"But didn't you promise me that we'll further our Master's degree in England together?" Genie uttered in disbelief after hearing what Calvin has just told her.

"I know I did, Genie. But please understand, my father needs someone to take over his business someday. Now is the opportune time for me to get prepared for this role," Calvin explained in an attempt to make her understand his situation.

Tears began to form in her eyes. Still, she merely continued with an apparent tone of disappointment, "You're not going to change your mind, are you?"

Calvin didn't give an answer, and only nodded silently in response. A drop of tear raced down Genie's sad face. She looked to the side and quickly wiped it away. "I'll be waiting for a better answer from you. We'll meet again here next week," she said in hope of things could still make a turn despite the bleak outlook. She then turned about and parted with Calvin.

As she walked on further, most of the people around her on the street were rushing about in brisk pace. Genie pushed aside those despairing thoughts in her mind and began to wonder what was happening. Soon, a drizzle started and she sighed in realisation. Regardless of the change in weather, she continued to trot along the wetted path.

In her mind, those words of Calvin kept replaying without end. She couldn't find the heart to blame him and that was why it's tough to bring herself to accept his decision. It was all too much for her to take and she wouldn't let their pre-planned dreams to shatter in pieces just for the sake of family obligation. She spent literally a whole month in searching for the most suitable education institution abroad and in arranging for the necessary accommodation. Yet, this is what she gets in return.

All this moment of thinking caused Genie to grow oblivious of her immediate surroundings. Before she knew it, she had collided into someone in front of her.

"Hey, watch where're you going!" a furious man shouted.

Genie held onto her shoulder, which is consequently hurt by the incident. She wasted no time in apologizing, at the same time, enduring the awful pain.

Matters only got worse as the drizzling rain turned increasingly heavy. Genie searched her bag for an umbrella but she had actually forgotten to bring along with her when she left the house. Giving up her effort, she looked about the unsheltered sidewalk. Most of the shops had closed by this hour, except for a dimly-lit café by a hidden corner. She went closer to it.

"'Halo' Café – A Pure Relaxation Experience," she read the sign put up on the front.

Unable to bear the intense rain pouring down mercilessly on her, Genie hurried inside for cover.