Chapter 32: The Charity Gala II

The city lights blurred into streaks of gold as the car sped through the evening traffic. Aria sat quietly, her hands folded in her lap, the soft fabric of her gown smooth beneath her fingertips. She glanced sideways at Alexander, who was scrolling through his phone, his sharp profile illuminated by the screen’s glow.

The silence wasn’t uncomfortable, but it wasn’t entirely easy either. Her mind raced with doubts and questions. Would she fit in tonight? Would the guests see her as an outsider in their high class world ?

Alexander, without looking up, said, “You’re worrying. You should stop.”

Her head snapped toward him. “I’m not.”

“You are,” he countered, finally lowering his phone and fixing her with a steady gaze. “You’ve been tugging at your dress for the last fifteen minutes. What is the problem?”