Elena finally decides to apply for the internship of her dreams in New York, hoping it will give her a way out. But her parents quickly find out and see it as a threat to their "plan." They issue her an ultimatum: she can go, but only if she signs an agreement to marry Liam when she returns.
> Father: "This is for your own security. If you leave and change your mind, you risk breaking important family ties."
> Elena: "So that's it? My security now depends on a marriage contract?"
Liam is also aware of the situation and texts her to offer his support. They decide to meet one last time before she leaves, to discuss their next steps.
> Liam: "I think this is your chance to go, Elena. Accept their ultimatum, but use the distance to think things over."
> Elena: "And what about you? Are you just going to sit back, hoping everything works out?"
Their conversation is tense, without any real affection, but a kind of solidarity begins to form, based on their shared resistance. Elena leaves for New York with this fragile agreement hanging over her, determined to explore every option to free herself.