Hurt is an understatement as to what I feel. I feel empty, wounded, incapacitated. I didn't have time to process my feelings since my dad requested my presence. He wanted me to travel with him to perform some business dealings.

Feelings have no place in my line of work. No matter what you're feeling, you have to put on a stoic face before stepping into the lion's den. My father and I walked into the boardroom, causing the members to stand. We nodded and he sat at the head while I sat to his right.

The meeting went without a hitch. I expertly knocked down ideas and added my inputs. My father quietly sat and allowed me to run the meeting. The board members were impressed that the only girl in the room was driving the business model. I was so concise that the meeting finished in an hour.

My father decided to spend some time exploring Prague with me. We walked to the clock and sat on a nearby bench. He excused himself to buy us some street food. My father and I sat in silence as we people watched.

"Are you going to tell me what's wrong?" He suddenly spoke.

"No." I curtly answered.

"You have an issue with Nicola?" I ignored him. "What happened?" I continued ignoring him. "Did Skye get-"

"I don't know!" I snapped. "I don't know." I whispered.

"What happened?"

"We broke up. Well, she broke up with me again." I bitterly spat.

"What was her reasoning?"

"I keep her a secret."

"Well you do." He stated matter of factly.

"I don't want the press to ruin her and the paps to hound her. They love to write lies about us. The last thing I want is to shove her into a world of chaos." I ate my food. "The only reason she's never seen paps around is because we heavily bribe them whenever she's with us. Plus, she has never noticed the undercover security." I motioned to several men who were wearing civilian clothes.

"That's true, but shouldn't you have given her the decision to decide for herself rather than make the decision for her?"

"She doesn't understand the world she'd be getting in."

"I'm pretty sure she has an idea, considering the events that you've attended." He shrugged and continued eating. "I think you are making all the decisions for her."

"And I didn't ask for your opinion."

"And yet you received it so freely." He smiled. "Talk to the girl." I shot him a glare. "Not right now. You need to cool down and she needs space." He took another bite. "Or is there another reason you do not wish to resume the relationship?"

"She..." I really don't want to tell my dad about Nicola cheating. "She's hanging out a lot with Skye and I wouldn't be surprised if Skye has wormed her way into Nicola's heart." I sighed. "I wouldn't blame Nicola if she fell for Skye, if I'm being honest." I breathed out. "She's everything I can never be."

"Why do you say that with such finality? You can always change." My dad pointed out.

"Ready for me to tell the public?" I looked at him, but he merely shrugged. "I don't think we need our stocks to plummet in certain areas of the world." My father rolled his eyes at me. "And I'm not ready for the scrutiny that Nicola will be under."

"Ahhh, so that's the real reason. You are worried about what people will say about the two of you."

"I don't care if they berate me for my sexuality, but I don't want Nicola to undergo that same type of treatment."

"Were you and Nicola ever friends?" I looked at my dad weirdly. "Or were you always pursuing her in a romantic way? I'm asking because maybe you two should try being friends for a bit before jumping back into a relationship. That way the two of you will be able to freely express yourselves without the confines of a relationship." He stated.

"You may have a point." I averted my eyes. "But, I'm not ready to speak to her. I also was a bit mean." I winced as I recalled what I said.

"You were hurt and said things you regret. I understand that. I also understand your desire to give her the cold shoulder." I blushed at that. "By the way, you get that from your mother."

X

My dad flew with me back to Boston before leaving for Japan. I debated telling my friends and family about the breakup, especially after catching their interaction with Nicola. I arrived late and saw Tamsin and Yasmine speaking with Nicola. The three of them were laughing at something. I didn't want to ruin their relationship, so I turned around, but ended up bumping into Astrid.

"Woah, Ali! You're back!" She tightly embraced me. "Why do you look so sad?" She tilted her head.

"I-" I struggled to say something. I just stared at Nicola laughing with Tamsin.

"You two broke up." Astrid pieced everything together. I looked at her with saddened eyes. "Want to talk about it?" I nodded, causing her to take my hand and guide me to the sorority house.

I let out a deep sigh and told her everything. Astrid attentively listened and held my hand. She pulled me into her embrace when I broke down crying.

"So what are you going to do? Go back to her or..."

"I don't know, Tridi. I always wind up hurt when I'm with her." I cried. "Not even Skye caused me this much pain." I admitted. "Is she worth the ache I feel every time she becomes overwhelmed at our economic positions. It's becoming repetitive. And I always ended up hurt. I can't change the fact that I was born into a billion dollar family. Everyday I try to show her how much I love her and don't care about her financial or social status, but she doesn't get it. I've tried so hard and I'm- I'm exhausted." I sighed. "I'm utterly exhausted. Both physically and mentally. I can't deal with this anymore." I snuggled deeper into my friend.

"Oh, Ali." She hugged me tighter. "Everything will work out in the end."