Free Recaptured Dreams by Justine Dell

abruptly turned from his creation, cast a quick glance in their direction, and strode away from the stage. Sophia’s heart skipped a beat when his broad frame walked by several tables over. He slid off his jacket and flung it over his arm as his eyes danced with unknown disappointment. Sophia wanted to reach out to him, and this time, the urge was too strong to ignore.
    “I think you should go talk to him,” Anne Marie said with a devious smile.
    “And talk about what?” Sophia said, trying to keep her voice low. “The way I acted last night?” She shuddered at the memory; it was all too clear. “I don’t know if he would even talk to me after I walked out on him.”
    Anne Marie took Sophia’s hand and squeezed it. “Tell me, darling,” she said as she looked Sophia in the eye, “has anyone ever made you feel like he did in that short of time?”
    Sophia shook her head. She couldn’t deny for a second that she wanted Xavier; her only concern was how badly.
    “That says something all in itself. Break free inside like I know you want to. Do it, Sophia,” Anne Marie persuaded. “Go after him.”
    “Him who?” Katherine interrupted.
    “Xavier,” Anne Marie said before Sophia could stop her. Sophia tightened the grip on Anne Marie’s hand and shot her a disapproving look.
    “The man at the podium?” Elise questioned. “The man we discussed earlier?”
    “It’s none of your concern,” Sophia replied hesitantly but as politely as she could.
    “Listen to me.” Elise turned to look Sophia dead in the eye. “Stay away from him. Fashion is beneath you. He is beneath you.”
    Anger poured through Sophia’s blood faster than a flash flood after a spring storm.
    “Mother?” Sophia clenched her teeth. “Do you feel the same way?”
    “How was your dance with Evan, dear?” Katherine asked, changing the subject.
    Sophia gave a look of frustration, remembering how grabby the man had been. “This isn’t about Evan. This is about Xavier. Do you feel the same way Grandmother does?” Her eyes danced between both women.
    Katherine shifted uneasily in her seat but kept a pleasant smile on her face. “Yes.”
    The word had been spoken so quietly, Sophia almost hadn’t heard it. “What?”
    “I said yes,” Katherine repeated. “I’m afraid a man like Xavier is not what you need. Evan on the other hand—”
    Sophia jumped to her feet. “Stop.”
    Elise’s icy stare made her freeze. “Sit down, young lady. Do not make a scene in front of my friends.”
    Though she felt like a dog, Sophia did as commanded.
    “Please,” she said, her voice shaking, “would you both listen to me? All I want is to have a little freedom in my life. Something that makes me feel like me. You can’t force me into a man’s arms and expect me to go there willingly. Can you?” Her eyes focused on her mother, pleading with her to understand. “Please,” Sophia repeated.
    “No.” Elise’s tone was stern, final.
    Katherine nodded in agreement. “I’m sorry, dear, but Elise is right.”
    Was Sophia imagining that her mother had actually sounded sad about that statement?
    Elise tapped a gloved finger to the table. “Your father would be greatly disappointed if he knew you weren’t taking what you’ve been given seriously. He knew what it took to be successful and built a strong life for himself.” She cast a condescending glance at Katherine. “And your mother does as well. We know what is best for you—end of story.”
    Sophia clenched her hands into fists. Moments before, she’d come to terms with the fact that no one would help her remember her past and no one would allow her to lead the life she wanted to lead. She would have to walk in the footsteps of those before her. That’s what she’d been raised to do. And she’d almost accepted it.
    Almost.
    Sophia picked up her wine glass and downed the remaining contents, thankful as cool liquid soothed her achingly dry throat. She rose from her seat, a bit dizzy but