You Are In Love ~ Taylor Swift

Seven

Seated comfortably in the plush office chair, Alexia nervously tapped her fingers against the mahogany desk. Across from her sat Rose, her trusted publicist, whose warm smile and calming presence always put her at ease. The room was bathed in soft, natural light streaming through the large windows, casting a clear atmosphere that contrasted with the turbulent thoughts swirling in Alexia's mind.

As they dived into the discussion about her relentless schedule of upcoming events, Alexia couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. Her recent movie had become a sensation in theaters, earning rave reviews and catapulting her into the spotlight. The pressing question of whether she would accept the offer to play the main role in her father's highly anticipated film.

Earlier in the day, Alexia's phone had vibrated consistently, its ringtone piercing through her bag and ruining her peaceful morning. She answered reluctantly, only to be greeted by the commanding voice of her father. His words were laced with entitlement as he delivered an ultimatum that sent shockwaves through her body. "You are my daughter, Alexia, and you have no choice but to take this role," he declared, his tone accepting no argument.

The weight of her father's demand pressed heavily on Alexia's shoulders, threatening to crush her dreams and aspirations beneath its suffocating presence. It was a fork in the road that demanded a sacrifice - to choose between the authenticity of her own desires and the expectations of her blood ties.

The memory of her father's forceful words lingered within Alexia's mind. Overwhelmed she buried her face in her hands and leaned back in her chair. The meeting had been dragging on for what felt like an eternity, and all she wanted to do was go home.

Rose empathetically acknowledged Alexia's internal struggle. "This is a big decision, and it's completely normal to feel uncertain.," she said, her voice filled with warmth and understanding. "It's important to consider the significant impact this opportunity could have on your career. It has the potential to elevate you to new heights and open doors to even greater success." The words hung in the air, and Alexia couldn't help but feel torn.

Before her publicist could finish her sentence, Alexia abruptly stood up from her seat and began pacing around the office, her emotions bubbling to the surface. "I don't care!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with frustration and defiance. However, realizing the need for composure, she took a deep breath and continued in a softer tone, "I'm sorry, Rose. But I just can't stand the thought of everyone talking about how this opportunity will shape my future. My career is already thriving, and I won't give my father the satisfaction of controlling me."

Rose nodded, acknowledging Alexia's strong stance. "I respect your decision, Alexia. I truly do," she replied, her voice gentle and reassuring. "As your publicist, my role is to guide you towards what's best for your job. But ultimately, it's your happiness and autonomy that matter most. If you're content with the way things are going, then that should be enough. You don't have to do this if you don't want to."

Feeling heard and understood, Alexia felt a sense of relief wash over her. She knew that Rose was well aware of the complex dynamics between her and her father. "Thank you, Rose," she whispered gratefully. "I'm not completely ruling it out just yet. I simply want to take the time to make the right choice for myself. I'll inform you of my decision by the end of the week."

-

Alexia walked out of the office building, her steps echoing on the bustling New York sidewalk. The crisp autumn air enveloped her, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine. It was finally fall, her favorite season, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of calmness amidst the chaos of the city. Without her usual entourage of security guards, she felt a new freedom, appreciating the rare moments of peace and quiet.