Unexpected Ties

ney-brown eyes and a cascade of dark curls. Today was the day. Today, she'd finally confess her

nged solely to him. They were a study in complementary brilliance - both academic all-stars, their paths constantly intersecting in libraries, bustling r

never lingered on any other guy. Yet, their dynamic felt like a p

nfession, when a frantic banging on her door shattered the morning calm. Lionel

campus forum blazed with a headline that sent a jolt of ice through h

igently preparing for. The unspoken truth hung heavy in the air - if chosen, Hugo would leave. And Tina, with her ca

gainst her ribs. Instead of Hugo Chavez's warm baritone, a sterile autom

that had become a constant companion. Defeated, Tina slumped onto a nearby flowerbed, the vibrant blooms a stark con

fog of despair. "Hey, are you Tin

ards her. Relief flooded her as she waved him over. "Lione

n creasing his brow. "Oh, right. Seems somethin

n't expected that. "Can you help me conta

"Not sure, to be honest. Sounds ser

cée? How could she not have known? A wave of humiliation washed over her.

n blurring with unshed tears. A misplaced step sent a jolt of pa

d her – children's laughter echoing from the playground, couples whispering sweet nothings on picnic bla

ng wind that whipped through the deserted bus stop. A faint buzz vibrated

p with Damon tonight. I already showed hi

ularly a fifty-year-old like Damon, would find captivating. She chewed her l

n't be rebellious! Your father worked so hard to raise you, and t

ry favor with the wealthy Damon. Submitting to him would secure a mill

niece! How can yo

al and manipulation closing in around her. Memories of the past few days flickered across her mind: the accusations

er chest a constant reminder of her helplessness. Suddenly

the soft fabric as she dabbed at her tears. "Tha

red by the dim streetlights. He seemed like a mirage

was impeccably dressed in white linen pants and a crisp button-down shirt. Gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose, failing to diminish the striking hand

he man spoke, his voice imbued with a hint o

nt a jolt through Tina. He

y you?!" Her voice bare

transformed. Gone were the ill-fitting clothes and the unkempt demeanor. In his plac

A hallucination brought on by

her cheeks burn with embarrassment. Michael seemed to n

nd saw you looking troubled.

her. The weight of Hugo's manipulation settled on her shoulders, hea

pology. Remember that five thousand dollars I mentioned