ld feel so final, like each step toward my father's estate was on

cal precision of something that no longer needed a soul to function. Unlike me-soul bruised, freedom clipped-I ha

I was doing th

wa

ad a family, children. A life he built under my father's rule. A rule I had stupidly challenged without

other stood on the steps, eyes wide and glassy. Her han

" Her vo

ms wrapping tightly around my shoulders, the scent of her

whispered, stroking my hair

ncern. It came from fear-fear of losing status

cut through the re

s destr

fe with iron-fisted expectations. Father stood inside the doorway, his jaw clenched, eyes dark an

the most important union this family has arran

alm even though my knees felt like they could giv

o understands the weight of her name. Who doesn't bring sham

ld stop myself. "I didn't ask to be sold off like a p

er's eyes widened, but no

ld anymore, Selena

want. It never was. This is

because I didn't want anyone to suffer because of me. I won't

, dangerous. Then, sl

until the wedding. You'll speak to no one, leave no messages,

a silent scream trapped in my chest. When I got to my room, I didn't cry. I just sat on the edge of my bed, staring out

haos, I could

u

like a secret I wou

his fingers brushed against my skin like I was something to be cherished, not possessed. I remembered how he looked

someone else's freedom. But deep inside,

ision, even if it means being c

*

riminal. The world outside felt distant now, like a life I once knew but could no longer touch. My room which was once a place

the usual firm rap of Marlene bringing food or checking in

whisper from t

heart skipp

eyes wide with concern. She looked around before slipping inside and closing the door qui

me. "I've been losing my mind since I heard you ran

peak. My throat was t

days, I let myself fall apart. The sob that left me

cried into her shoulder. "I don't l

cles on my back. "I know, babe. I know. Y

care what I want. My father only sees the business deal, my mother's too afraid

wed. "So you came b

maybe even his life if my father finds out. I won't be able t

. "You've always been brave. Even when you thin

"I feel trapped. I had one moment of freedom, but it's gone n

from my face. "Was it worth it? Running

d my eyes-his hands, his vo

u

ftly. "It was the first time

a second, then smirk

ce gave

ut in the woods, you found a guy?" she asked,

d. We talked for hours, it felt like I've known him forever. I told h

a soft whistle. "Okay. I wasn't expec

thing. He left before I woke up. I don't ev

, he just disappeared

h everything else bloomed again. "I keep wondering if it me

re," she said gently. "People run

ely above a whisper. "But I c

ot going on, Sel. Don't make yourself feel guilty for holding onto

n't do this wedding? What if I b

. And I'll be right

between us, heavy wit

I admitted. "I'm so tired of being

said fiercely. "Be

, I felt a flicker of hope. Fra

A shadow passed beneath the door. Footsteps

hing you," sh

kno

eans. "I'll come back tomorrow. No matter wh

pped out, leaving me i

, I wasn't en