Lines We Cross

Chapter 26

Another Sterling home near New Haven, stood tall against the snowy evening, its grand silhouette outlined by soft, glowing lights that made it seem like a scene out of a magazine. Everything was picture-perfect, from the twinkling lights adorning the towering evergreen garlands to the immaculate Christmas tree with perfectly coordinated ornaments.

YN stepped out of her car, taking a deep breath as the cold air filled her lungs. The family had called her back, a gathering that wasn't just for them—it was for appearances, for family friends, and for connections. And now, here she was, returning to the world she had spent so much of her life trying to navigate, often with a mask that hid how conflicted she felt about it all.

Inside, she was greeted by a familiar mix of warmth and formality. Her mother, Claudia, approached her with a smile, her expression softening slightly as she pulled YN into a light embrace. "YN," she murmured, her voice warm but controlled. "I'm glad you made it, darling."

YN returned the hug, managing a small smile. "Good to see you too, Mom."

Claudia's smile held, but YN could feel the undercurrent—the subtle tension that came from the weight of everything unspoken between them. "There are a few people I'd like you to see," Claudia said, her tone a mix of invitation and expectation. "You remember the Willoughbys, don't you? And the Hamiltons are here as well."

YN nodded, her smile tightening just a bit. "Of course." She knew what was expected of her tonight—to be the Sterling heir, the one who embodied the legacy and made the family proud.

As her mother led her into the crowded room, YN took in the scene. Family friends stood in small clusters, glasses of champagne in hand, laughter and polite conversation filling the space. The room was elegantly decorated, a setting designed to impress, but there was something about it that felt almost hollow, like an elaborate set with no real warmth.

YN moved from one introduction to the next, shaking hands and exchanging polite smiles. She answered questions about Yale, about her studies, keeping her responses carefully neutral, aware of the image she was meant to project. It was exhausting, but she'd done it enough times to make it look effortless.

And then, in the midst of the crowd, she saw her—Claire. Her high school ex. The last time they had seen each other was just a few weeks ago at the gala, and Claire had been more than a little touchy, her lingering affection clear even after all these years.

Claire's eyes lit up when she spotted YN, and she made her way over, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "YN Sterling," she said, her tone teasing. "Twice in a couple of months? I must be lucky."

YN managed a polite smile, though she could feel the tension in her chest. "Claire," she greeted. "Didn't expect to see you here tonight."

Claire raised an eyebrow, her gaze lingering on YN. "My dad's close with yours, you know that. Besides," she added, her smile softening, "I couldn't resist the chance to see you again."

There was a familiarity to Claire's gaze, an intimacy that made YN feel slightly off-balance. She remembered those years, the stolen moments and whispered secrets, but it felt like a lifetime ago now—before Yale, before the weight of the Sterling expectations had really started to bear down on her.

"Are you sticking around after?" Claire asked, her tone light but her gaze searching. "Maybe we could sneak out later, just like old times."

YN shook her head, her smile faltering slightly. "I don't think so, Claire. I'm not really planning on staying late."

Claire's smile faded, replaced by a hint of something like disappointment. "Right. Of course. You always did have a way of keeping things... distant."

The words stung, more than YN wanted to admit. She tried to keep her expression neutral, shrugging lightly. "It's not that. It's just... I've got other things on my mind."