Nick felt more and more frustrated by Sara's constant silence. Every time he asked what was wrong, she replied with the same phrase: "othing's wrong."
But it was clear that something was wrong—something serious. He couldn't stand that emotional wall between them anymore. One afternoon, overwhelmed by emotion, he let his frustration show.
They were in his room. Nick tried to kiss her, to hold her, to be close. But Sara's body stayed rigid, distant. She recoiled. He pulled away, wounded.
—"If I can't even hold you or kiss you, Sara… then I don't understand why you're still here. Maybe you should leave."
The words hit her like a slap. Fear flooded her. If Nick sent her away, she'd go back to the agency—and there, they would punish her. Break her completely.
—"B-But… why? What did I do wrong?" she asked, trembling.
—"You're not fulfilling your role," Nick replied coldly.
—"Please… just give me another chance… I beg you…"
—"I don't know, Sara." With that, he walked out, leaving her devastated.
Sara ran after him, desperate to convince him. But in the hallway, one of the staff members stopped her. He grabbed her arms roughly and shoved her against the wall.
—"You're disgracing the agency," he hissed. "You're making us look like a failure."
—"Let me go… you're hurting me," she whispered.
—"I'll report your behavior."
—"No… please don't…"
—"One more mistake and you'll be sent back. One last chance. Understand?"
Sara nodded in silence, holding back tears.
—"The Archers may have bought you, but we still decide if you're worthy. Quiet. Obedient. Loyal."
She closed her eyes tightly. She felt like a prisoner with no voice of her own.
Then she heard footsteps. The staff member disappeared instantly. It was Nick. When he saw her on the floor crying, he rushed to her side.
—"Sara! What happened?"
She didn't answer. She just wiped her tears and tried to stand. Nick knelt in front of her and noticed the redness on her cheek.
—"Did you hurt yourself? Tell me, please."
Sara looked into his eyes, desperate to tell him everything. She needed his help. But when she looked past his shoulder, she saw the staff member watching from the shadows.
And she knew she had to stay silent.
—"I… I fell, Nick. When you left, I tried to follow you and… I tripped."
—"You… fell?"
—"Yes…"
Nick's expression darkened. He felt the weight of disappointment again. He believed Sara would never trust him.
—"If that's what you choose… then you leave me no choice."
—"Please, no!" Sara dropped to her knees, tears streaming down her face.
Nick helped her stand. Her hands trembled in his.
—"Why are you so afraid? I'd never hurt you, Sara."
She squeezed his hand, eyes pleading.
—"I wish you could trust me."
—"Then give me another chance."
—"You know I'd never let you go. Come with me."
He led her back to his room and locked the door. Inside, Sara forced herself to smile, to act, to play the role of the "perfect girl" the agency demanded.
Because deep down, she had realized something: Nick—no matter how gentle—could never save her.
Not while the agency still watched from the shadows.