Lines We Cross

Chapter 43

~ November to February ~

November came with a steady rhythm of midterms, meetings, and the approaching winter chill. The leaves had all fallen, leaving bare branches stark against the gray sky. YN had grown accustomed to the constant pull between school, therapy, and Sterling Industries, where her role as a future leader was becoming more tangible. She could feel the weight of expectations in every Zoom meeting with her father, his voice echoing from some far-off business trip.

Therapy had become one of the few constants in her life. She managed to squeeze in sessions two to three times a month, and though it was challenging to make time, each session brought her closer to understanding herself. Therapy had begun to feel less like an obligation and more like a lifeline, grounding her as she confronted the realities of her path.

One Tuesday, YN's phone buzzed with a call from her father.

"Good morning, YN," Alexander's voice greeted her, distant yet commanding.

"Hey, Dad," YN replied, already bracing herself.

"I wanted to touch base about next steps," he said, getting straight to the point. "Once you graduate, you'll transition into a position as my advisor—a preliminary role before you take on the responsibilities of CEO."

The words settled over her, heavy with both pride and pressure. "Got it," she replied, trying to match his composed tone.

"I trust you'll make the most of this, YN. We're counting on you to continue the Sterling legacy."

"Of course," YN answered, her voice unwavering, though her mind buzzed with the enormity of it.

When the call ended, she sat back, staring at her laptop screen. She'd always known this was the path waiting for her, but hearing it confirmed made it feel more real. Her fingers itched to text Lizzie, to share this mix of anxiety and excitement with her, but she held back. Instead, she texted Nina, who replied within seconds with plans to celebrate her "imminent CEO status" that weekend.

———

December arrived, and with it, her birthday. Her friends insisted on a night out, pulling her from the study sessions, therapy appointments, and Sterling-related responsibilities that had consumed her. They gathered at her favorite spot, a cozy, upscale bar that overlooked the city. Maya and Nina had surprised her with a small cake, candles flickering as they sang "Happy Birthday" a bit too loudly.

As they clinked glasses, Maya nudged her. "So, Miss CEO-in-Waiting, how does it feel knowing you're going to run the whole empire?"

YN chuckled, a faint smile on her lips. "No pressure or anything, right?"

Nina raised her glass. "To YN, the future ruler of all things Sterling!"

Their laughter echoed through the night, a brief reprieve from the stress. But beneath the jokes, YN felt a pang of longing—she wanted to share this moment with Lizzie.

Later that night, alone in the living room, she finally texted Lizzie,

You were right, I'm almost there. Just a few more months to go. I can't wait for the real celebration when I graduate. I miss you.

Lizzie's reply came soon after,

Can't wait either :). Hold on tight, love. You've got this. I miss you more.

———

With the start of the new year, YN's responsibilities only intensified. Between managing her coursework and the steady influx of calls and emails from Sterling Industries, she felt every bit the corporate prodigy her father envisioned. She saw less of her friends, though they remained her strongest supporters, even as her schedule pulled her further away.

Therapy had become more challenging to attend consistently, but YN held onto it as best she could, squeezing in sessions when her calendar allowed. The sessions helped her process the constant pressure, and she found herself slowly developing healthier ways of coping—though there were still days when it all felt overwhelming.

One evening, Nina and Maya dragged her out to a late-night diner, insisting she needed a break. Over coffee and pancakes, Nina gave her a worried look. "You seem...different," she said softly, choosing her words carefully.

YN met her gaze, a faint smile on her lips. "Guess I'm just feeling the pressure," she admitted. "But it's all good. Just part of the job."

Maya exchanged a glance with Nina. "Well, just remember that we're here, even if you're too busy to hang out every weekend."

"I know, and I'm grateful for it," YN said, her voice sincere. "You two keep me grounded."

Later, as they walked back through the icy streets, YN's phone buzzed with a text from Lizzie,

Missing our late-night talks. How are you holding up?

Busy, but hanging in there, I'll call you when I'm home <3

YN replied, feeling the distance between them despite the words on her screen.

———

February brought with it the final stretch. Graduation loomed closer, and her father's plans grew more concrete. The job offer was on the table, an inescapable fact that weighed on her thoughts daily. She kept in touch with Lizzie on a daily basis, their messages a steady anchor amid the chaos.

One snowy night, as she settled into her bed after a late study session, she found herself texting Lizzie,

Counting down the days. Can't wait to finally be done.

Lizzie's reply came, full of the warmth that had kept YN going through these months,

Me neither. You're almost there, YN. We're so close love <3

As YN stared at the message, a surge of determination filled her. She'd spent the past year navigating her family's expectations, her friendships, therapy, and her relationship with Lizzie - it was all about to pay off.

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