ling to Regina's chest. She sat at the breakfast table, a plate of perfectly cooked eggs and toast in front of her, untouched.

phone with a confidence Regina had never possessed. Their parents

I received a call last night from the Harrisons. It seems

ew the Harrisons were a prominent family, often mentioned in hushed tones at

ith expectation. "There's talk of an introduction

eneficial?* she thought bitterly. *For them,

about him," she said lightly, flicking her hair over her shoul

an to show interest in someone her family might be plotting around. And yet, the way Sash

Regina, I expect you to handle this with... discretion. Do not embarrass the f

bed in her toast, but her mind churned. *Follow her example... always... n

an her assignments, trying to lose herself in the meticulous world of medical research. But even there, she felt watched-

zed. A messag

You're expected to attend. Rememb

rap disguised as social obligation. She typed nothing i

rred past the window as she sat silently, hands clenched in her lap. Her mother chatted endlessly beside her, her father occasionally

ughter echoed through the room, and polished silverware reflected the glittering faces of elites. Regi

conversat

ce carrying just enough for Regina to catch. "The prodigal son, I b

ore, always in hushed tones, always with a mixture of awe an

Damian has always been... exceptional. The family hopes h

he's like," she said, voice playful. "Everyone say

. The words painted an image she couldn't ignore, even if she tried. She s

rs, while Regina felt increasingly invisible. She had mastered the art of nodding and smiling without speaking, of fading into the background,

ill meet Damian," he said quietly, a glint of expectation in his eyes. "He w

ut inside, a storm brewed. Damian. The mysterious prodigal son.

oice pressed on her: Who was Damian, really? Why was he back now? And,

hallway mirror. Perfect, radiant, untouchable. Regina clenched her fists, de

a realized that she might not just survive th

ith Damian, whether s