Chapter 2 Beneath The Surface

• Lexi Martin’s eyes fluttered open, met by the harsh glare of her bedroom lights. She winced, blinking against the brightness as she reached for her phone, checking the time with a groggy sigh. Morning already. She barely slept.
• Her mind was still clouded with thoughts from the night before.
• The Martin Charity Gala had been like every other year—a spectacle of wealth, power, and social climbing. It was supposed to be an evening of celebration, but to Lexi, it had felt like a performance. She had smiled, laughed at jokes that weren’t funny, and played the part of the perfect daughter and girlfriend. But beneath the polished exterior, she had felt like she was suffocating.
• Tossing off the covers, she swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet sinking into the plush carpet. Her thoughts drifted to Harrison Green, her boyfriend of a year. The man her parents adored. The man she was supposed to marry.
• He was everything they wanted for her—handsome, wealthy, and well-connected. On paper, he was perfect. But last night, Lexi had noticed something—something that made her skin crawl.
• The way his phone buzzed in his pocket. The way he looked at it, his expression flickering between guilt and something else—something almost hungry. And then, just like that, he had slipped it away as if nothing had happened.
• Lexi had told herself to ignore it. Don’t overthink it. But deep down, she knew better.
• With a sigh, she pushed herself up and made her way to the bathroom. As the warm water from the shower cascaded over her, she tried to wash away the uneasy feeling clinging to her. It didn’t work.
• Today, she had a meeting with her art instructor, Mrs. Jenkins, to discuss her latest painting. Art was the one thing that brought her real happiness—something that was hers and not just another thing dictated by her family.
• As she wrapped a towel around herself and stepped into her walk-in closet, she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror. Her long, wavy blonde hair clung to her damp skin, and her usually bright blue eyes looked dull with exhaustion.
• She shook off the feeling and threw on a simple sundress, deciding to keep things casual. If she was going to spend the morning painting, she might as well be comfortable.
• By the time she made it downstairs, the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. She headed toward the kitchen, only to be intercepted by her mother, Regina Martin.
• "Good morning, darling," Regina greeted, her voice warm but calculated. She was dressed in one of her usual elegant silk robes, her blonde hair pinned up flawlessly. "I trust you had a wonderful time at the gala last night?"
• Lexi forced a smile, the same one she had worn all evening. "Yes, Mother, it was lovely. Harrison was very charming, as always."
• That seemed to be the right answer. Regina beamed, pleased. "I'm so glad to hear that. Harrison is a wonderful young man. Your father and I are very proud of this match."
• Lexi’s stomach tightened, but she nodded, swallowing back the words she really wanted to say. I don’t love him. I don’t want this.
• Instead, she played her role. "Of course. He’s great."
• Regina tilted her head slightly, studying her daughter. "He called earlier this morning. He’ll be reaching out to discuss the wedding plans."
• Lexi’s heart skipped a beat. "So soon?" She tried to sound casual, but her voice cracked just slightly.
• Her mother gave her a pointed look. "Why wait? You and Harrison make a perfect couple. It’s only natural to move forward."
• Lexi felt trapped, like a caged bird with nowhere to go. She knew her mother wouldn’t accept anything less than perfection. A perfect engagement, a perfect marriage, a perfect life.
• But what about what I want?
• She cleared her throat. "I should get going, Mother. I have my art class this morning."
• Regina’s expression softened. "Of course, darling. Have a wonderful time. Just remember, your future with Harrison is important. He cares for you deeply."
• Lexi nodded, knowing there was no point in arguing. She grabbed a piece of toast and hurried out of the house, desperate for fresh air.
• As she climbed into her car, she gripped the steering wheel tightly. The reality of her life was sinking in, pressing down on her like a weight she couldn’t shake.
• Harrison wasn’t the man she wanted. This wasn’t the life she dreamed of.
• But how could she break free from the world she had been born into?
• And if she did… where would she even begin?