Chapter 1
~Andrea~
"Andrea, hurry up, we'll be late!" my mother yelled from the living room. I zipped up my suitcase in a rush and dashed downstairs.
As soon as I got to the living room, I caught the cross look on her face. Great. I was in for another lecture.
"What took you so long, child? We still have to stop by the church, and I need to pick someone up from the office before we head to the airport. Since when did you become tardy, Andrea?" she scolded.
I lowered my head and mumbled a quiet apology.
"This better not repeat itself. Let's go," she snapped, and I trailed behind her out of the house.
I had been desperately looking forward to my second year in college, hoping I'd finally gain a little independence. But it turns out, as long as I live under her roof, I'll always be a child.
I should've gotten an apartment in the country where I study—but of course, she'd never allow that.
The car ride was silent. I kept my eyes fixed on the blur of the busy road, my thoughts louder than the engine.
"What are you thinking about?" Her voice pierced my thoughts. I swear, if she had the power, she'd control those too.
I'm thinking about how to get out of your control without ruining my life.
I didn't say that, of course. Instead, I forced a smile.
"It's nothing, Mother. I'm just thinking about school, and how the new year will be," I lied.
For some reason, she pulled over.
"Andrea, tell me the truth. Do you have a boyfriend?"
I blinked, stunned, then quickly shook my head. "No, Mother. Why would you think that?"
She grabbed my arm, searching my face with narrowed eyes.
"Because you've changed, honey. Don't think I haven't noticed. You're more distracted, always on your phone, and now you're tardy. Sometimes you even forget the table manners I taught you. I let it slide because I wanted to give you space... but now I'm starting to question if I was wrong. So tell me honestly—are you seeing a boy?"
I almost rolled my eyes but stopped myself. I knew better than to trigger her wrath.
"Mother, I don't have a boyfriend. And if it'll make you feel better, I don't even have a male friend."
Another lie. My best friend is a guy, but sometimes, a small lie is safer.
I hated lying to her, especially after all she's done for me. But she pushes me to it. And the last thing I ever want to be is a disappointment.
She smiled and cupped my cheek. "That's good to hear, honey. I trust you won't ever let me down. You're my perfect daughter."
I smiled tightly and turned away, but she held my face in place.
"I know you think I'm too hard on you, but I can't help it. I only want the best for you. I want you to be perfect—just like me."
Just like her? That's what I feared the most.
"I never said you can't be friends with boys. But if you must, I want to meet them first—to be sure they're good enough to be in your life." Her tone shifted. "That brings me to something else. Do you remember Mr. Hunt?"
I narrowed my eyes, trying to recall the name. Honestly, she's introduced me to so many people I've lost count. But I couldn't tell her that.
She'd go on about how a responsible lady should never forget faces or names—because one day, it might save her life or whatever.
"Yes, Mother," I lied again, just to avoid another lecture.
"Well, his son is starting at Westview College this year, and I'd love for you two to get to know each other," she said, a little too cheerfully.
I stiffened. That look in her eyes? It could only mean one thing—she was already planning my perfect wedding in her head.
Nope. Not happening.
She's controlled every aspect of my life for far too long. But one thing I *won't* let her dictate... is my love life.
It's a miracle she even allowed me to major in photography and videography. If she had her way, I'd be stuck in some stiff career path I have no interest in.
The rest of the drive was silent—thankfully—until we pulled up at the church.
The priest said prayers for my safety, and of course, prayed against any "bad influences." (A.K.A. independence.)
Afterwards, we went to her office. As usual, she made me get out of the car just so she could parade her *perfect daughter* around.
I smiled at every single person we passed, my face practically aching from all the fakeness.
Eventually, we reached her office, where her staff had already gathered, waiting for her.
"Mrs. Garcia," the couple greeted, rising to their feet to shake her hand. As expected, she didn't hesitate to flash them her graceful, practiced smile.
