-[] Mia paced back and forth in the courtyard, feeling the weight of the world crashing down on her. The disappointment of her friends gnawed at her, but she knew she needed someone who would understand. Her thoughts raced as she pulled out her phone, her fingers trembling slightly as she dialed Ray's number.
Ray picked up after a couple of rings. "Mia? Hey! What's wrong?" His voice was a mixture of concern and confusion.
"Ray, you won't believe what's happening. I need to talk to you. Can you meet me?" Her voice trembled with urgency, and she could hear him shifting, probably getting ready to head her way.
"Of course! I'll be there in fifteen minutes," he replied, and Mia hung up, her heart pounding as anticipation mixed with anxiety.
When Ray arrived, he found her standing beneath an old oak tree, its leaves catching the sunlight like fragments of orange and yellow glass. He took in her distressed expression and rushed over, grabbing her shoulders. "Mia, what's going on? You look upset."
Taking a deep breath, she recounted the meeting with Ethan—how he had barged into her home and made threats disguised as deals, how her father was seemingly willing to trade her away, and how even her friends thought it was somehow a good opportunity.
Ray's expression shifted as he absorbed the news. "That's insane! Who does that? Your dad can't just—" His voice rose, his anger bubbling over. "He can't treat you like that! And your friends? What's wrong with them? How can they support something so messed up?"
"They think I should just go along with it, like it's some fairy tale," Mia replied, her eyes narrowing with frustration. "They don't get that it's not just about money. I'm not some prize to be won or used. I don't want that kind of life!"
"Good! You shouldn't!" Ray's fists clenched, his face reddening. "You deserve better than that, Mia. You deserve someone who fights for you—not someone who sees you as a deal. This Ethan guy sounds like a total jerk."
"Exactly!" Mia agreed, feeling the warmth of his support. "I won't let him just waltz into my life and take everything away from me. I need to figure out how to confront him and this whole situation with my dad."
"Have you talked to your dad again?" Ray asked, his tone shifting to concern. "Maybe you can convince him to refuse the deal?"
"I tried last night, but it didn't go well," Mia admitted, biting her lip. "He's under pressure, and I think he feels trapped. I can't blame him entirely, but I don't know how to make him see that trading me away is not the answer."
Ray stepped back, running a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his features. "You don't have to handle this all on your own, you know. I'm here for you. We can figure this out together."
Tears pricked at the corners of Mia's eyes. She had been feeling so alone, but having Ray by her side felt like a beacon of hope in the storm. "You really mean that?"
"Of course I do!" Ray took her hands in his, his grip reassuring. "Let's come up with a plan. We'll find a way to get through to your dad, and if that Ethan guy gets in our way, we'll deal with him too."
Mia's heartbeat began to stabilize as she felt a sense of relief wash over her. "Thank you, Ray. I really need you right now."
"Always," he replied softly, a crease of determination forming between his brows. "We'll figure this out. Just tell me what you need me to do."
Mia felt an idea coalesce in her mind. "Maybe I can get my dad alone and talk to him about the consequences of going through with Ethan's deal. If I can show him that I'm not afraid to stand up for myself, maybe he'll reconsider."
Ray nodded, his expression resolute. "I can help you gather info on Ethan too. If he's so entitled that he thinks he can just take you, then it might be worth finding out what he's really after."
Mia smiled, the weight on her shoulders feeling a little lighter with Ray's support. "Let's do it."
Mia felt a surge of hope. She wasn't alone; she had someone who valued her autonomy and who would stand with her against the tide of fear and uncertainty. If anyone was going to fight for her freedom, it would be the two of them together.
"Get ready, Ethan," she thought, determination rekindled. "I won't go down without a fight."