Rejected by One, Wanted by Another

Lying Again

The next morning, the sun shone through Lucy's childhood bedroom curtains, casting pale shadows across the floor. As she tried to blink away sleep, she forgot about the leather jacket, Adrian's coldness, and the suffocating high-society dinners. She was Lucy again.

But then the distant sound of her father's oxygen machine echoed down the hall, and the reality of her life returned to her chest.

She climbed out of bed and headed downstairs. The kitchen was warm, filled with the comforting scent of toasted bread and freshly brewed coffee. Her mother, Margaret, was already at the stove cooking breakfast.

"Good morning, Mom," Lucy said, her voice still thick with sleep.

Margaret turned, a soft smile lighting up her tired face. "Good morning, sweetheart. You’re up early. I was just about to start the blueberry pancakes. Leo’s been asking for them since he opened his eyes."

"Let me help," Lucy said, stepping up to the counter and reaching for a bowl. "I miss doing this. Everything at school is so... fast."

They worked in silence for a few minutes, the only sound was the scraping of a wooden spoon against the glass. But Lucy could feel her mother’s eyes on her. Margaret was observant; she had always been able to read Lucy’s moods like a map.

"Lucy," Margaret said softly, setting down a carton of eggs. She walked over and placed a hand on Lucy’s cheek, tilting her face up. "Look at me."

Lucy tried to keep her gaze steady, but she felt her mask slipping.

"You’ve been home for less than twenty-four hours, and you haven't truly relaxed once," Margaret whispered, her thumb brushing Lucy’s jaw. "Your shoulders are always tense, you jump every time the phone pings. Is everything... okay? With the wedding? With Adrian?"

Lucy swallowed hard. She wanted to lean into her mother’s touch and sob. She wanted to say, Adrian is a monster, and I’m terrified of the life I’m walking into.

"I’m just stressed about finals, Mom," Lucy said, forced a small laugh. "And the wedding planning is a lot. Victoria Matthews has very... specific tastes. It’s a bit overwhelming, that’s all."

Margaret’s eyes narrowed slightly, searching Lucy’s face for the truth. "It’s more than that. I can tell something’s wrong. If you’re unhappy... if this isn't what you want... your father and I would rather live in a one-room apartment than see you lose yourself."

"Mom, don't say that," Lucy said, her voice cracking. She took her mother’s hands, squeezing them tight. "Dad needs that medical wing. He needs the peace of mind. I’m fine. Truly. Adrian loves me in his own way, and I’m going to be a Matthews. It’s what’s best for the family."

"But is it what’s best for you?" Margaret asked, her voice trembling.

"I’m a Quinn," Lucy replied, her heart breaking as she repeated the mantra that kept her trapped. "We do what’s necessary. Please, don't worry about me. Just focus on Dad."

Margaret didn't look convinced, but she nodded slowly, pulling Lucy into a long, tight hug. "I love you, Lucy. Never forget that you are more than a contract."

The day quickly went by. Lucy spent the afternoon drawing with Leo on the porch, watching him color outside the lines with a freedom she envied.

As evening approached, the sky darkened, and the time came for her to leave. Her small suitcase was packed and waiting by the door. She became scared and anxious again as she realized she had to go back to the cage.

She found her father in his study. He looked even more fragile in the evening light.

"I'm heading out, Dad," Lucy said, leaning down to hug him. He smelled like drugs… lots of drugs.

"Be safe, Lucy," Thomas rasped, patting her hand. "Study hard. And tell Adrian... tell him I’m looking forward to seeing him at the gala next month. He’s a lucky man to have you."

"I'll tell him, Dad. I promise."

Outside on the porch, Leo was waiting, his lower lip trembling. He hated goodbyes.

"Do you have to go?" he asked, clutching the hem of her dress. "The house is boring when you aren't here to play dragons."

Lucy knelt down so she was eye-level with him. She tucked a stray curl behind his ear. "I have to go finish my big tests, Leo. But I’ll be back soon. I’ll call you every night before you go to sleep, okay? And I want to see that dragon drawing finished when I get back."

"Promise?" Leo asked, holding out his pinky finger.

"I promise," Lucy said, hooking her finger with his. She kissed his forehead.

She hugged her mother one last time. As Lucy walked toward the car service Adrian had sent to pick her up, she didn't look back. She couldn't. If she looked back, she might never find the strength to leave.

As the car pulled away, Lucy watched her family standing on the porch. She leaned her head against the window, the city lights beginning to appear on the horizon. The weekend was over. The mask was back on.