che in her heart. She stepped out abhugging herself to protect against the sudden

this life felt

eeks, even though she had never tried out for the part. She was now

ationship, the more she felt as though something was eva

light behind him outlined his silhouette as he emerged in th

act, she glanced at

his lips quivering into what appeared to be a sm

play dress-up? To act like I'm something I'm not?" Her voice rose with frustration

e steady and low. "You are here because you are the best ca

l a farce. I have no place here. I'm just a random gi

u belong here, Elena. Regardless

ld. This world is sterile and frigid. It's all abou

ly. "Everything I do has a pur

ou, Damien," Elena remarked, taking a moment to examine the floor. I don

spent the last few weeks watching you, Elena. You've done things I didn't think

self believe him for a second. Perhaps this deal involved more than she had thought. Perha

n a whisper as she r

ty in her eyes, she uttered, "I d

you want? Or have I tur

hat surprised her.' Damien's gaze gentled and became more discerning. You might however b

u think I can do that? Be

u can. If y

ange sort of silence. A silence that

eved him. She wasn't sure if

and attended meetings, dinners, and events even though she was becoming mo

lovely clothes, smiled for the cameras, and spoke with poise and confidence said the

truly knew, held far more significance tha

n in a crowded room, dismissing it as a passing moment. Despite her ow

zed on the c

physician had se

ood. The treatment's wo

e Elena had received in weeks or even

of her phone as she read the message. This wasn't just

as her

was lo

when Damien found her later that evening. He experienced a strange feeli

worriedly soft voi

he said dubifully, "I'm just... lost." "I don't even know who I'm supposed to be anymore... or where I belong," s

ace, he stepped forward and tentati

e not alone. "You're just finding yourself aga

es wide.She noticed his faca

ire. There was something real beneath al

could trust him. Maybe