Elena’s Point Of View

The sound of my name being called snapped me back into the room. For a moment, I had forgotten where I was, the dazzling chandeliers, the perfectly dressed guests, the gentle clink of glasses. All eyes turned toward me with warm applause. My chest tightened, not from nerves, but because I knew I couldn’t falter. Not now.

I stood slowly, smoothing the front of my dress. My hands lifted deliberately to my hair, brushing it into place, tugging just enough so the ...