Episode 19: Family Pressure

Episode 19: Family Pressure

---

Elena’s POV

The tension in the dining room was suffocating. My father sat across from me, his face carved into an expression of controlled disappointment. My mother’s eyes flickered with concern, but she stayed quiet, letting him take the lead as always.

“Elena,” my father finally spoke, setting down his fork with a deliberate clink. “We’ve talked about this before.”

I straightened my posture. “And my answer is still the same.”

His jaw tightened. “You are graduating soon. It’s time to take your future seriously.”

“I am taking my future seriously,” I snapped, pushing my plate away.

“You’re being reckless,” he countered, voice edged with frustration. “You know your responsibility to this family. You are meant to take over the business.”

I scoffed. “I never agreed to that.”

My mother finally chimed in, her voice softer but just as frustrating. “Elena, sweetheart, your father built this company from nothing. This is your legacy.”

I clenched my fists under the table. “I don’t want the legacy. I don’t want to be trapped in an office, living a life that isn’t mine.”

A muscle in my father’s jaw twitched. “Then what will you do instead? Waste your potential?”

His words stung, but I refused to let them sink in. “Just because my dreams don’t fit into your perfect little plan doesn’t mean they’re a waste.”

He sighed, shaking his head. “I expected better from you.”

I exhaled sharply. That’s it.

Pushing my chair back, I stood abruptly. “Then I guess you never really knew me at all.”

I didn’t wait for a response. I turned on my heel and walked out, my heart pounding, my hands shaking. I needed to get out of there. I needed air. I needed—

Ivy.

---

Ivy’s POV

The dorm room was quiet except for the soft clicking of Camila typing on her laptop. I was lying on my bed, scrolling through my phone when the door suddenly swung open with force.

Both Camila and I jumped.

Elena stood in the doorway, looking like she had just walked through a storm. Her dark eyes burned with frustration, her hands clenched into fists at her sides.

Camila let out a low whistle. “Damn, someone looks like they’re about to murder a man.”

Elena ignored her, storming inside and collapsing onto my bed. She buried her face in my pillow, her whole body tense.

Camila glanced at me, smirking. “I’ll give you two some space,” she said, grabbing her laptop and headphones before heading out.

The door clicked shut, and I turned to Elena.

“Hey,” I said softly, resting a hand on her back. “What happened?”

She let out a bitter laugh, muffled by the pillow. “My dad happened.”

I shifted closer. “Tell me.”

She rolled onto her back, staring at the ceiling. “He’s trying to force me into the family business. Again. Like I owe him my future.”

I frowned, squeezing her hand. “That’s not fair.”

She sighed heavily. “He called me selfish. Like I’m throwing everything away.”

I felt anger burn in my chest. “Wanting your own life isn’t selfish, Elena. It’s brave.”

She turned her head, her dark eyes searching mine. “I just… I wish they understood.”

I reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Even if they never do, you deserve to be happy.”

A slow exhale left her lips. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

I smiled softly. “Good thing you don’t have to find out.”

For the first time that night, the tension in her shoulders seemed to ease.

I thought that was it. That we’d just talk and she’d let it out. But then, she shifted, propping herself up on one elbow, her gaze locked onto mine. The air changed—thicker, charged.

“Elena…” My voice was barely a whisper.

She reached out, fingers skimming over my jawline before tilting my chin up. “Ivy.” Her voice was low, almost pleading.

I knew what she needed. She didn’t want words right now. She wanted this.

I leaned in first, closing the space between us. The moment our lips touched, she melted into me, her hands slipping around my waist as she pulled me closer.

The kiss was slow, deep, full of unspoken emotions. I could taste the frustration, the need for comfort, the way she was trying to ground herself in us.

I shifted, straddling her lap, my fingers threading into her dark hair as she let out a soft sigh against my lips. Her hands roamed up my back, pressing me closer until there was no space left between us.

“You’re not alone,” I whispered against her lips.

She pulled back just enough to look into my eyes. “I feel like I am when I’m with them. But with you…” She swallowed hard. “With you, I can breathe.”

I cupped her face, pressing my forehead against hers. “Then stay here tonight.”

Her lips curled into a small, tired smile. “I wasn’t planning on leaving.”

We didn’t rush. We just held each other, letting the world outside fade away.

Elena didn’t have to be strong here. She could just be. And I’d be right there with her. Always.