ENTANGLED HEART S

Noah's fingers ran through the edge of the documents in front of her, hands pausing on the smooth paper as if trying to carry its weight. She had been staring at the same pages for what felt like hours. The words came in and out of focus before her eyes, a mixture of legal terms and conditions that would change everything. Her late father's office, once a place of comfort, felt different now. The rich, dark wood of the desk, the leather chairs, the shelves lined with books, everything seemed to close in on her.

Sebastian stood by the window, his arms crossed, his face a mix of concern and frustration. The afternoon sunlight was in, causing a long shadow across the room. He sighed, breaking the silence that was between them.

"We could still go with Len's offer," he said, his voice laced with doubt, almost pleading. "Selling off might be easier."

Noah lifted her gaze from the papers, meeting her brother's worried expression. Her chest tightened. She uncrossed her legs and leaned back in the chair, the leather lay softly beneath her. "This is the best option, Seb." The words left her mouth with more force than she intended. "We have to save the company. Dad would've done the same."

Though her words were meant to ease her brother's guilt, he wished he could do more and not just watch his older sister sell off her happiness and possibly her freedom as well. She wasn't sure if her father would be proud of her for making this choice.

Sebastian's shoulders fell as he looked at her, his mouth open slightly like he wanted to argue but couldn't find the words. He ran a hand through his hair, a sigh leaving his lips. "I just- I wish there was another way."

Sebastian picked up the phone on the desk and dialed. "Mrs. Elena, can you have Mr. David prepare the car? We're leaving in ten minutes."

Noah's heart pounded in her chest, a steady beat that matched the ticking clock on the wall. The meeting with Damien Anderson was ahead like a storm cloud on the horizon. She could almost feel the temperature l of the room where the contract would be signed, the tension that would fill the space between them.

As they left the office, Sebastian's phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out, glancing at the screen before answering. "Yes, this is Sebastian. I understand, sir... Tomorrow was the plan, but- Yes, I'll be there in an hour. Thank you."

Noah watched as her brother's face change from surprise to frustrated . "What's going on?" she asked, even though she could already sense the answer.

"My professor needs my thesis today," Sebastian replied, his voice tight with apology. "He came back early, and if I don't hand it in, I'll miss the deadline."

Her heart sank. The prospect of facing Damien alone was discouraging. She wanted to tell her brother to stay, to help her ease the burden. But instead, she nodded, offering him a reassuring smile she didn't feel. "Go. You need to finish school. I'll be fine."

Sebastian hesitated, his eyes searching hers for any sign of doubt. "Are you sure?"

"I can handle it," Noah said, her voice steadier than she felt. "Don't worry about me."