The meeting with Lana Hudson had been postponed again and again, always under the convenient excuse of work.
Elara had hoped time would dull the matter. Instead, Melina seized the opening.
Whether out of a sense of mission to push her into a pit or out of petty revenge for Elara's freedom, Melina became almost eager to see her married off.
This gathering was part of those efforts.
Melina had arranged a date for the two of them, and before long, the woman she had only ever seen in business profiles was already sitting across from her.
Elara clicked her tongue inwardly.
She felt the sudden urge to leave immediately, but she couldn't avoid the inevitable forever. This was the wall she had to face.
Marriage.
Her collar suddenly felt too tight. Elara tugged at it, fingers slipping beneath the stiff fabric, then gave up entirely. She loosened it, pulled off her tie, and shoved it into her pocket.
