ained her, leaving her with little hope for anything better. The life she had carved for herself felt like a never-ending struggle, where every step forward was met with anot

ld she knew, from the mansion that had become bot

was well-versed in the art of design, her passion for architecture running deeper than she had ever been able to express. She had dreams of studying architecture at a prestigious school, of one day run

me things her in one of the big mall in the city. Just as she was

out, and she turned, her

been the more outgoing of the two, the one who had the confidence to chase her dreams, no matter the odds. Amelia had envied her for that. After all, Sara had always known

twinge of nostalgia. "It's been too long," Sara said, her eyes scanning

. okay," she said softly. She didn't want to burden Sara with the detai

That's it? I can tell something's

e tried everything, Sara. The doctors, the treatments, the medicines... none of it is working.

on Amelia's shoulder. "I'm so sorry to hear that. You've b

sting of unshed tears. "It's been hard. But I'

, I might be able to help. I work at a construction company now. We're always looking for tal

can't just walk into a job like that. I don'

d with a grin. "I'm serious. You're so talented with design, and if you've got the p

was the kind of opportunity that could change everything for her, for her mother. But could she take

e talk to my boss. The company has been looking for someo

doubt. "I don't want to get your boss's hopes up, Sara

about that. You're capable of more than you r

ay to escape her current life, a life that had become suffocating, and move toward something

ortfolios, brushing up on architectural concepts, and reviewing the construction company profile. It had been years sinc

oo much attention. She was nervous, her heart racing in her chest as she stood outside the construction company's sleek modern building. The towering glass

onist smiled at her as she checked in, and moments later,

e a mixture of excitement and pr

She was about to enter a world that felt far removed from

ice opened, and Sar

filled the room. He looked to be in his mid-thirties, with dark hair neatly styled and sharp, intelligent eyes that seemed to see

ng unmistakable about the way he carried himself. The same man who had been part of her

art st

nce's gaze lingered on her for a moment too long, and she could feel her

said, his voice cool and professional, but with an edge that hin

o had unknowingly played a part in her humiliation, was standin

ories that flooded her mind. This was not the time for fear.

d I would love the chance to contribute to your company. I've studied design extensively a

s expression unreadable. And then, afte

s recommendation means a lot to me. We'll start with a small project, something to see

ange her life, to escape the cycle of pain and servitude she had been living in. A

between her and the Prince finally surfaced? Would the past destroy ev