Accidental Marriage With Mr Billioniare
Chapter 197: THE NECKLACE 2

Chapter 197: THE NECKLACE 2

FLASHBACK

12 YEARS AGO

12 years old Astrid stood outside the gathering, her eyes fixed on the pool as she threw stones into the water.

The sound of laughter and music drifted from the party, but Astrid didn’t feel like celebrating.

Her dad and stepmom had brought her to this gathering, claiming it would help their business, but Astrid knew the truth. They just wanted to show her off, like a trophy, to impress their colleagues and nothing else.

But Astrid wasn’t interested in being a part of their charade. She would have rather stayed home, alone, than be paraded around like a performing monkey.

Her father had insisted she come, though, claiming it was for her good. "If you don’t come with us, the authorities might take you away," he had said, his voice cold and detached.

Astrid shuddered at the memory. She hated being used as a pawn in her parents’ games. She hated being treated like a possession, rather than a person. She isn’t liked by her family, and she is used to their treatment.

As she stood there, feeling sorry for herself, Astrid’s eyes wandered to the moon.

It is full and bright, casting a silver glow over the pool. Astrid felt a pang of sadness as she thought about her mother. She wondered if her mother would have treated her differently if she had lived with her instead of her father.

Just then, a commotion caught Astrid’s attention. A boy, older than her, was screaming as he rode a horse around the pool area.

Astrid watched in horror as the horse galloped faster and faster, the boy clinging to its back for dear life.

At first, Astrid thought someone would intervene, and that an adult would step in and stop the chaos. But as she looked around, she realized that no one was paying attention. The partygoers were too busy laughing and chatting to notice the boy’s distress.

Astrid’s heart raced, she watched as the horse suddenly stopped, its legs buckling beneath it. The boy flew off its back, landing with a splash in the pool.

"Oh my goodness!" she whispered.

"Someone help!" she screamed out her lungs but no one was nearby, despite trying to get them she couldn’t get them.

Without thinking, Astrid rushed towards the pool. She didn’t stop to consider the consequences, she just acted on instinct.

As she reached the pool’s edge, she hesitated for a moment, her eyes fixed on the boy’s struggling form.

And then, in a movement that seemed almost involuntary, Astrid jumped into the pool.

She didn’t think about the fact that she wasn’t a strong swimmer. She didn’t think about the fact that the pool was deep, or that the water was cold. All she thought about was the boy, and how she had to save him.

As she hit the water, Astrid felt a shock run through her body. The water was icy cold, and it took her breath away. She struggled to swim towards the boy, her strokes awkward and uncoordinated.

Water filled her mouth and nose, and Astrid felt a wave of panic wash over her. She was going to drown, she thought, her mind racing with fear.

But then, she saw the boy’s face, his eyes wide with terror. And something inside Astrid clicked. She forgot about her fear and focused on saving the boy.

With a newfound decision, Astrid kicked and paddled towards the boy. She grabbed hold of him and started to swim towards the pool’s edge.

As they reached the side of the pool, Astrid felt the boy’s weight bearing down on her. She struggled to keep his head above water, her arms aching with exhaustion.

Just when she thought she couldn’t hold on any longer, the boy’s eyes flickered open.

He looked up at Astrid, and then, in a movement that surprised her, he started to help her.

Together, they kicked and paddled until they reached the pool’s edge. Astrid hauled herself out of the water, gasping for air. The boy followed, his eyes fixed on hers.

As they lay there, panting and exhausted, Astrid felt a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over her.

She had saved the boy’s life, it was the first time that she had saved someone and she was so proud of herself.

The boy looked up at her, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Astrid smiled, feeling a sense of connection with this stranger. "You’re welcome," she replied, her voice soft.

As Astrid looked into the boy’s eyes, she noticed that they weren’t quite focused on hers. She frowned, concerned.

"Can you see right?" she asked and the boy shook his head gently.

"Why did you climb onto the horse if you can’t ride it?" she asked, her voice soft.

The boy looked sheepish, his face flushing with embarrassment. "My friend dared me to do it," he admitted. "I didn’t want to say no,"

Astrid smiled, understanding. "I see," she said. "Well, next time, maybe think twice before taking on a dare, so you don’t end your life early."

The boy nodded, his eyes still unfocused. "Yeah, I guess you’re right," he said. "I also have night blindness," he added, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I didn’t want to tell my friend. My mom is going to take care of it soon."

Astrid’s eyes widened in surprise. "I have eye problems too," she said. "I wear glasses."

The boy smiled, looking relieved. "Really?" he asked. "Thanks for understanding."

Astrid smiled back, feeling a sense of connection with this boy. "No problem," she said.

The boy reached into his pocket and pulled out a small necklace. "Here," he said, holding it out to her. "I made this, it’s my first time making something I have always been creative about. It’s not much, but I want you to have it."

Astrid’s eyes widened as she took the necklace. It was beautiful, with intricate patterns and sparkling gemstones. "Wow, this is gorgeous," she said.

The boy smiled, looking proud. "Thanks," he said. "I made it myself."

Astrid’s eyes met his, and she felt a sense of wonder. "You’re talented," she said. "You could make a lot of money selling these."

The boy’s eyes lit up. "Really?" he asked. "You think so?"

Astrid nodded. "Definitely," she said.

The boy smiled, looking excited. "Well, this can be my first creation, then," he said. "And I’ll make more for you in the future."

Astrid smiled, feeling a sense of joy. "I’d like that," she said.

The boy held out his hand. "I’m Julian," he said. "Can we both become friends?" she nodded her head eagerly and she was about to respond when she suddenly hesitated, unsure of what to do.

Her dad had warned her never to introduce herself to people she didn’t know much about. She was also too scared to introduce herself and accept his request as a friend.

But before she could respond, she saw her father walking out of the mansion, his eyes scanning the area.

Fear shot through her veins, and she quickly stood up. "I have to go," she said, turning to Julian. "We will see each other again someday."

Julian looked disappointed, but he nodded. "Okay," he said.

Astrid turned and ran, her heart pounding in her chest. She met her father halfway, and he grabbed her arm, his eyes blazing with anger.

"Where have you been?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing.

Astrid trembled, feeling a wave of fear wash over her. "I was just... um... walking around," she stammered.

Her father’s face darkened, and he smacked her across the face. "Don’t lie to me," he growled. "You’re going to embarrass me in front of my colleagues."

Astrid felt tears pricking at the corners of her eyes, but she bit them back. She didn’t want to give her father the satisfaction of seeing her cry.

"No... Dad, I promised I didn’t embarrass you, I didn’t even talk to..."

"Shut your mouth! And come with me now!" he growled, pulling her with him.

Her father pulled her towards the car, where her stepmother and stepsister were waiting.

Just then the necklace slipped from her hands, she tried to get out to take the necklace but her father shoved her into the car.

"Don’t annoy me and let’s go!" he yelled at her, "Dad! That is my necklace, I want to get it." she cried out but he didn’t let her do so instead he picked it up not checking twice he threw it far away thinking it was one of her property.

"One more word and you will walk home," she shut her mouth, tears trickling down her eyes.

Astrid’s eyes scanned the area, searching for Julian, and she saw him standing with a woman who looked like his mother.

Their eyes met, and Astrid felt a sense of connection. She smiled, feeling a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she had found a friend in Julian.

Ever since then, she has been following everything about Julian hoping one day they met again and would be the good friend they hope to be.