It started over coffee and croissants at Skye's penthouse kitchen, sunlight spilling through the tall windows and making everything look deceptively calm. Lena sat cross-legged on the bar stool, scrolling aimlessly through her phone, though her mind was far from the screen. The meeting was officially set for next week. Her mother had sent a neat little digital calendar invite—labeled Important: Marriage Prospects Meeting. Like it was just another business lunch.
Skye leaned against the counter, eyeing her best friend. "So... are we just going to pretend next week isn't creeping up on us like a horror movie villain?"
Lena groaned. "Don't remind me."
"I'm not letting you spend this weekend moping around," Skye said, grabbing a handful of grapes. "We need a break. A serious break. No parents. No expectations. Just us."
Ethan, who had just walked in from a quick morning meeting, raised an eyebrow. "Did someone say break? Should I be worried?"
Lena looked up, a glint of something mischievous in her eyes. "Actually... maybe not. What if we disappeared for a couple days before the meeting?"
Skye's eyes lit up immediately. "Now that's the energy I needed."
Ethan chuckled. "Where exactly are you planning to vanish to? And more importantly, how much trouble am I going to be in for tagging along?"
Lena smirked, her mood lifting ever so slightly. "Someplace far. Secluded. Private. Somewhere my mother wouldn't dream of calling."
Skye tapped her nails against the counter thoughtfully. "What about that private island your family owns? The one with the beach villa?"
"Oh, right," Lena said, like she hadn't just daydreamed about that exact place last night. "We haven't been in there since forever. It's private, the staff are discreet, and no one ever thinks to check it."
Ethan raised his hands, officially sold. "Alright, count me in. But if your mother finds out I helped you escape from this prison, I expect immunity."
"Please," Skye grinned, "you'll be our accomplice of the year."
They spent the rest of the morning planning it down to the last detail—Kelly was instructed to clear Lena's calendar under the pretense of a "wellness retreat," Ethan postponed his business calls, and Skye packed with the reckless glee of a woman who lived for chaos. Within hours, the arrangements were made, the flight chartered, and the staff at the villa informed of their arrival.
Lena watched it all unfold, her heart lighter than it had been in days. She wasn't running—not exactly. But she needed this. One last moment of freedom. Just her, her best friend, and Ethan, before everything changed.
•
By Friday night, everything was set.
Lena lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling of her bungalow-style bedroom, her phone resting beside her like a ticking bomb. The day had been exhausting—meetings, forced smiles, and more veiled conversations with her parents about "the importance of family legacy." She'd nodded along, biting back every sharp retort, all while counting the hours until the weekend.
Skye had texted an hour ago: "Bags packed. I swear if you make me cancel last minute, I'm stealing your skincare stash."
Ethan's message followed soon after: "My driver will pick us up tomorrow morning. Just bring yourself, your needs and maybe don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen. I don't feel like hearing you complain about the sun."
Lena had smirked at that one.
Now, the night was still and silent. She glanced toward the window. A breeze rustled the tall trees outside, and for once, the Sterling estate felt… small. Too small. She needed out.
The next morning came quicker than expected. Before the sun even fully rose, Lena slipped into casual airport wear—a white cropped tank under a linen button-down, loose tan pants, and designer slides. Her sunglasses perched high, and a tote bag hung from her shoulder. She tiptoed down the marble steps like she was pulling off a heist.
Kelly met her outside the car with a knowing look, already holding her iced coffee. "You sure about this?"
Lena took the drink, eyes gleaming. "I've never been more sure."
No guards. No drivers from the estate. Just Ethan's private car and a secondary jet arranged under one of his aliases. Clean. Discreet. Untraceable by any family spy.
Skye was already inside the car when Lena climbed in, her oversized hoodie covering a bikini top and denim shorts. "Operation Vanish is a go," she said, clinking her iced latte against Lena's.
"You're both way too proud of this plan," Ethan mumbled, sliding in after them, his usual buttoned-up style traded for a relaxed shirt and swim trunks peeking beneath a hoodie.
"Because it's genius," Skye replied, tossing a pack of gum into Lena's lap. "Three rich kids, vanishing from high society for a weekend of sun, salt, and zero responsibilities? That's revolutionary."
The plane was waiting on a private runway, sleek and untouched by the chaos of public travel. Within the hour, they were cruising toward the private island—one of the Ashfords' lesser-known properties, with a hidden villa nestled into lush greenery, the beach only steps away.
As they landed and stepped into the balmy island air, Lena exhaled deeply. The breeze smelled like escape. Freedom. For the first time in weeks, maybe months, she wasn't performing for anyone.
Just two days. No Sterling legacy. No Ashford name. No scripted marriage.
Just three rich kids.
The villa stood like something out of a dream. Modern, minimalist, and wide open, it was built with white stone, polished wood, and vast glass walls that overlooked the ocean. The path from the helipad to the front entrance was flanked by palm trees swaying gently in the wind, and the only sounds were the rush of waves and the distant call of birds.
