Lines We Cross

Chapter 36

Three months. Elizabeth stared blankly at her open planner, the pages stark against the organized chaos of her desk. The day was clear—no meetings, no student appointments, just an empty afternoon where she'd normally have found herself with YN. But that was a lifetime ago, or so it felt. In these last three months, she'd forced herself into the routine: teach, grade, attend faculty meetings, repeat. On the outside, she was the same diligent professor she'd always been. But something inside her had shifted, leaving an ache she couldn't ignore.

It wasn't as though she hadn't tried. She'd buried herself in her work, taken on more responsibilities, even briefly considered accepting a visiting professor position at another university. But each time, a hesitation would hold her back, an invisible pull she couldn't quite escape.

Elizabeth found herself at her favorite coffee shop—one she and YN had frequented in quieter, more carefree moments. The barista handed her the usual, a simple black coffee, which she took to the corner of the room. She barely tasted it as she sipped, her mind wandering to memories she could barely keep at bay.

The moments replayed vividly: the way YN would tease her with that signature smirk, the late nights spent sharing laughs, each one etched so clearly in her mind that she could almost feel them again. And then, inevitably, her thoughts would wander to that last conversation—the moment YN had chosen to protect her.

Elizabeth's grip tightened around her mug, frustration and sadness churning within her. She hadn't seen YN since that day. Each passing week brought more whispers—about YN stepping up within her family, attending more high-profile events, even rumored to be shadowing her father's most trusted advisors. The carefree, passionate girl she'd once known seemed to be vanishing, replaced by someone Elizabeth barely recognized.

Lost in thought, she almost didn't notice when the door chimed. She looked up, her heart giving an unexpected jolt as she spotted a familiar figure stepping into the shop: Nina. A part of Elizabeth wanted to look away, to avoid any interaction that might force her to confront the questions she'd been burying. But Nina spotted her, and a flicker of recognition passed between them.

Nina approached with a soft smile, one tinged with a knowing sadness. "Hey, Professor Olsen. Mind if I join you?"

Elizabeth managed a small smile, gesturing to the seat across from her. "Of course, Nina. And you can call me Elizabeth... we're past formalities, I think."

Nina nodded, settling into the seat. They sat in a comfortable silence for a moment before Nina broke it, glancing at Elizabeth with an understanding look. "I know it's... been a while."

Elizabeth nodded, struggling to find the right words. "Yes. It has." She hesitated, not wanting to pry but unable to help herself. She forced her gaze down, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her cup. "How... how is she doing?"

A hint of sorrow flickered in Nina's eyes, and she sighed. "She's... different," Nina replied softly. "After the accident, and then the whole... breakup thing, she's not really herself."

Elizabeth looked up, her heart tightening. "What do you mean?"

Nina seemed to weigh her words carefully. "She's throwing herself into everything Sterling-related. Meetings, business dinners... there's barely a moment she's not working or involved in some family affair. She's become exactly what her dad always wanted, but... it's like she's locked away the real YN."

The words hit Elizabeth like a blow, each one driving home the reality of YN's transformation. She took a shaky breath, feeling the weight of it settle over her. "That doesn't sound like her," Elizabeth murmured, almost to herself.

"No, it doesn't," Nina replied, her tone tinged with sadness. She hesitated, her eyes searching Elizabeth's face. "It's like... she's lost something, part of her. And I think, deep down, she knows it."

Elizabeth felt a pang of regret, her mind racing. She'd always known the breakup would hurt, but hearing the details—how YN had buried herself in her family's expectations, sacrificing who she was—it was almost too much. "Do you think she's... okay?"

Nina shook her head slowly. "Honestly? I don't know. Maya and I try to be there for her, but she's distant. Cold, even. She doesn't talk about you, or anything personal anymore. It's like she's built walls around herself, keeping everyone out."

Elizabeth's heart ached, guilt and longing twisting together. "I never wanted this for her," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I wanted her to be happy, to be... free."

Nina reached across the table, her hand resting gently over Elizabeth's. "Lizzie, she did this because she cares. She made this choice to protect you, even if it meant giving up something she loved."

Elizabeth's vision blurred, her gaze dropping to the table as she absorbed Nina's words. She'd always known YN's decision was rooted in selflessness, but hearing it spoken aloud brought a fresh wave of pain. "I wish... I wish I could do something. To reach her, somehow."

Nina nodded, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. "You know, she misses you too. Even if she doesn't say it."

Elizabeth felt a faint smile tug at her lips, a bittersweet warmth blooming in her chest. "Thank you for telling me, Nina. It... it means a lot."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their shared understanding settling over them. Finally, Nina squeezed Elizabeth's hand gently, offering a small, reassuring smile. "Just know that she's doing this for you. Even if it's hard to see right now."

Elizabeth watched Nina stand and leave, her heart heavy with a mix of gratitude and sorrow.

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