Once in New York, Elena throws herself into her internship, trying to forget about Liam and the obligations she left behind. But the separation doesn't bring her the peace she hoped for. Calls from her parents and reminders of the contract bring her back to that unwanted promise. Liam, meanwhile, sends her occasional messages to check in, and, despite herself, she responds out of politeness.
One night, after a long day, she gets a call from Liam.
> Liam: "I just wanted to see how things are going."
> Elena: "I'm fine. Focusing on work, and trying not to think about… all of this."
Their conversation is brief, devoid of real emotion, but she begins to sense the depth of the loneliness they both feel, each in their own way.
Elena realizes she's caught between two worlds: the freedom she's determined to claim and the family loyalty that holds her back. And this dilemma, far from fading, only grows stronger.