Bound by Duty

Family Obligations

Family Obligations

Rory's heart was racing as she read the text from her mother. She knew she couldn't avoid the conversation any longer.

She took a deep breath and picked up her phone, dialing her mother's number. As she waited for her to answer, Rory felt a sense of trepidation wash over her.

"Hello, darling," her mother said, her voice warm but firm.

"Hi, Mom," Rory replied, trying to sound casual.

"I need to see you today," her mother said, brooking no argument. "We have a lot to discuss."

Rory sighed, knowing she had no choice. "Okay, Mom. I'll come over."

As she hung up the phone, Rory felt a sense of dread wash over her. She knew her mother was going to ask her about Alex, and she had no idea what to say.

She spent the rest of the morning getting ready, trying to steel herself for the conversation ahead.

As she arrived at her family's estate, Rory could feel the weight of her family's expectations bearing down on her. She knew she had to be careful, to protect herself and Alex from the fallout.

Her mother was waiting for her in the living room, a cup of coffee in her hand. "Rory, darling, I'm glad you're here," she said, her voice warm but firm.

Rory sat down beside her, feeling a sense of trepidation. "What's going on, Mom?" she asked, trying to sound casual.

Her mother put down her coffee cup and turned to face her. "I know you've been seeing someone," she said, her eyes narrowing. "And I need to know who it is."

Rory felt her heart skip a beat as she hesitated. She knew she couldn't lie to her mother, not outright.

But she also knew she couldn't tell her the truth. Not yet.

"I'll tell you everything, Mom," Rory said finally, trying to sound convincing. "But can we please just focus on one thing at a time?"

Her mother raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "What do you mean?" she asked.

Rory took a deep breath, trying to think on her feet. "I mean, can we please just focus on the family business for now? I promise I'll tell you everything about my personal life later."

Her mother hesitated, clearly unsure. But then she nodded, seeming to accept Rory's explanation.

For now.

But Rory knew it was only a temporary reprieve. She had to come up with a plan, and fast, to protect herself and Alex from the fallout.

As she left her family's estate, Rory felt a sense of determination wash over her. She was going to fight for her freedom, for her right to choose her own path.

And she was going to start by telling Alex the truth.

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