Lena's laugh echoed through the high-end boutique as she twirled in front of the full-length mirror, the elegant dress Skye had picked out flowing effortlessly around her.
"This is definitely a 'wow' moment," Skye grinned, her phone held up as if ready to take a picture. "You're absolutely killing it."
Lena smirked and gave a mock runway pose, knowing full well she looked stunning. "It's the Lena Sterling effect," she teased.
Ethan, who had been quietly observing, leaned against the mirror, arms crossed. "Well, there's definitely a first time for everything," he said, raising an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a faint smile.
"See? Even Ethan agrees," Skye teased.
Lena rolled her eyes but felt a little surge of confidence. "I think we can call this one a success," she said, giving Skye a wink. "Let's grab more outfits."
They spent the next couple of hours hopping from store to store, trying on dresses, suits, shoes, and accessories. Ethan, surprisingly, was a willing participant, offering his opinion on colors and styles that Lena should try. He seemed genuinely interested, his usual aloofness replaced by a more laid-back vibe, as he chatted easily with both her and Skye.
"You know," Skye remarked, her voice light but teasing, "I never thought I'd see the day where Ethan Ashford would spend an entire afternoon shopping with two women. You must be either really bored or really into Lena's wardrobe."
Ethan laughed, shrugging. "Maybe a little bit of both," he admitted, glancing at Lena with a raised eyebrow. "I have a habit of making sure the people around me aren't making bad choices."
Lena raised an eyebrow. "You're the one who suggested the red velvet blazer," she pointed out.
"Hey, it would've worked!" he defended, but they both knew it would have been a little much.
By the time they were done, their arms were full of shopping bags, and Lena couldn't remember the last time she'd had this much fun. The tension of the past few days, the stress of family expectations, and even the looming gala seemed to disappear, leaving only the easy camaraderie of friends. Ethan, for all his wealth and status, fit in seamlessly, and Lena found herself laughing more than she had in ages.
"Alright, what's next?" Ethan asked, grinning as he picked up another shopping bag.
Lena shrugged, feeling lighter than she had in weeks. "Dinner, I think. Let's treat ourselves."
Skye shot a glance at Lena, then turned to Ethan. "I think Lena's right. We've earned it. Fancy restaurant? Maybe one with a nice view of the city?"
Ethan nodded. "I know a place. Perfect for a sunset dinner."
They headed toward the restaurant, a lavish spot perched on a hill with panoramic views of the city. The sun was setting as they arrived, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. The hostess greeted them warmly, showing them to a private table by the window. The ambiance was perfect—soft lighting, plush chairs, and the distant hum of conversation filling the air.
Over wine and appetizers, they relaxed and shared stories, the conversation flowing effortlessly. Ethan was surprisingly open, telling stories about his childhood and his complicated relationship with his family, while Lena and Skye offered their own insights into the world they lived in. It was a rare moment of genuine connection in a world that often felt like a constant performance.
"So, Lena," Ethan said as the main courses were served, leaning forward with a teasing glint in his eye, "any plans after this? You know, after the gala and all the events you're supposed to attend? Any real fun?"
Lena smirked. "Depends on what you call fun. But honestly? I'm just here for tonight. I've been way too caught up in everything lately."
Skye gave a small, knowing smile. "It's been a crazy few days. But, hey, we're here now. Just us. No stress."
Ethan nodded, looking at both of them. "Yeah, I like this. No pressure, no expectations."
They all fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying the view and their food. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the restaurant's lights flickered on, casting a warm glow over the room. It was the perfect evening, the kind that made everything else fade into the background.
But just as Lena was starting to fully relax, her phone buzzed on the table.
"Sorry," she murmured, picking it up. Her mother's name flashed on the screen, and her stomach tightened instantly. She hesitated, then answered the call. "Hello?"
"Lena," her mother's voice came through, crisp and precise. "We need to talk about something important."
Lena swallowed hard, trying to shake off the feeling of dread creeping up on her. "What's going on?"
"Your father and I have made a decision regarding your future. You'll be arranged into a marriage within the next three months. I'll be sending you the details soon."
Lena blinked, her hand tightening around the phone. "What? Why didn't you consult me about this? I… I didn't know anything about this."
Her mother's tone was cool, almost dismissive. "It's been decided, Lena. You don't need to worry about the details right now. I'll send the rest of the information to you in the coming days. But it is confirmed that you will be meeting them next week."
The call ended abruptly, leaving Lena staring at the phone in her hand, her thoughts racing.
Skye and Ethan noticed her sudden shift in energy. Skye raised an eyebrow, her voice filled with concern. "What happened?"
Lena took a moment to compose herself, trying to shake off the heaviness she felt. "My mom," she said softly. "She… said I'm going to be married in three months. They've arranged it already."
Ethan leaned in slightly, his expression unreadable. "Lena, I—"
"I didn't even get a say in it," she cut in, her voice a little sharper than she intended. "I'm supposed to meet with them next week to discuss… whatever this is."
Skye put a hand on Lena's arm, her gaze full of understanding. "I'm sorry, Lena. I know it's a lot to take in."
Ethan's eyes softened with concern. "Lena, if you need to talk about it or if you just need a distraction, you know where to find me."
Lena gave him a tight smile, grateful for his support. "I appreciate it. Really. But for now, let's not ruin the evening. We've had such a good time today. I'll deal with this… later."
