The night was thick with silence, but Sarah's mind raced as she stepped away from the party. She needed to get out, needed air to clear the suffocating weight pressing down on her chest. Her mother's words still echoed in her mind, each one more hurtful than the last. Without informing anyone, she dialed her father's number. He was the one person in the world who would always be there for her, who would listen without judgment, who would love her unconditionally.
The phone rang a couple of times before he answered, his voice warm, comforting.
"Hello, my angel! How are you? Did you miss me?"
Sarah's voice trembled as tears welled up in her eyes. "I want you back home, Dad. I really miss you. I need to talk to you about what Mom did to me."
Her father's tone instantly shifted, concern flooding his words. "Angel, are you crying? You're not alone. I'm taking the next flight and coming to you. You're not alone, Sarah. Wait for me, and please, don't cry. It hurts me to hear you like this. The more you cry, the more I feel like a failed and helpless father. I'll be there soon, angel."
Sarah wiped her tears, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. Hearing her father's voice, so full of love and care, gave her the strength to stand. She sniffled and composed herself. "I love you, Dad."
"I love you too. Stay strong. I'll be there soon."
After the call, Sarah felt a sense of calm she hadn't known all night. She asked the driver to take her home. Once inside, she went straight to her grandmother's room, collapsing into her arms.
Grandma pulled Sarah close, stroking her hair gently. "Princess, stop crying. Your mother has no power over me. How dare she make you cry like this? I'm here, and we'll figure this out together. Get some rest. I'll talk to your mother when your father arrives."
Sarah nodded, feeling the comfort of her grandmother's words, and fell asleep in her arms.
The Next Morning:
Sarah woke up feeling lighter, but the moment she checked her phone, reality crashed down on her. Messages flooded her screen—friends, cousins, even reporters asking for comments.
She sighed and set her phone aside. None of this should've been public yet.
She rushed downstairs, hoping to see her father, but the house was unusually quiet. Then, muffled voices caught her attention—from her grandfather's study.
Sarah hesitated before stepping closer, her heart pounding. She peeked in through the slightly open door.
Her father was here. And he was furious.
"You waited for me to leave on a business trip to pull this stunt? How could you do this to my angel without her consent, without even consulting me?"
Her mother's voice was cold, unfazed.
"She's my daughter too. I know what's best for her."
A sharp scoff came from her grandmother.
"Business-minded as ever," she muttered. "I admired that about you, but this? Forcing your daughter into a deal like she's a company asset? This is beyond cruel."
Sarah's mother didn't back down.
"I did what I had to do. Or should I let her ruin herself with that so-called love and let another man hurt her? I will not watch her make the same mistake again."
Sarah clenched her fists. This wasn't about her future. This was about her mother's control.
Her father's voice lowered, laced with restrained anger.
"At the very least, you should have spoken to me first. She's not a media stunt—she's our daughter."
That was enough for Sarah. She pushed the door open and stepped inside.
"Mom, why did you do this?"
Her mother turned to her, her expression unreadable.
"Because you're eighteen, Sarah. It's time you understand the real world. William is the best choice for you, and in time, you'll see that too."
Sarah's heart pounded. She wanted to scream. But she wouldn't cry this time.
"No, Mom. I'll never accept this. I will make you change your mind."
Her mother only sighed.
"Believe me Sarah , all I'm doing is for you don't be emotional as always it's for you , my baby".
Her grandmother stepped forward, her voice sharp.
"And you always were ruthless."
For the first time, her mother's expression faltered. But she quickly masked it.
"This discussion is over. I've made my decision."
Sarah locked eyes with her father, silently pleading for support. He gave her a slight nod. This wasn't over.
And Sarah? She would fight this until the end.
Later That Day at University:
Walking into campus felt different today. Every stare, every whisper—it was all about her.
As soon as she reached her group, Olivia crossed her arms and shook her head.
"I can't believe this. In no time, you're getting engaged to William—the guy who shows no emotions, barely talks to anyone, and only cares about work."
Lucas stood quietly beside her, his jaw tight.
Sophia raised an eyebrow. "I mean… how can you even be with him? He's like—"
"An iceberg," Sarah finished for her.
The group blinked before bursting into laughter.
"Oh my god, it's perfect," Sophia said, giggling. "William the Iceberg."
"At least I'm not alone in this nightmare," Sarah muttered under her breath.
But just then, a familiar voice interrupted.
"I'm flattered by the nickname, Miss Dramatic," William remarked, stepping beside her with an amused smirk.
Sarah turned, narrowing her eyes.
"It's just an announcement, not an engagement yet. I have time to change my mother's mind. And trust me, I'd rather remain single forever than get engaged to you, Iceberg."
William chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Suit yourself," he said. "But don't be too confident. You might actually start liking me."
Sarah scoffed.
"Not even in my worst nightmares."
William simply smiled, a knowing look in his eyes, before walking away.
Lucas watched the exchange silently, his fingers curling into fists.
And Sarah? She hated how William always looked so damn unbothered.
Because unlike him, this engagement was ruining her life
As Sarah walks away, lost in her thoughts, Lucas stays behind, looking at her retreating figure. His heart clenches, the familiar ache of wanting something he can't have gnawing at him.
Ava, who had been quiet beside him, finally speaks. "Lucas..."
He doesn't look at her right away. He's too caught up in his thoughts. But Ava places a hand on his shoulder, a silent offer of comfort.
"You're still holding on, aren't you?" she asks, her voice soft but knowing.
Lucas sighs deeply, his eyes still on Sarah, even though she's long gone. "I don't know how to let go."
Ava gives him a small, sympathetic smile, then speaks with surprising clarity. "You know... sometimes loving someone is about knowing when to fight and when to walk away."
Lucas finally turns to face her, his eyes tired but resolute. "Loving her is my choice. I don't care if she doesn't see me the way I see her... I will always choose her."
Ava's eyes soften, and she nods slowly. "I know."
He breathes in, his voice barely a whisper, "And I'll keep choosing her, no matter what... until my last breath."
Ava doesn't say anything more, understanding the weight of his words. She simply pats his back, offering her silent support.
As Lucas watches Sarah disappear into the distance, his heart is torn between hope and reality. But one thing is certain—his feelings for her will never change, no matter how impossible the situation seems.