The master of ceremonies announced our arrival with a voice that boomed through the hall, bouncing off the walls like we were royalty. The room was stunning with ceilings so high they seemed to touch the sky and curtains flowing down like soft rivers, brushing the shiny marble floor. Tables were scattered around, covered in white linens with bold red ribbons, giving a spark of fire to the fancy setup. The guests looked like they stepped out of a magazine and everyone spoke in low tones.

I ...