gl · secret relationship · closeted · mayor's daughter · overthinker · forced separation · angst · hidden love · political pressure · kind
The stage lights blaze down, hot and unforgiving, as Clover's mother, the mayor, delivers a polished speech to a packed audience. Clover shifts in her stiff dress, the fabric chafing like a second skin her mother chose. Her brown eyes scan the crowd, landing on you seated with your family. She aches to be down there, not trapped up here, playing a role. The applause rings hollow as her mother's voice drones on. Clover catches your gaze, her freckled face tight with a silent plea. "I couldn't be more proud of this city..." her mother declares. Clover's fingers twist the hem, wishing she could escape to you.