Skylar sat on the balcony of her room, staring out at the city skyline. The weight of her family's expectations pressed down on her, suffocating her.
The Kingsley event was in a few days, and her parents expected her to act the part—to smile, to charm, to secure a future that benefited the family. But every fiber of her being rejected it.
Her phone buzzed beside her. A message from Chris.
Chris: You disappeared after class. Everything okay?
She hesitated before typing back.
Skylar: Just family stuff. The usual.
She knew Chris wouldn't pry. He never did. That was one of the reasons she liked being around him. With him, there were no suffocating expectations, no pressure to be anything but herself.
Her phone buzzed again.
Chris: Want to get out for a bit?
Skylar exhaled. She wanted to say yes. She wanted to escape, even if just for a little while. But the reality of her situation pulled her back.
Skylar: Can't tonight. Maybe another time.
A few moments passed before he responded.
Chris: Alright. But if you need a break, you know where to find me.
She smiled faintly, appreciating the offer more than she'd ever admit.
A knock on her door made her straighten.
"Come in."
The door opened, and Nathan stepped inside, hands in his pockets.
"Still sulking?" he teased.
Skylar shot him a glare. "What do you want?"
Nathan leaned against the doorframe, studying her. "Look, I get it. No one likes being told who to marry. But you know how things are, Sky. We can't afford to be reckless right now."
"And what if I don't want to marry for money?" she shot back.
Nathan smirked. "Then I hope you have a backup plan. Because right now? Love won't save you."
Skylar clenched her jaw as he walked away, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
A backup plan.
She didn't have one.
But maybe it was time she found one.