Beneath the Surface

Lexi Martin's eyes fluttered open, met by the harsh glare of her bedroom lights. She winced, squeezing them shut again before turning over with a groggy sigh. Morning already. She barely slept.

Her mind was still tangled in the events of the night before.

The Martin Charity Gala had been a grand spectacle, as always—a parade of wealth, power, and polite deception. It was supposed to be an evening of celebration, but to Lexi, it had felt like another performance. She had smiled, laughed at dull conversations, and played the part of the perfect daughter and girlfriend. But beneath the surface, she had felt like she was suffocating.

She tossed off the covers and sat up, her feet sinking into the plush carpet. A familiar thought lingered at the back of her mind, one she had tried to ignore for too long.

This isn't the life I want.

Her gaze drifted toward the tall windows that overlooked the Martin estate. From the outside, everything about her life seemed perfect. But inside, she felt trapped.

Her thoughts drifted to Harrison Green—her boyfriend of a year. The man her parents adored. The man she was expected to marry.

Harrison was a wealthy and influential businessman from Russia, known for his sharp instincts and relentless ambition. To the world, he was a genius entrepreneur, always knowing when to invest and where to strike a deal. Her father, in particular, admired him for his powerful connections—especially in Russia, where he hoped to expand his business empire.

What her family didn't know—or rather, chose to ignore—was that Harrison's business dealings weren't entirely legal.

He was ruthless, cunning, always willing to cut corners and bend the rules to get ahead. It wasn't enough to land him behind bars, but shady enough that anyone with common sense would think twice before trusting him.

Her father, however, didn't care how Harrison made his money. As long as the connections and resources remained available, he was determined to see Lexi marry him. No matter what.

Harrison was everything they wanted for her—handsome, wealthy, powerful. On paper, he was perfect.

But last night, Lexi had noticed something.

The way his phone had buzzed in his pocket. The way he had looked at it—his expression flickering between guilt and something else. Something almost… hungry.

Then, just as quickly, he had slipped it away, like it was nothing.

She had told herself to ignore it. Don't overthink it. But deep down, she knew better.

With a sigh, she pushed herself up and made her way to the bathroom. As the warm water from the shower cascaded over her, she tried to wash away the uneasy feeling clinging to her. It didn't work.

Today, at least, she had something to look forward to. A meeting with her art instructor, Mrs. Jenkins, to discuss her latest painting.

Art was the one thing that brought her real happiness. It was hers—not something dictated by her family's expectations.

Wrapping a towel around herself, she stepped into her walk-in closet. As she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror, she barely recognized herself.

Her long, wavy blonde hair clung to her damp skin, and her usually bright blue eyes looked dull, weighed down by exhaustion.

She shook off the feeling and threw on a simple sundress, deciding to keep things casual. If she was going to spend the morning painting, she might as well be comfortable.

By the time she made it downstairs, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. She headed toward the kitchen, only to be intercepted by her mother.

Regina Martin stood at the bottom of the grand staircase, effortlessly elegant in a silk robe, her blonde hair pinned into a flawless updo.

"Good morning, darling." Regina's voice was warm but deliberate, the kind that left no room for defiance. "I trust you had a wonderful time at the gala last night?"

Lexi forced a polite smile—the same one she had worn all evening. "Yes, Mother. It was lovely. Harrison was very charming, as always."

That was the right answer. Regina beamed, pleased. "I'm so glad to hear that. Harrison is a wonderful young man. Your father and I are very proud of this match."

Lexi's stomach tightened, but she nodded, swallowing back the words she really wanted to say.

I don't love him.

I don't want this.

Instead, she played her role. "Of course. He's great."

Regina studied her for a moment, then spoke casually—too casually.

"He called earlier this morning. He'll be reaching out to discuss the wedding plans."

Lexi's heart skipped a beat. "So soon?" She tried to sound indifferent, but the slight crack in her voice betrayed her.

Her mother's expression didn't change, but her sharp gaze took in every detail of Lexi's reaction. "Why wait? You and Harrison make a perfect couple. It's only natural to move forward."

Lexi gripped the kitchen counter, struggling to steady herself. She had known this was coming. She had known it was inevitable. But still, the reality of it made her feel like she was drowning.

"I should get going," she said quickly. "I have my art class this morning."

Regina's features softened just slightly. "Of course, darling. Have a wonderful time." Then, as if it were an afterthought, she added, "Just remember, your future with Harrison is important. He cares for you deeply."

Lexi nodded, knowing there was no point in arguing. She grabbed a piece of toast and hurried out of the house, desperate for fresh air.

As she climbed into her car, she gripped the steering wheel tightly.

The weight of expectation, of duty, of a future she didn't want was pressing down on her.

She had spent her entire life playing the role of the perfect daughter. But what about what she wanted?

As she pulled out of the driveway, her phone buzzed on the passenger seat.

A text from Harrison.

Harrison: Good morning, my love. I'll be in Australia for business soon. We'll talk about the engagement when I get back. Be good while I'm gone.

Lexi stared at the message, her fingers tightening around the phone.

There it was again. That feeling. That sinking, suffocating feeling.

Be good?

What did that even mean?

Her stomach twisted with unease. Had she ever truly known Harrison?

And worse… what if she was about to marry a man who wasn't just controlling—but dangerous?

As she drove toward the city, a thought crept into her mind, one she had never dared to consider before.

Could she leave? Could she walk away from it all?

Would she even be allowed to?