Skye smiled, squeezing Lena's hand in a comforting gesture. "That's the spirit. You deserve tonight, no matter what."
Lena took a deep breath, focusing on the warmth of the moment. It wasn't just the sunset or the fine food. It was the company. Tonight, she wasn't going to let anything take away from the rare peace she felt.
For now, she would just be with the people who mattered, knowing that tomorrow could wait.
As the night continued, Lena tried to push the conversation with her mother to the back of her mind. She focused on the laughter of her friends, the warmth of the restaurant, and the light conversation that filled the air. The truth was, it was hard to think about anything else after that call, but for tonight, she refused to let it ruin the moment.
Skye's lighthearted banter, Ethan's easygoing nature, and the serenity of the setting helped momentarily ease the knot in her chest. They enjoyed their dessert—a rich chocolate mousse that practically melted on her tongue—and laughed about old memories, especially Skye's rather embarrassing encounter with a celebrity at a previous gala. It was just the distraction Lena needed.
As they wrapped up their meal and sipped the last of their wine, the conversation naturally slowed, and the night sky stretched out before them, full of stars. The city's lights twinkled below like a vast ocean of diamonds, and for a moment, Lena felt like she could lose herself in the view, in the peace of the night.
But the weight of her mother's words still clung to her, just out of reach, nagging at the edges of her thoughts. The arranged marriage. The decision made without her input. It was all happening, whether she was ready or not.
Skye broke the silence, her voice thoughtful. "Lena, I know tonight's been… a lot, but I just want you to know you've got a whole team behind you. Don't forget that. You don't have to do any of this alone."
Ethan nodded, his expression sincere. "Yeah, whatever happens, we've got your back. Always."
Lena managed a smile, warmth spreading through her chest at the sincerity of their words. "Thanks, both of you. I don't say it enough, but I really do appreciate you two more than you know."
The trio sat in quiet companionship for a few moments longer, the hum of the restaurant providing a soft backdrop as they basked in the simplicity of the moment. No expectations, no roles to play—just the rare comfort of being with friends who understood.
Eventually, they stood, ready to leave, but Lena's mind still drifted back to the call, to the choices being made for her.
As they left the restaurant and walked into the cool night air, Lena couldn't shake the feeling that her life was about to take a very unexpected turn. She didn't know what the future held or what would come of the arranged marriage her mother had promised. But for now, she was determined to keep walking her path, one step at a time.
And maybe, just maybe, she'd find a way to take control of the decisions ahead, even if it meant challenging everything her family thought they knew about her.
Tonight, she was still Lena Sterling, and for the moment, that was enough.
The night air was crisp as Lena, Skye, and Ethan stepped outside the restaurant, the city skyline shimmering in the distance. They were silent for a few moments, the weight of their individual thoughts hanging in the air. Lena couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency settle into her chest as the events of the evening, and the call from her mother, lingered in her mind.
Ethan broke the silence, his voice quiet but steady. "You alright?" He looked at her with genuine concern in his eyes, clearly picking up on the shift in her mood.
Lena took a deep breath, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just… trying to digest everything." She couldn't bring herself to tell him how much the thought of her arranged marriage was gnawing at her. Not tonight. Not when she had promised herself to enjoy the evening, to forget the world for just a moment longer.
Skye, ever perceptive, slipped her arm through Lena's, her touch grounding. "You're not alone in this," she whispered. "We've got your back."
Lena's heart softened at her best friend's unwavering support. "Thanks, Skye. You always know how to remind me of what really matters."
The trio made their way to the car, the tension in the air easing slightly. Ethan opened the door for them, and Lena slid into the backseat, her mind racing despite the calm exterior she was putting on.
As they drove through the city, the streets bathed in the glow of streetlights, Lena couldn't help but feel like she was on the cusp of something. Whether it was the weight of her family's expectations or the growing sense of uncertainty about the future, she knew one thing for sure—everything was about to change. She didn't know how or when, but it would. And when it did, she needed to be ready.
When they finally arrived at her family's building, Lena glanced up at the towering structure. The sleek glass and steel of the exterior reflected the night sky, but it all felt distant now. The familiar luxury and opulence no longer felt like home. It felt like a gilded cage.
"I'm gonna head in," Lena said, forcing a smile. "But I'll see you two tomorrow?"
Skye nodded, squeezing her hand before pulling her into a brief hug. "Rest up. We'll figure it out, one step at a time."
Ethan gave a small, reassuring nod, his expression softening. "Take care of yourself, Lena. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need to talk."
Lena nodded in return, her chest tightening at the warmth in his eyes. He meant it. They all did.
As the car drove off, she stood outside the building for a moment, letting the cool air wash over her. The city felt alive around her, but she was filled with an unsettling sense of calm. She had a choice to make, and no one could make it for her.
Inside, her family's lavish penthouse was quiet, too quiet. The housekeeper had already prepared her room, and everything was in its place as always. But Lena felt out of place, disconnected from the world she had grown up in.
She lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. The arranged marriage, her mother's call, the expectations—everything was spiraling into something she couldn't control.
But one thing she knew for sure: she wasn't ready to give up on herself. She wasn't ready to be anyone's puppet.
She had a voice. And she wasn't going to let anyone take that from her. Not now, not ever.
The night stretched on, and as Lena drifted off to sleep, she knew she had a long road ahead of her. But tonight, she was going to rest. Tomorrow would come soon enough, and when it did, she would be ready.
The world would bend to her will, not the other way around.