Ivy
I took a deep breath and steadied myself. Shaking off the remnants of my nightmare, I moved toward the bathtub, turning the shower on to let the hot water wash away the lingering unease.
Once I was clean, I wrapped myself in a plush towel and stepped in front of the mirror. My reflection stared back at me, pale but composed. I couldn't afford to look fragile. I couldn't afford to look like my nightmares.
I picked an elegant black pantsuit from my wardrobe, pairing it with a silk blouse in a muted shade of blue. The structured blazer sat perfectly on my shoulders, a protective armor of its own. After fastening a delicate silver bracelet around my wrist, I slipped on a pair of sleek heels.
My fingers worked through my hair, styling it into a sophisticated low bun—sharp, professional, controlled. Light makeup followed—just enough to conceal the exhaustion beneath my eyes. A soft nude lipstick finished the look.