Lena stepped out first, her feet hitting the wooden path barefoot after kicking off her slides in the sand. The breeze kissed her skin, and for the first time in a long while, she smiled without thinking.
Skye walked up beside her, sunglasses pushed to the top of her head. "Okay. This is straight out of a Pinterest board. I call the room with the balcony."
"Nope," Ethan said, brushing past with a duffel slung over his shoulder. "That one's mine."
Skye narrowed her eyes. "Lena, you vote."
"I'm not getting in the middle of this," Lena laughed, heading toward the wide glass doors. "I'll take whatever room lets me wake up to that view."
Inside, the villa was just as gorgeous—clean lines, subtle coastal tones, and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in endless sunlight. A stocked kitchen, plush lounge area, and an infinity pool outside that led straight into the sea.
Skye spun in the middle of the living space. "We're never leaving."
"I second that," Lena said, running her hand along the back of a cream sofa. "Let's just fake our deaths and start new lives here."
Ethan, already halfway to the outdoor deck, called over his shoulder, "As tempting as that sounds, let's just focus on surviving the next two days first. Sunburns, Skye's cooking attempts, and you two dragging me into whatever chaos you've planned."
"Who said we planned anything?" Lena said with mock innocence.
But of course, they had.
Within the hour, swimsuits were on, music was playing from hidden speakers, and Skye had already claimed a floatie shaped like a seashell. Ethan manned the grill out back, surprisingly skilled, while Lena poured chilled mocktails into curved glasses.
"I can't believe we actually pulled this off," Lena said, perched on a sunbed in a light sarong, legs stretched out toward the ocean. "It feels... surreal."
Skye, flipping onto her stomach on the floatie, grinned. "It feels like we remembered how to breathe."
Ethan stepped over, handing Lena a plate. "And it's only just getting started. We've got two full days. No press. No parents. No past."
Lena met his eyes, the unspoken part of his sentence lingering in the air. And maybe no future either—at least not the one she was being pushed into.
But she let it drift away for now.
She clinked her glass against theirs and smiled. "To disappearing."
"To disappearing," they echoed.
And just like that, the sun slipped a little higher in the sky, and the first day of freedom just began.
The day at the beach was turning into everything Lena had hoped for—a much-needed break from the chaos. The golden sand stretched endlessly, meeting the crystal-clear blue of the ocean, the perfect backdrop for the relaxing, yet unpredictable day ahead.
After their quick swim, Lena, Skye, and Ethan found themselves laughing over a friendly (but competitive) beach volleyball game. The sun was high in the sky, and the heat only seemed to make the game more intense. They were all surprisingly good, and the game quickly turned into a heated contest. At one point, Ethan lunged for a ball, sending them both sprawling into the sand with a loud laugh.
"Didn't know you were so good at this," Lena teased, wiping sand off her shorts as she stood up.
Ethan grinned, his eyes sparkling. "I like to keep some things hidden."
Skye tossed the ball back into play, her face flushed with excitement. "Come on, we can't let him win this easily."
Lena nodded, a competitive fire lighting up in her chest. Despite everything else on her mind, she relished these moments of freedom, where it was just the three of them, the ocean, and the sand. No expectations. No looming responsibilities.
As the game ended, they collapsed onto towels, taking a break and letting the cool breeze wash over them. The waves whispered in the distance, almost like a lullaby.
"Let's set up for the picnic," Skye suggested after a while, already getting to her feet. She gestured to the shaded area where they'd placed their cooler and beach chairs. "It's the perfect spot."
They spent the next hour lounging, chatting, and sharing stories. Lena couldn't remember the last time she had felt so at ease. The feeling of the sun on her skin and the taste of fresh fruit was the perfect antidote to the stress she'd been carrying for months.
As evening approached, the trio gathered around a bonfire, the flames casting dancing shadows on their faces. They had a bottle of wine, marshmallows to roast, and plenty of room for games. A mischievous glint entered Skye's eyes as she pulled out her phone.
"Alright, let's play truth or dare. Who's up first?"
Lena hesitated for a moment, the familiar nerves creeping up, but with a glance at the two people who had become her closest allies, she realized it didn't matter. For once, there was no pressure. No expectations. Just fun.
"Alright," Lena said, grinning. "I'll start. Ethan, truth or dare?"
Ethan looked at her with a half-smile, clearly amused by the question. "Dare."
Lena thought for a moment before her eyes lit up. "I dare you to tell us something we don't know about you."
Ethan chuckled, a low, easy sound. He leaned back against the sand, looking up at the stars for a moment. "I once tried to learn to surf," he admitted, "but I ended up more tangled in the surfboard than actually surfing."
Skye burst out laughing, shaking her head. "I wish I could have seen that!"
