**Naomi's POV**
The next few days flew by in a haze. Seeing Lian at the gala was burned into my mind, but so was the harsh reality of my situation. My dad was watching me like a hawk, and my mom's words kept echoing in my head, reminding me that Lian and I were from totally different worlds.
I felt trapped, like the walls were closing in, and the pressure to fit in was squeezing the life out of me. I just wanted to break free, to breathe, to escape the life that felt so scripted. But every time I reached for that freedom, it slipped further away.
Jung Soo was always nearby, a constant reminder that my dad had everything under control. It was like they both knew I was on the edge and wouldn't let me fall—or fly.
One evening, I was sitting by my window, staring at the city lights, lost in my thoughts, when a knock on the door pulled me back to reality. I turned to see my mom walking in, her face serious but kind.
"Naomi, we need to talk," she said, sitting down next to me.
I braced myself, knowing what was coming. Mom had a way of softening the blows my dad delivered, but it didn't make them hurt any less.
"You've been distant," she said gently. "Your dad and I are worried about you."
I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm fine, Mom. Just trying to adjust to everything."
She reached out, putting her hand on mine. "We know this isn't easy, Naomi. But you have to understand how important your role is. People look up to you, and what you do matters."
I pulled my hand away, frustration bubbling up. "What about what I want? Doesn't that count?"
Mom's eyes softened with sympathy, but she didn't back down. "Of course, it counts, but you have responsibilities. You were born into this life, and with it comes things you can't ignore."
I stood up, moving away from her. "So I'm just supposed to live my life for everyone else? Be a puppet, doing what you and Dad want?"
She sighed, standing up too. "Naomi, it's not about control. It's about duty. We all make sacrifices for this family and this country. One day, you'll understand that."
With that, she left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the heavy weight of my responsibilities.
**Lian's POV**
Meanwhile, I was dealing with my own stuff. The closer I got to Naomi, the more distant she seemed. It was like there was this invisible wall between us that I just couldn't break down.
Chao Wei was always around, and he was getting colder every day. I knew something was up, but whenever I tried to talk to him, he just brushed me off with some vague excuse.
One afternoon, I was wandering through the city with my camera, but my mind was somewhere else. I was supposed to be working on a new project, but all I could think about was Naomi and the barriers between us.
I turned a corner, lost in thought, and nearly walked right into someone. I looked up, startled, and there was Chao Wei, his face unreadable.
"Lian," he said, his voice unusually sharp. "We need to talk."
I frowned, surprised by his tone. "What's going on, Chao Wei? You've been acting weird lately."
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "There's something you need to know. It's about Naomi."
My heart skipped a beat. "What about her?"
Chao Wei hesitated, his eyes flickering with something I couldn't quite figure out. "Naomi's not who you think she is. She's been using you, Lian."
I stared at him, not wanting to believe it. "What are you talking about? That's not true."
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "It is true. She's been playing you from the start, manipulating you to get what she wants."
Anger flared up in me, but so did doubt. "And why should I believe you? You've never liked Naomi."
His expression hardened. "Because I care about you, Lian. I don't want to see you get hurt."
I shook my head, refusing to accept what he was saying. "Naomi wouldn't do that. She cares about me too."
Chao Wei's eyes darkened, and for the first time, I saw jealousy simmering beneath the surface. "You're blinded by your feelings, Lian. But I'm telling you the truth. Naomi's out of your league, and she'll never be able to give you what you want."
His words stung, but I couldn't let myself believe them. I turned away, my mind spinning with confusion and anger. "I don't know what you're trying to do, Chao Wei, but I won't let you come between us."
**Naomi's POV**
The next day, as the sun started setting, I was restless, pacing around my room. The talk with my mom was still bugging me, but I shoved it aside as I grabbed my phone. I needed to see Lian. I typed a quick message, my fingers shaking a bit as I hit send.
**Naomi:** _Can you meet me at our spot tonight?_
I stared at my phone, waiting, feeling like time was moving in slow motion. Finally, her reply came, and I couldn't help but smile a little.
**Lian:** _Of course. I'll be there._
I felt a bit relieved, but then I started feeling anxious again. I needed to be careful. My dad had people watching me everywhere, and Jung Soo seemed to be keeping an extra close eye on me lately. I couldn't let him find out about Lian.
I slipped out of my room and quietly made my way through the palace, dodging the usual patrols. The place was huge, but I knew all the hidden spots and passages that would let me sneak out without being seen.
As I got closer to the gardens, my heart started racing. Our spot was just beyond the hedge maze. I walked faster, desperate to see Lian, to hold her, to escape the suffocating expectations of my life, even if just for a little while.
But as I turned the corner, heading for the maze, a strong hand suddenly grabbed my arm. I gasped and spun around to see Jung Soo standing there, his expression hard to read.
"Miss Naomi," he said, his voice firm but not harsh. "Where are you going?"
I tried to pull away, my heart pounding. "I was just… taking a walk. I needed some air."
Jung Soo narrowed his eyes a bit, clearly not buying it. "It's late. You should be in your room."
"I'm not a kid," I snapped, my frustration boiling over. "I can take a walk if I want to."
His grip on my arm tightened just enough to remind me who was in charge. "Your father wouldn't be okay with you wandering around at this hour, especially alone."
I glared at him, my anger rising. "I don't care what my dad thinks. I just want to be left alone!"
Jung Soo's expression softened, but he didn't back down. "Miss Naomi, I'm just trying to protect you. Please, come back inside."
I knew arguing was pointless. If I pushed any more, it would just make things worse. But the thought of Lian waiting for me, not knowing why I hadn't shown up, tore me apart.
Reluctantly, I nodded. "Fine. Let's go."
Jung Soo let go of my arm, but he stayed close as we walked back into the palace. I stole one last, longing look toward the gardens, silently hoping Lian would understand that I hadn't ditched her.
**Lian's POV**
I got to our spot a bit early, my heart racing with excitement. This hidden part of the garden had become our safe place, where we could just be ourselves, away from everyone's eyes and the pressures of our separate lives.
But as the minutes passed, my excitement started turning into worry. I checked my phone, but there was nothing from Naomi. I tried to shake off the unease, telling myself she was just running late.
After another ten minutes, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. I paced back and forth, glancing at the entrance to the hedge maze every few seconds, hoping to see her coming out of the shadows.
But she never showed up.
I sent her a quick message, trying to keep my worry in check.
**Lian:** _I'm here. Are you okay?_
There was no reply.
The longer I waited, the more my heart sank. Maybe she'd been caught. Maybe her family had found out and was keeping her away from me. Or worse, maybe she'd changed her mind.
After what felt like forever, I finally gave up. My heart heavy with disappointment, I turned and started the long walk back to my apartment, my mind spinning with a million questions.
Had I pushed her too far? Was I asking too much, making her keep risking everything just to see me?
As I walked through the quiet streets, the excitement and anticipation I'd felt earlier were replaced by a gnawing sense of dread. The barriers between us seemed bigger than ever, and for the first time, I wondered if we would ever really be able to be together.