**Naomi's POV**
The days after my dad's announcement felt like I was stuck in a maze with no exit. Every step I took seemed to pull me further away from Lian, and the duties filling my days felt like chains, tying me to a life I was starting to hate.
My dad's new rules weren't just about public appearances or charity events—they were about control. I knew it, and so did Lian. But knowing didn't make it any easier to deal with.
One evening, I was pacing around my room, my mind a mess of frustration and longing. How was I supposed to break free from these restrictions? How could I see Lian when every move I made was monitored, every choice picked apart?
There was a knock at my door. Jung Soo walked in, looking as serious as ever. "Miss Naomi, your father wants to talk to you in his study."
I sighed, nodded, and followed him. My dad had been getting more worried each day, sensing how uneasy I was with the life he was shaping for me. This talk was bound to happen, but it didn't make me any less nervous.
When I walked into the study, my dad's stern look greeted me. My mom was next to him, her face full of concern.
"Naomi," my dad started, his voice serious. "We need to talk about your behavior."
I bit my tongue, trying to keep my frustration under control. "What behavior, Dad?"
"You've been distracted," he said, disappointment clear in his tone. "Your duties need your full attention, but it's clear your mind is somewhere else."
My mom chimed in, her voice softer but still firm. "Naomi, we know this is hard for you. But your responsibilities come first. Your personal feelings have to come second."
I clenched my fists at my sides. "What about what I want? What about my happiness?"
My dad's face hardened. "Your happiness is important, but it can't come before your duties to this family and this country. You have to understand that."
I looked at him, my heart heavy with frustration. "I do understand, but I can't just switch off my feelings."
My mom's expression softened a bit. "Naomi, we're not asking you to ignore your feelings. We're asking you to prioritize. Lian Zhang isn't someone who can be in your life right now."
The finality of her words hit me hard. It was like they were drawing a line, one I wasn't allowed to cross.
I stood there, feeling stuck between what I wanted and what I had to do. I wanted to fight back, to argue that they were wrong, but their expectations weighed on me, making it hard to breathe.
"Is that all?" I asked quietly.
My dad nodded. "Yes. Remember, Naomi, your family and country are counting on you."
With that, I was dismissed. I left the study, my heart sinking as I realized I was being pushed further away from the one person who made me feel alive.
**Lian's POV**
Meanwhile, my life wasn't any easier. Since Chao Wei's warning, I'd been on edge, not sure who to trust or what to believe. The walls between Naomi and me were getting higher, and I felt powerless to break them down.
I tried to stay busy, throwing myself into my photography, but my mind always wandered back to Naomi. I missed her—her smile, her laugh, the way she made me feel like I was the only person that mattered.
But as much as I wanted to be with her, I couldn't ignore the reality of our situation. Naomi was under a lot of pressure, and I didn't want to make things harder for her. I knew I had to be careful, but the uncertainty was driving me crazy.
Chao Wei's words still echoed in my mind. He was right about one thing—I needed to be smart if I wanted to see Naomi again. But every time I tried reaching out to her, I got nothing. It was like she had vanished behind a wall of duty and expectation, one I couldn't break through.
One afternoon, I was sitting in a small café, sipping coffee and staring at my phone. I'd tried calling Naomi a bunch of times, but she didn't answer. I knew she was busy, but the silence was driving me nuts.
Suddenly, the café door opened, and Chao Wei walked in. He spotted me right away and came over to my table.
"Lian," he said, sitting across from me. "We need to talk."
I raised an eyebrow. "About what?"
He leaned in, his face serious. "About Naomi. Things are getting more complicated, and we need to figure out how to deal with this."
I sighed, rubbing my temples. "I've been trying to reach her, but she's not answering. I don't know what to do."
Chao Wei nodded. "That's why we need to be careful. Her family is tightening their grip on her, and if we're not careful, we could make things worse."
I looked at him, frustration bubbling up inside me. "So what do we do? Just sit back and let them control her life?"
Chao Wei's eyes narrowed. "No, but we need to be smart. If we push too hard, they'll only tighten their hold. We need to find a way to reach Naomi without setting off alarm bells."
I leaned back in my chair, feeling helpless. "And how do we do that?"
Chao Wei was quiet for a moment, thinking. "There's a charity gala next week. Naomi is supposed to be there. It might be our best chance to see her."
I frowned. "And how do we get in?"
Chao Wei smirked. "Leave that to me. Just be ready."
I wasn't sure if I could trust him, but I was running out of options. If this was the only way to see Naomi, I had to take the chance.
**Naomi's POV**
The week leading up to the charity gala was a blur of preparations and rehearsals. My every move was watched, every decision analyzed. It felt like I was walking on a tightrope, trying to balance my duties with the growing ache in my heart.
Jung Soo, always watching, was by my side constantly. He had become both my protector and my jailer, making sure I stayed on the path my parents had laid out for me.
The night of the gala arrived, and I found myself staring in the mirror, adjusting the jewelry around my neck. The gown I wore was elegant, designed to impress, but it felt like a costume—a mask I had to wear to hide the chaos inside.
As I walked down the grand staircase, I couldn't help but wonder if Lian would be there. The thought sent a thrill through me, but I quickly pushed it down, reminding myself of the consequences.
The gala was a whirlwind of introductions, speeches, and polite conversation. I smiled and nodded, playing the part expected of me, but my mind was elsewhere, scanning the crowd for any sign of Lian.
Hours passed, and I was starting to lose hope when I caught a glimpse of a familiar figure out of the corner of my eye. My heart skipped a beat as I realized it was Lian, standing near the entrance, her eyes searching the room.
I took a step forward, but before I could reach her, Jung Soo appeared at my side, looking tense.
"Miss Naomi," he said quietly, "your father wants to talk to you."
I hesitated, glancing back at Lian, but Jung Soo's grip on my arm tightened. "Now, Miss Naomi."
Reluctantly, I let him lead me away, my heart sinking with every step. The chance to see Lian was slipping through my fingers.
**Lian's POV**
I watched as Naomi was led away by her bodyguard, frustration and helplessness hitting me hard. I'd come all this way, taken the risk to see her, only to be stopped at the last moment.
Chao Wei showed up at my side, his expression unreadable. "We need to be patient," he said quietly. "We'll get another chance."
I wasn't sure if I believed him, but I knew he was right. Rushing in now would only make things worse. I had to trust that there would be another opportunity, even if it meant waiting.
But as I watched Naomi disappear into the crowd, I couldn't shake the feeling that time was running out, and the barriers between us were growing stronger every day.