Jason stayed on the line as he waited for Summer response. The decision was up to her, but he would've loved if she could trust him enough to agree that he should help with the project.“I know how hard you have been working on the project. I am the only person that have seen you and Austin practicing all the steps. It would be easy to explain the steps to me, but I don't think you even have to because I know everything.”“Summer, don't let this go to waste. This is your future, buy it's okay if you don't trust me, it would be bad for you not to go than humiliate yourself in the process”Jason rearranged the table of the conversation. He had been dreaming of getting betrayed by one of his most trusted friend. This was the right moment to start testing all his friends, although he might not be able to find fault cause he love all his friends.Summer was silent for a while before she finally spoke.“Before anybody would be allowed to participate in the event. You have to pass some medic

At that moment, Summer stood frozen at the edge of the grand hall, her heart thudding unevenly in her chest.The lights were up. The stage was set. Every single detail had been carefully laid out—the decor, the displays, the sound systems, the media arrangements. Every moving part of the project had been rehearsed and perfected. She had spent weeks making sure this event would be nothing short of flawless.This wasn’t just another gig.This was the opportunity.A shot she knew she couldn’t afford to miss. Something that could open doors far bigger than any she had walked through before. Something she had dreamed about for years.And now, it was starting to fall apart right in front of her.She had tried so hard to keep everything under control—to make sure there were no cracks. She had managed every call, every vendor, every last-minute adjustment. She had given her trust—one single trust—to the person she thought would help her carry this to the finish line.And that person had faile

The room had started to feel a little less heavy. Jason’s words hung in the air like a promise—steady, unwavering, and full of conviction. For a moment, Summer almost wanted to believe every single thing he said without question.But then, reality tugged at her again.She exhaled softly, then slowly shook her head.Jason tilted his head, watching her, waiting for her response.“You’re doing too much,” she said gently, almost under her breath. Her eyes didn’t meet his right away, instead trailing across the empty chairs and the quiet stage ahead of them.Jason’s expression didn’t change, but she could tell he heard her clearly.“You’re talking too much now,” Summer added, her tone firmer, but not cruel.She looked back at him, crossing her arms.“Even though I listened to what you said—about us doing this together, about making everything work—I know it’s not going to be easy, Jason.”Her voice cracked slightly with honesty.“I know it’s going to be hard,” she said. “Like, way, way dif

Summer took a quiet breath and looked at Jason.There was a soft calm in her eyes now—not because the tension had left, but because she had decided to accept it. Sometimes, strength wasn’t about knowing everything would go well… it was about choosing to stand anyway.She looked at Jason with a faint smile.“Thank you,” she said, her voice gentle but filled with meaning. “For everything.”Jason didn’t interrupt. He stood still, letting her speak.Summer continued, “For everything you’ve been doing for me. For what you’re still doing. I know I haven’t said it enough, but I’m truly grateful.”She lowered her eyes for a second, the weight of her emotions catching up to her. “Thank you for giving me the courage to want to take this position. For pushing me not to be afraid.”Jason watched her quietly. His eyes softened as her words sank in.“For reminding me,” she said slowly, “that it’s okay to not know how everything will turn out… That it's okay to still go ahead and try. You made me wa

At that moment, Jane’s laughter hadn’t even died down when Basil suddenly leaned forward, squinting as if he was trying to solve a riddle.“Wait a minute,” he said, pointing toward Jason, who was quietly standing behind Soma. “Don’t tell me… this is your partner?”The others followed his gaze, and their eyes landed on Jason. A subtle hush spread for a second, then came the burst of laughter again—twice as loud.Jane let out a dramatic gasp. “Oh no… no, no, no. You’ve got to be kidding me! This guy? What level is he even? What’s he doing here?”“Is he a vet student too?” Basil added mockingly. “Or is he just your emotional support animal?”The comment drew another wave of chuckles, and a few onlookers nearby tried to suppress their own smiles. Even the judge walking by gave them a slight glance, clearly unsure what the laughter was about.Jason said nothing. His hands were in his pockets, his expression calm as ever, but Soma could feel the heat crawling up her neck. Her chest tightene