The mansion loomed around her, grand and imposing, but Ariana's steps were steady.
She had made her choice Ethan yet she knew she couldn't avoid her father forever.
"Father…" she began, her voice trembling slightly.
He turned from his desk, his expression unreadable at first. Then, recognition softened his eyes.
"Ariana," he said quietly. "You're here."
"I…" she faltered, trying to find the words. "I needed to see you. To understand."
He motioned for her to sit. "Tell me everything from the crash to now."
Her gaze fell on the polished floor as memories surged. "I woke up in a small town… someone helped me. He Ethan he saved me. He made me feel alive again."
Her father's jaw tightened. "Ethan Rivers…"
"Yes," she admitted, voice low. "He's… he's important to me."
Her father's face softened with a mix of relief and regret. "I see. And the Seabrook life… it gave you peace?"
"Yes," she whispered. "But I also realized something. I don't need the world I was born into to be happy. I need… love, and freedom."
Her father stood, pacing slowly. "I wanted to protect you, Ariana. I thought controlling your life keeping you within the walls of our world was the best way to keep you safe."
Tears pricked her eyes. "But it wasn't, was it? You didn't see me… you didn't see me."
He stopped, looking down. "I failed you. And I'm sorry. I never wanted to lose you… not again."
She took a deep breath. "I forgive you. But I've chosen my own path now. One where I live, not just exist."
A faint smile appeared on his face, proud but tinged with sorrow. "Then I will respect your choice… if it makes you truly happy."
At that moment, Ethan appeared at the doorway, his hand reaching for hers.
Her father nodded toward him. "He's the one who saved you… and the one who loves you. I can see that."
Ariana stepped forward, entwining her fingers with Ethan's.
"Thank you," she said softly.
Her father's eyes glistened. "Go. Live. Love. Be free."
And as she walked out of the mansion into the cool evening, she felt a weight lift from her shoulders.
The past was acknowledged, the future was hers, and love.. real love was waiting for her.