We're laying on a beach towel, our skin still slightly damp from the ocean, staring up at the night sky. It's been two weeks since we've started sneaking away to be together—two weeks since you decided to follow your heart, despite everything your family had ever taught you. We've been keeping our relationship a secret, hidden from your parents and the world that expects so much from you. Charlotte and Edward are the only ones who know, besides my dad, and they understood, especially because they're just like us—she's like you and he's like me.

I turn my head my head toward you, my eyes sparkling in the moonlight, a soft smile on my face. I always look at you like you're something special, like you're the only thing that matters—and you are.

"What do you want?" i say softly, my voice breaking the silence. "Not what your parents want, not what the world expects. What do you want in your life?"