The weight of our choices

The room went silent. Marcus, who seemed oblivious to the fact that something was wrong, stood up.

“William, I couldn't properly introduce you guys yesterday. This is my fiancée, Lena.”

Then Marcus turned to me. “Lena, this is William Foster, Eleanor's fiancé.”

“However,” he continued. “You both seem to already know each other.”

Liam looked like he had just seen a ghost. His eyes went from Marcus, down to the diamond ring sparkling on my finger, and back up to me, he looked completely lost. I knew I had to say something fast.

“Yes, actually we've met before.” I stepped up, forcing a smile. “He was a senior back when I was at NYU. We both did business majors, so we've met a few times.”

I turned to Liam. “Congratulations, by the way. I had no idea you were the one getting married. It really is a small world.”

Liam blinked, his face completely pale. "Thanks, Lena,” he said finally.

“I’ll be with you in thirty minutes, William,” Marcus said, glancing at his watch. “I have some things to round up here before heading out.”

William nodded stiffly, he looked at me for a second longer, before he turned and left the study, closing the doors behind him.

“We'll be having a family dinner around 8pm today. You already understand the terms of the agreement. Remember the story we discussed. We met two years ago, in New York, through Liz. My mother will be looking for any inconsistencies. Do not give her one.”

“I understand,” I whispered.

“Good. Lauren will ensure you have everything you need.”

I nodded and left the study. The second I entered my room, the weight of the entire morning crashed down on me. Thankfully, Liz wasn't there, she had gone somewhere with her mom earlier and hadn't come back yet.

I fell onto the bed, staring at the beautifully decorated room. I felt oddly out of place here, a feeling I absolutely hated. Back in New York, I was always the strong one. I was ambitious, and determined. I was the glue that held my family together, juggling diner shifts, my mom’s medical bills, and taking care of Maya.

I didn't get intimidated easily.

But this estate? It was nothing like I was used to. Every time I walked through these halls, it felt like the air in this place was too expensive for my lungs.

A bitter thought crept into my mind. Maybe this was why Liam left me, maybe somewhere along the line he realized we belonged in completely different worlds. Here, he was William Foster, floating effortlessly through a world of wealth, while I was just Lena from the diner.

I was still thinking when I heard a quiet knock at the door. I sat up quickly, smoothing down my clothes as I called out, “Come in.”

The door opened, and Lauren stood there, holding a shopping bag. She smiled politely.

“Mr. Hartley asked me to bring this to you,” Lauren said softly, holding out the bag. “He said you can wear this dress to the family dinner tonight. If you need any alterations or styling assistance, please let me know.”

“Thank you, Lauren. I appreciate it,” I said, taking the bag from her.

She nodded politely and left, closing the door softly behind her. I unzipped the bag, looking at the stunning dress inside. It was perfect.

I walked over to the bathroom, hanging the dress up, I turned on the tap to wash my face. I needed to focus, I had sixty thousand dollars on the line, and my family was counting on me.

Suddenly, I heard a soft, hurried knock on the door.

I froze. Did Lauren forget something? I hurriedly wiped my face as I went back into the room. Just as I was about to open the door, I heard someone whispering from the other side of the door.

“Lena? Lena, can we talk? Please... I wanted to tell you sooner. Can we just talk?”

My blood ran cold. I knew that voice all too well.

It was Liam’s.