The mansion's dining hall gleamed with polished silverware and a chandelier that spilled golden light across the table. Sara sat quietly at one end, poking at her untouched food. Across from her, Grace chatted smoothly with her father, her voice warm and practiced.
It had been like this for weeks — Grace speaking, her father listening, Sara fading into silence. Tonight was no different. Until Grace set down her wine glass with a deliberate clink.
"There's an important event this weekend," she said, her tone casual but her eyes sharp. "The Zhao family is hosting their annual gala."
Sara stiffened. She'd heard of the Zhaos. Their influence stretched across politics, business, and entertainment. Their gatherings were a parade of power.
Her father nodded in approval. "Yes, yes. A good opportunity."
Grace's smile widened. "Exactly. And Sara will attend with us."
Sara's fork slipped from her fingers, clattering against her plate. "What?"
Grace folded her hands gracefully. "You're of age now, darling. It's time you step into society properly. The gala is the perfect stage for you. Connections must be made, impressions left. It's how the world works."
Sara's throat tightened. "I don't belong there. I don't want to—"
"Nonsense," her father cut in, his tone impatient. "Your mother would've wanted you to uphold the family's name. Grace is right."
The mention of her mother hit like a slap. How dare they use her name.
Sara gritted her teeth. "Mother wanted me to live freely, not be paraded like—"
"Sara," Grace interrupted smoothly, her smile still fixed but her voice edged with steel. "Do not embarrass your father. This is not a request. It's a duty."
Her father's silence confirmed it. The decision was final.
Later that night, Sara sat in her room, frustration boiling in her chest. She hugged a pillow to her chest, whispering into the darkness. "A duty… or a leash?"
A knock at her window startled her. She turned to see Lina climbing in, a mischievous grin on her face.
"Honestly, Sara, one of these days your stepmother's guards are going to catch me," Lina whispered. "But until then—" She flopped onto the bed beside her. "What's wrong?"
Sara explained everything in a rush — the gala, Grace's insistence, her father's blind agreement.
Lina frowned, thoughtful. "The Zhaos are no joke. If Grace is pushing this, it means she's planning something big. Probably trying to tie you to them."
Sara shuddered. "An arranged marriage?"
"Wouldn't put it past her," Lina muttered. Then her expression softened. "But hey, you're not alone anymore. We'll figure this out. You've got me. And Daniel."
Sara's cheeks heated despite herself. "Daniel doesn't even know yet."
"Then tell him," Lina urged. "You can't carry this weight alone, Sara. You've already tried that, and look where it got you."
Sara sighed, her heart heavy. She wanted to believe Lina. She wanted to lean on Daniel's promise. But a part of her still feared dragging him into her family's mess.
The next morning at school, Sara found herself surrounded by her circle again. Adrian and Ryan bickered over something trivial, Leo quietly buried in a book, Lina humming as she doodled. For a brief moment, it felt almost normal.
But Emily's sharp voice cut through the calm.
"A gala, hmm?" Emily's smirk was razor-sharp as she leaned against the lockers. "I heard the Zhaos invited your family. How… convenient."
Sara's stomach dropped. Of course Emily knew.
Emily leaned closer, her voice dripping with mockery. "Be careful, Sara. The Zhaos don't like weaklings. One wrong step, and you'll embarrass not just yourself… but everyone connected to you."
Her laugh trailed behind her as she sauntered off.
Sara's fists clenched, but before despair could take root, Adrian snorted. "Ignore her. She's just bitter she didn't get invited."
Ryan added, "And if she tries anything at the gala, she won't stand a chance. Not with us around."
Sara managed a small smile. But deep inside, unease gnawed at her. Grace's schemes, Emily's spite, and now the weight of the Zhaos' eyes — the stage was being set.
The question was: for whose victory?