"Back in Manchester, life was simple and leisurely. My desires weren't strong or burning. But now? I've come to New York, landed a job at C&C, started university—everything's changed beyond recognition. I'm in and out of high-end places, but every one of those things is built on money. I have to work hard to earn it. My mindset has shifted. I want better material things. I've even lost that old sense of calm elegance. Every day I'm rushing between school and C&C, enslaved by survival and money."
"I rarely hear you talk like this. I didn't know you thought this way," Ned replied.
Sophie lowered her eyes; a dull ache began to spread in her chest. "Do I seem strange—wanting everything at once? I never used to have these 'thoughts,' but when…"
