TORN BY TIME AND LIES

ont of her closet, surrounded by rows of designer dresses and neatly organized shoes. Each item was a testament to he

d on her like a crown of thorns. Her parents had already begun discussing wedding plans with Jonathan's family, their excitement palpable. B

of the upcoming engagement party. Her mother's voice echoed from the drawing room, her laughter mingling with the clink of fine china.

deliberate. As she reached the bottom, her father appeare

her with a warm smile that did litt

" she replied, musteri

ughtful. "Are you looking forward to tonight?"

, Father. It will be a splendid evening," she replied d

ne young man. You'll make a wonderful couple,"

Did he see beyond the façade Jonathan presented to the world? Or was she si

inding pathways. It was here, amidst the tranquility of nature, that she allowed herself to ponder the path laid out before h

g right beside her. Startled, she turned to find a man watching her with a curious

her softly, his brow

m there. "What are you doing here?" Sophi

"I come here sometimes to think," he admitted.

l too well. "It's my sanctuary," she confe

eight of unspoken thoughts hanging in the air between t

ng," he said, his gaze

him, grateful for the distractio

spoke of her family's expectations, of the pressure to conform to their vision of her future.

ve," he said finally, his voice gentle but firm.

ears she had buried for so long. Could she defy her parents' expectation

this conversation. Alex had a way of seeing past the polished exterior, of understanding the person

ntly, breaking the spell of th

le bubble of connection they had created. "Thank you

pression that warmed he

stranger had been serendipitous, a reminder that life held possibilities beyond the confines of her

That E

lendent, its grand halls adorned with flowers and twinkling lights. Guests mingled, their laughter a

xed but her mind elsewhere. Her mother, resplendent in a s

cooed, adjusting a strand of Sophia's hair. "Reme

ly, her thoughts drifting back to her con

arm and sophistication, effortlessly navigating the room with a confidence that both impressed and repe

," Jonathan said, his smile

" she replied, her vo

near midnight, Sophia slipped away to the terrace, seeking a moment of peace. The co

he really go through with this? Could she marry Jonathan, knowing her heart

, she was surprised to see the stranger from the

heart racing. "What

ophia was shocked at the approach, did he really come looking for me when we just met? U

his tone urgent. "You don't have to

e superficial interactions she had endured all night.

ns threatening to overwhelm her. "I don't know if

his eyes locking onto hers. "You deser

s' expectations? Could she choose her own happiness over their plans? The path

to herself. She would find a way to break free, to follow her heart. And pe