Lena's laugh echoed in the air. "Alright, your turn, Skye."
Skye took a deep breath, her gaze drifting between Lena and Ethan, as if weighing her options. She flashed a mischievous grin and leaned forward, ready to play her part in the game.
"Alright, Lena," she said, tilting her head slightly. "Truth or dare?"
Lena raised an eyebrow, her competitive spirit rising to the surface. "Dare," she replied without hesitation, a playful smirk tugging at her lips.
Skye's eyes sparkled with mischief as she tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Hmm… alright, Lena, I dare you to sing your favorite song at the top of your lungs, right here, in front of us. Bonus points if you dance a little."
Lena's jaw dropped, her eyes wide with mock horror. "Oh, come on! You know I'm not doing that!" she protested, half-laughing and half-groaning.
Skye shrugged dramatically. "A dare's a dare, Lena."
Ethan chuckled at the challenge, leaning back on his elbows as he watched the scene unfold. "I think this could be entertaining."
Lena hesitated, her competitive side struggling with the idea of backing down. Her eyes flicked between Skye and Ethan, then she sighed dramatically, raising her arms above her head. "Fine, fine!" she muttered, clearly resigned to her fate.
With that, she stood up, scanning the area as if looking for a way out, but realizing there was none. Lena cleared her throat, her posture straightening as she started to sing—albeit very dramatically. She belted out the chorus to an old song that Skye always teased her about loving. The song was an upbeat, cheesy classic, and Lena threw herself into it. She even added a little shimmy to her movements, despite her initial resistance.
Both Skye and Ethan were laughing, but Lena kept going, making sure to put on a show. Her voice wasn't terrible, and as the song picked up in tempo, she actually got into it. She threw in some overly exaggerated dance moves, and the combination of her serious face and ridiculous moves was enough to have them both in stitches.
"You've got moves!" Ethan called out, applauding mockingly as Lena twirled around dramatically, finishing with a flourish.
When the song finally ended, Lena threw herself back down onto the blanket, completely out of breath and laughing. "Okay, that was horrible," she said, wiping a tear from her eye. "You're both evil, you know that, right?"
Skye was doubled over, trying to catch her breath from laughing so hard. "That was epic, Lena! I didn't know you had it in you!"
Ethan, still laughing, leaned forward, looking at Lena with a teasing grin. "I think you've got some hidden talents."
Lena, now red-faced but grinning from ear to ear, raised a hand. "I'm never doing that again. Ever."
Skye, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes, turned her attention to Ethan. "Your turn, Ethan. Truth or dare?"
Ethan groaned dramatically, sinking lower into the sand. "Alright, alright. I'll do it. Dare."
A devious grin spread across Skye's face as she leaned in. "I dare you to go out into the ocean for a swim, but here's the catch: you have to sing 'I'm a Little Teapot' while doing it. You have to make sure we can hear you, too."
Lena's eyes widened, and she stifled a laugh. "This is going to be good."
Ethan just blinked at Skye, then at Lena, as if sizing up whether he could talk his way out of it. "Are you serious?" he asked, his tone disbelieving.
"Completely," Skye answered with a wicked grin. "It's only fair."
Ethan shook his head, clearly already regretting his decision. He stood up slowly, brushing sand off his hands. "Fine, fine, I'll do it." He stripped off his shirt and jogged toward the water, muttering something under his breath about the ridiculousness of it all.
"Do it!" Lena yelled after him, her voice full of encouragement, though her face was split into a wide grin.
Ethan waded into the surf, and with exaggerated seriousness, he began to sing, his voice carrying across the water. "I'm a little teapot, short and stout…" His tone was deep, and he swayed his arms in the most over-the-top, exaggerated way possible as he performed the silly song, making it even more absurd.
Skye and Lena couldn't contain themselves, bursting into laughter at the sight of him dancing and singing in the water. Ethan was not only going all out with the song, but he was also trying to strike poses, making the whole situation even funnier. His deep voice and the playful way he moved just added to the ridiculousness of it all.
By the time Ethan finished the song, the two of them were nearly in tears from laughing. He made his way back to shore, dripping wet but smiling in spite of himself.
"That was the worst," he muttered, but his eyes twinkled with amusement. "You two are brutal."
Lena gave him a thumbs-up, still laughing. "You, my friend, are a good sport."
Skye, wiping her eyes from laughter, grinned widely. "That was beyond perfect."
They all collapsed back onto the blankets, the fire crackling softly beside them, their laughter echoing in the night air. The game had started out lighthearted, but the bond between them was now growing stronger. They weren't just friends anymore—they were becoming something more, something that could withstand any challenge that life might throw at them.
And for that moment, with the fire flickering, the stars overhead, and the ocean whispering in the distance, nothing else mattered. The world outside this little bubble of time felt so far away, and Lena was content to let it stay there, just for tonight.