrugged, her eyes still fixed on the moon.
"Maybe I am. Or maybe I just wish things were simpler."
---
Josh turned to face her fully, his expression earnest.
"Sarah," he said,
"you don't have to go through this alone. I know my father's decision was unfair, and I hate that you were dragged into it. But I'm here for you. Whatever happens, I'll make sure you're okay."
Sarah looked at him, her eyes searching his face for a moment.
She could see the sincerity in his gaze, the way his jaw was set with determination.
For a brief second, she felt a pang of guilt for manipulating him.
But she quickly pushed the thought aside.
"Thank you, Josh," she said, her voice soft and genuine.
"That means a lot to me."
---
They fell silent again, the weight of their conversation settling over them like a heavy blanket.
But it wasn't an uncomfortable silence—it was the kind of quiet that spoke volumes without words.
Josh leaned back against the railing, his hands resting on the cool metal.
"You know," he said after a while,
"I never thought I'd end up having a serious conversation like this. I guess I'm not really known for being the 'serious' type."
Sarah smiled, a hint of playfulness returning to her expression.
"That's true. You're usually the one cracking jokes and making everyone laugh."
"Hey," Josh protested, though he was smiling.
"Someone has to lighten the mood around here. But… I guess tonight is different."
Sarah nodded, her smile fading slightly.
"It is," she agreed.
"But maybe that's not a bad thing. Sometimes, we need moments like this to remind us what really matters."
---
The cool night air wrapped around them, carrying the faint scent of flowers from the garden below.
Josh glanced at Sarah, his expression softening.
"You're stronger than you realize, you know," he said quietly.
Sarah looked at him, surprised by his words.
"What makes you say that?"
"Because even after everything my father said, you're still here. You're not running away or hiding. You're facing it head-on. That takes strength."
Sarah's chest tightened at his words, but she quickly masked her emotions with a small smile.
"Maybe," she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Or maybe I just don't have a choice."
"You always have a choice," Josh said firmly.
"Don't let anyone take that away from you."
" I will not josh . You will see one day i will succeed " Sarah said with her expression change but remain comfort
" That's more like it "
---
As the night wore on, the party inside began to wind down, the sounds of laughter and music growing fainter.
But Josh and Sarah remained on the balcony, lost in their conversation and the beauty of the night.
For a brief moment, it felt as though they were the only two people in the world, the moon and stars bearing silent witness to their shared moment.
As Sarah finally stood to leave, Josh reached out and gently took her hand.
"Whatever happens, Sarah," he said, his voice filled with quiet determination,
"you're not alone. I promise."
She looked at him, her heart conflicted.
"Thank you, Josh," she said softly.
"That means more than you know."
With that, she turned and walked back into the house, leaving Josh alone on the balcony.
He watched her go, a mixture of emotions swirling within him.
The night may have brought them closer, but it was clear that the days ahead would test them both in ways they couldn't yet imagine.