Trapped in

cted to attend a dinner party that night, the first formal event where Alex and I would make our debut as a couple. T

choice. My father

mother had chosen for me. It clung to me in all the right places, a masterpiece of

his tuxedo tailored to perfection. He looked like the epitome of confidence, but his expressio

asked, his tone

hot back, unable to hide

each his eyes. "Not really.

the window, watching the city lights blur past as I tried to calm the storm brewing insid

-

. Chandeliers glittered overhead, casting a warm glow over the sea of impeccably dressed guests. My fa

the crowd, curious gazes assessing the "happy couple." Alex slid his ha

under his breath, h

s. His touch burned against my skin, a reminder of bot

remember. Every word felt rehearsed, every laugh hollow. I could feel Alex watching me out of the corner of his

te for a moment alone. I locked the door behind me and leaned agains

life. This i

on staring back at me in the mirror was unrecognizable. The girl I used to be-carefree, f

Alex's voice called out, muffled by the wood.

h, I unlocked the door and stepped out. Alex's brows furrowed slightly as h

aid quickly, br

-

, but it wasn't until we were back in th

olt back there," he said, his tone c

. "What do you care? You're the one who's fine with all

I saw a crack in his facade. "You think t

"Why don't you stand up to your father ins

doesn't take no for an answer. Trust me, Jade, I've fought this m

em break me. "Maybe you've given up, but

he muttered, turning

-

ed straight for my room, eager to escape the world for just a few hours. But as

and I crept closer, pressing m

father was saying, his tone smug. "The merge

ard's voice. "Is he s

choice. And Jade... well, she'll fall

about me like I was just another piece on his chessboard was a new low. I clenched my fists

egain control of my life. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that escaping this situation wouldn't be eas

a plan began to form in my mind. I didn't know i

-

ing coffee as he read through some documents. He g

alk," I said,

n eyebrow.

iage," I said bluntly. "

his chair, studying

e them that we're playing along. Meanwhile, we figure

, his gaze piercing. Finally

I wasn't completely alone in this fight. Together, maybe we could

a sinking feeling settled in my gut. This was just th