Bound by Expectation

"morning after"

Here's Episode 2 of "Bound by Expectations" with Sophia's POV, continuing from the previous episode:

Episode 2: Morning After

I woke up to the gentle sunlight streaming through the windows. Emily's soft breathing beside me brought a sense of calm.

As I turned to face her, our eyes met.

"Good morning," Emily whispered, smiling.

"Morning," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

We exchanged gentle smiles, the tension from the previous night dissipating.

I couldn't believe how naturally we'd connected.

As we prepared for breakfast, I felt a mix of emotions.

Gratitude toward Emily for understanding me.

Apprehension about facing our families.

Doubt about my ability to navigate this arranged marriage.

"Emily?" I said, as we descended the stairs.

"Yes?"

"Thank you for last night. For being you."

Emily's expression softened.

"We're in this together, Sophia. We'll figure it out."

Breakfast was a blur of polite conversations and forced smiles.

Father cleared his throat.

"Sophia, Emily, we need to discuss your roles within the company."

My stomach twisted into knots.

"What did you have in mind, Father?" I asked, trying to sound confident.

"We'll expect you to oversee marketing, Sophia. Emily, you'll assist your father in managing finances."

Emily's hand brushed against mine under the table.

I exchanged a glance with her.

We'd discussed our own plans, our own dreams.

Not this.

"Sophia?" Father prompted.

I took a deep breath.

"I have some ideas, Father. Ideas that don't involve marketing."

The room fell silent.

Mother's face reddened.

"Sophia, that's unacceptable."

Emily's grip on my hand tightened.

"We deserve a say in our own lives," Emily said calmly.

Father's expression turned stern.

"This isn't about happiness; it's about duty."

My heart pounded.

But Emily's presence gave me courage.

I stood, my heart pounding, and met Father's stern gaze.

"I understand duty, Father. But I also understand happiness. And I deserve to pursue mine."

Mother's face turned pale.

"Sophia, you're being foolish. This is our family's legacy."

Emily rose beside me, her voice calm and steady.

"We're not asking to abandon the family business. We're asking to explore our own passions."

Father's expression darkened.