Tangled Loyalties

: ENGAGED

r the luxurious mansion that Cheryl called home. She stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of h

the son of a wealthy and influential family. On the surface, it seemed like the perfect fairy tale – the beautif

g. She felt alone, even in the midst of the opulent luxury that surrounded her. The mansion, with its lavish decoratio

rtunities and privileges that came with being a part of the Lakosta family. But as she looked around her bedroom, at the d

d her with a stunning diamond ring. She had said yes, of course, because it was what was expected of her.

ife would be like if she had said no. Would she be happier, more fulfilled?

ndow, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She walked over to her bedside tabl

sked, her message accompanied

ila was one of the few people who truly understood her, who knew t

d, trying to sound casual

nded, her tone skepti

ie to Leila, but she also didn't want to admit the truth – that

ally, trying to sound convin

gentle. "Well, if you ever ne

towards her friend. She knew that Leila wo

eling a sense of relief wash ove

e of unease. She knew that she couldn't keep pretending forever, that eventual

he present moment. She took a deep breath, feeling the cool ocean

bout to take a dramatic turn, one t