"Mr. and Mrs. Hunt, welcome—and thank you for waiting," she said warmly.
Mrs. Hunt waved it off with a wide smile. "It's nothing. We should be the ones thanking you for your help."
Mother nodded politely, still smiling.
Their eyes drifted toward me, and I shifted uncomfortably under Mr. Hunt's gaze.
"Good morning," I murmured, barely audible.
They both returned a small smile in acknowledgment.
"Your daughter is really beautiful, Nora," Mrs. Hunt said, eyes still on me.
"Of course she is," Mother beamed, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "After all, she's mine."
They both laughed. At what, I couldn't tell. Nothing about that comment was funny.
"Leon, come here," Mrs. Hunt called out.
I heard the soft shuffle of footsteps before I saw him.
He stepped into the light. He was tall, well-built, dusty brown hair, faint stubble tracing his jaw, and steel-gray eyes.
He was undeniably attractive... but I couldn't picture myself with him. Not even for a second.
I caught the look Mom gave him. She scanned him like a product on display, then offered an approving smile and stretched out her hand.
"Hello, dear."
He took her hand with a polite smile. "Hello, ma'am."
Okay... that voice was softer than I'd expected. Given his rugged build, I thought it'd be deeper.
"This is my daughter, Andrea. Andrea, this is Leon," she said, introducing us.
I forced a small smile and shook his hand. His palm dwarfed mine.
"It's nice to meet you," he said while scanning my face, which made me instantly uncomfortable.
"Likewise."
"Look how perfect they are together," Mrs. Hunt gushed.
And, of course, Mom didn't disagree.
"Leon," Mrs. Hunt continued, "Andrea will be your tour guide once you get to school. Don't hesitate to ask her anything you need. Avoid bad influences, both of you. Stick together, always."
Lord, get me out of here.
I was so done with these controlling adults.
"You don't have to worry, Mom. I'll never disappoint you," Leon said, and she pulled him into a proud hug.
"Alright," Mother announced. "We should get going if you two want to settle in before classes start tomorrow."
Mrs. Hunt turned to her. "Thank you again, Nora."
"It's no problem. Come on, let's head out."
We followed her out of the office.
At the car, I claimed the front seat while Leon slid into the back. Silence hung in the air—blissful—for a few short minutes.
But of course, she couldn't leave it that way.
"So, dear," she began, glancing at Leon through the rearview mirror, "what course are you majoring in?"
"Engineering, ma'am."
She gave a pleased smile and nodded in approval. "That's wonderful. What else are you interested in?"
"I love photography," he said. "And I paint, too."
His answer should've intrigued me. It mirrored my own interests. But instead, I felt nothing. Because no matter how much our hobbies aligned, I didn't see us becoming friends—certainly not the way our parents hoped.
"Impressive," Mother praised. "Andrea also loves photography—it's her major. Though I still don't understand why she chose something so... unprofessional."
There it was.
I knew she wouldn't miss the chance to criticize my choices. Nothing I ever wanted would ever impress her. I've always been forced to live the life she imagined for me, not the one I wanted.
"There's nothing wrong with her major, ma'am," Leon replied, and I turned slightly, surprised. "Photography is a great course. Photographers earn well, and their job opportunities are vast and diverse."
She nodded slowly, almost thoughtfully.
Wait—what? Now she listens? When I tried explaining that to her, she didn't want to hear a word. Made me feel like a disappointment. And now, here she is nodding at someone else's words like they were gospel?
I scoffed under my breath and shook my head.
They continued chatting while I remained quiet. I could feel her disapproval from the corner of my eye, but thankfully, with Leon around, she couldn't say anything without ruining her polished image.
When we got to the airport, I jumped out of the car the moment we stopped.
Whew. Freedom at last.
We retrieved our luggage from the trunk, and before she could steal my last few moments with more controlling lectures, I rolled my boxes toward the terminal to get checked in.
Now all I need... is a solid excuse to avoid coming home during winter break.
