Backstory
Since her early childhood, Arcadia grew up in a weathly household, her parents' stubborn and cynical personalities passing onto her. They were untrusting of others but those in their circles, focused on success and personal gain, advising Arcadia to always rely on herself. Realistically, her parents should have held her hand throughout her upbringing, but even if they laid out some plans for her, they weren't present for her accomplishments if they had their own to keep doing. Having a kid wasn't going to hold them back.
As a student, Arcadia focused heavily on doing well, for her own pride than to be praised by others. Sure her parents were going to pay for her studies or tuitions when needed, maybe even for her own housing once she was done, but she preferred not to make them feel so useful. She was seen as a nerdy and antisocial person at school, a modest looking girl in glasses who didn't have many friends, just books. Being in the highest classes, she often crossed paths with Freya, a likewise studious person, but her impression was that of a withdrawn and cool person. Doubtful, Arcadia never thought of her as perfect, that she must be missing something like she was.
At first, Arcadia did try to befriend Freya for the benefit of their connection; two smart individuals who could use the other as a stepping stone in the future. Still, her facade was seen through, but Freya had no choice in pushing her away if they constantly worked on assignments together. Through their moments together, sometimes alone, Arcadia felt herself fall in love for the first time. If her impression was broken down from the start, she became honest around Freya, too much that she enjoyed having someone she confided in. Freya spoke to her more than she did with anyone else, still quiet mostly, but there was subtle pining that indicated they would have liked to be together in the future even as something platonic. And so, when they graduated they parted ways, attending different colleges. From what she'd heard next of Freya, she had married a man, while Arcadia continued to be on her own. She didn't care about the medical field herself until Freya stressed the importance of it before, how there's areas that should be improved. With no particular ambitions, Arcadia figured that if she got into that field, not as a doctor but on the business side, she could easily do so. Sticking with that and working with business connections her parents had, Arcadia worked to become the owner of her own company.
As if fate always went in a circle, Arcadia happened to see Freya again into their early adulthood at a large meeting. Arcadia thinks she would have just ignored her, but Freya invited her to dinner that afternoon so they could catch up, uncharacteristic of her to take the initiative. In their conversations, she'd learned Freya's marriage was a short one, but in its aftermath she had adopted a child. Even if the two of them were solitary in nature, Freya was never alone, but Arcadia was, always. As her business thrived and she saw Freya occasionally, Arcadia still felt that she lacked companionship. She didn't want to intrude on the relationship Freya had with her kids, especially after she got Paars, so perhaps having her own child might be a good idea. She had the means to care for them, so she intended to adopt just one child for now, bringing Urtė into her family. She felt her children should keep their last names unless they'd prefer hers in the future, or out of fear that they wouldn't click. However, Urtė thought she was a wonderful mother, sometimes like a sister, but certainly who she considered her family. Soon enough, Arcadia adopted Mecho next.
Nowadays, Arcadia continues to work and spend time with her childen when she isn't busy. By now, she and Freya each have two kids in their families, so the idea of moving in together may be too tricky. Arcadia still prefers a less chaotic household as well, knowing Freya's kids aren't as calm as hers. Perhaps when they've all moved out, she could retire alongside Freya. For now she still cherishes each day of her kids' youth and all they work towards. She doesn't communicate much with her own parents or family, all of their tough personalities blending together in her eyes, wondering if she's become a kinder person than they are. As a mother, she tries to show her appreciation and support to her kids, reminding them that they're loved even, something she didn't grow up hearing unconditionally. She looks back on the hateful person she started as, still uncaring of many now, but she tries to start caring for those around her without expecting things of them. That's always been her toughest quality, thinking of how useful others are to her, but being on the same level is nicer to be on.