The announcement of the plane's imminent landing in New York City sent a thrill through Ava Della Sanchez. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply, a decade of longing culminating in this moment. She was finally going to see Nickolaus, her childhood best friend, the man who held her heart.

Memories flooded her mind – their innocent days, the jealous pangs she felt when other girls flocked around him, his unwavering attention always on her. Now, after so many years, she wondered if he had changed, if he remembered her, or if a new love had claimed him.

Shaking off the negative thoughts, she focused on the present. The plane touched down, and the cool New York breeze greeted her as she stepped onto the tarmac. "Home sweet home, Nickolaus Michelson, I'm back," she whispered inwardly, a smile gracing her lips.

The drive to the Sanchez mansion was a journey through her past, each renovated corner of their grand estate a testament to the passage of time. Her parents, eternally loving, embraced her warmly, their familiar presence a comforting anchor. But it wasn't long before the conversation turned to Nickolaus, and a revelation that would change everything: she was betrothed to him.

The news ignited a wildfire of emotions within her. Her dream was within reach. But then, her mother revealed the condition: Nickolaus's company was on the verge of collapse, and their family's help came with a price – marriage to Ava. The initial elation was tempered by the knowledge of his predicament, and a burgeoning sense of purpose took root.

With a wink to her parents, she grabbed the car keys. "To Michelson Group of Companies," she declared, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The journey had truly begun.