3

3

Amber

When Lucas took my hand and asked, “When should I go ask your father for your hand in marriage?” I was stunned. I hadn’t seen it coming. Normally, I should’ve felt excited—but instead, I froze.

Maybe it was because after my mom passed away, my father married his assistant right away. Since then, I haven’t been able to trust men.

“We barely know each other yet,” I said. “And we haven’t even finished college. I want to stand on my own first. I’ve already started looking into internships—I want to land a good one right after graduation.”

Lucas frowned. “Your dad owns a massive company. Do you really need to work?”

I shrugged. “Maybe not. But that’s his company, not mine. I don’t want to be the company’s lawyer. I spent years studying law to become a divorce attorney. Hopefully, my first case will be my dad’s.”

Lucas looked at me with frustration in his eyes. It was the same look my father gave me when I said I didn’t want to defend chickens or write up merger contracts. And it drove me crazy.

“Do you even realize how many people would kill to be in your shoes? And you don’t want to work at the company.”

“No, I don’t. And I don’t want to talk about it anymore either. My dad nags me enough,” I snapped.

“Okay, okay, let’s drop it. No need to ruin the mood while we’re finally alone, babe.”

When he tried to get closer, I subtly pulled back.

“Amber… don’t you want me?” he asked, clearly hurt.

“Look, this relationship is still new. If my distance is bothering you, we can break up.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’ll wait as long as you need. It’s not a problem.”

But something didn’t sit right inside me.

Lucas was the most mature, intelligent, and cultured guy in our class. Most of the girls were crazy about him. Since his mother was also from Lubbock like my family, we’d grown close—and eventually, that friendship turned into something more.

At the time, I was drawn to his many qualities and accepted his proposal months ago.

Now… it felt like something was missing.

I didn’t believe in love, but I did believe that passion was essential in a relationship. And with Lucas, I didn’t feel it.

Maybe it would come with time… or maybe ending it would be the right thing.

My head was a mess.

I decided to give our relationship a chance—at least until graduation night.

⸻

One Week Later

Eva called me on video that afternoon. She usually just shows up at our place when she’s bored, so the video call caught me off guard.

“Amber,” she said, sniffling.

She looked like she’d been crying.

“What’s wrong, Eva? Have you been crying?” I asked.

Eva blinked rapidly and took a deep breath.

“Our dads went bankrupt, Amber… We lost everything. I’m not okay at all… My mom’s crying too,” she said, her voice cracking.

My eyes widened in disbelief.

“What? If that were true, my dad wouldn’t hide it from me. Are you sure, Eva?”

“Ask my uncle. Ugh, my mom’s breaking things again—I need to check on her.”

She hung up before I could say anything. I wanted to know how Maria was doing, but I was still too shocked to process it.

I tried calling Eva’s brother, Dean, but he didn’t answer. My anxiety was growing by the second.

I couldn’t reach my dad either. And there was no way I was calling that witch Grace.

So I got dressed and decided to head to Uncle Darian’s house.

At least there, I could cry with someone who’d understand.

⸻