At the center of City Z, sat Hilltops School, the epitome of excellence, catered to the elite and wealthy. As the premier institution in the area, it attracted families seeking to forge alliances and secure their positions among the affluent. Amidst this world of politics and social hierarchy, Emma found herself a student, pampered and privileged as the only child of her parents.
The school's legacy was inextricably linked to the Thompsons, who had owned and operated it for three generations. From the great-grandfather to the current heir, Ryder Thompson, the family name commanded respect and admiration. Everyone knew the Thompsons, and everyone wanted a connection. However, the family's strict rules and regulations, passed down through generations, made it challenging to form genuine relationships.
The Thompsons' history was intertwined with that of Emma's family, the Wilsons. Their great-grandfathers, Mr. Thompson and Mr. Wilson, had forged a strong bond, which had endured through the years. As the fourth-generation descendants, Ryder and Emma should have been close. However, their age difference and Ryder's decision to marry Emma's cousin, Eva, had driven them apart.
Eva, a cunning and manipulative girl, had always been a thorn in Emma's side. Seven years, Emma's senior, Eva had bullied her since childhood. When Ryder brought Eva to their house for a formal introduction, Emma was devastated. She had harbored feelings for Ryder since she was ten, but now he was lost to her forever.
On the day of the introduction, Emma retreated to her room, unable to face the reality of Ryder's engagement. As she cried herself to sleep, she knew it was time to forget him, to let go of the fairy tale that had never been hers to begin with. But as she drifted off, she couldn't shake the feeling that her heart would never be the same.
She consoled herself with the thought that she would forget him, she still had many years to go.
Morning arrived as Emma prepared for school. A fresh start she whispered to herself
Emma walked into school, her face lighting up as she spotted her friend Lily. Lily's infectious enthusiasm always brightened Emma's day.
"Good morning, Lily!" Emma said sweetly, taking a seat beside her friend.
Lily looked up, smiling. "I was just about to look for you. Why are you late today?"
Emma shrugged. "Just had a rough day yesterday, that's all."
The two friends had been inseparable since Emma was 12, bonding over their shared experiences at Hilltops School. Emma was especially grateful for Lily's friendship, which had solidified the day Lily stood up to Emma's cousin Eva on her behalf.
As the break bell rang, Emma pulled out her diary and began jotting down some thoughts. Lily leaned in, curiosity etched on her face. "What are you doing?" she whispered.
Emma jolted, closing her diary quickly. "Nothing, just scribbling some stuff."
Lily raised an eyebrow. "You're not fooling me, Emma. Spill the beans."
Emma hesitated before relenting. "I'm drawing."
Lily's eyes sparkled. "Let me see!" She snatched the diary from Emma's hands, gasping in delight. "Wow, Emma, this is incredible! He looks amazing."
Emma's face grew hot as Lily turned the page, revealing a sketch of Ryder. "Why are you drawing Ryder?" Lily asked, her voice tinged with amusement.
Emma shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Just practicing, that's all."
Lily's gaze narrowed. "Really, Emma? You're not secretly in love with him, are you?"
Emma's heart skipped a beat as she struggled to maintain her composure. "Of course not, Lily. Don't be ridiculous."
But Lily's knowing smile suggested she wasn't entirely convinced.
Emma's eyes darted around, searching for an escape from Lily's inquiring gaze. "I-I mean, I'm just practicing," she stammered.
Lily raised an eyebrow. "Really, Emma? You're not secretly in love with Ryder, are you?"
Emma's face grew hot as she nodded slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I...I do."
Lily's eyes widened, and she squealed with excitement. "Oh my, oh my! Have you told him? Does he know? Are you two getting married?"
Emma's smile faltered, and she shook her head. "Calm down, Lily. He doesn't even know."
Lily's enthusiasm dampened, replaced by concern. "Why not? Because he's older?"
Emma nodded. "Yes, and not just that. My parents won't allow it. Besides, even if they did, I don't think he feels the same way. To him, I'm just a child."
Tears pricked at the corners of Emma's eyes as she continued. "He still buys me candy whenever he visits. Last time, he came with his fiancée. They're planning to get married."
Lily's expression softened, and she reached out to comfort Emma. "And there's nothing you can do to stop the wedding?"
Emma shrugged, feeling helpless. "What can a child like me do to stop a wedding? Everyone will think I'm joking. I don't want to ruin the relationship between our families, so I guess I'll just have to accept it."
Lily nodded sympathetically. "Your mom always says that the main person is who you end up marrying, not who you first loved."
Lily sighed, her voice laced with wistfulness. "I really hope I get to marry whoever I fall in love with."
Emma's laughter was tinged with sadness. " why are you laughing Emma? because your case is hopeless, Lily. You're a hopeless romantic, but you don't even have a choice in your marriage. Your marriage has been arranged already, hasn't it?"
Lily's eyes dropped, and her shoulders slumped in defeat. Emma's words had struck a chord, reminding her of the inevitable fate that awaited her.
"I'm sorry, Lily," Emma said, her voice softening. "I didn't mean to make you feel bad. But we should know our place, don't you think? Marrying for love is a luxury for normal people, not for those of us from wealthy families like ours."
Lily's gaze drifted off, her mind consumed by the harsh reality. "People like us use marriage to strengthen bonds and increase wealth," Emma continued. "It's just the way it is."
Lily's eyes snapped back into focus, a spark of desperation igniting within her. "Emma, let's run away," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Emma's expression was sympathetic, but firm. "Lily, you know that's not possible. Where would we go that they wouldn't find us?"
Lily's face set in determination. "At least let's try. The world is vast, Emma. We should be able to find somewhere to start anew."
We can't do that Lily, I assure you Ryder will find us in a day. This isn't the first time I have tried running away, he always finds me before 4 hours elaspe.
Lily heaved, knowing it was the truth. Ryder has serious connections everywhere even to the beggar on the street. They won't be able to run to anywhere.