~ Amara ~
I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my suite and smoothed the front of the black evening gown. The fabric felt heavy against my skin. It looked perfect, just like Selene and my mother-in-law wanted. The neckline sat high, the sleeves long, and the cut made me look taller than I felt. I turned sideways and checked the hem. No wrinkles. No loose threads. Everything in place.
My hands moved slowly over the material. I had practiced this look for hours earlier. Hair pulled back neat. Makeup light but even. Lips a soft neutral color. I looked like the wife Gideon needed for the Moore Family Foundation Gala tonight. Calm. Put together. Invisible in the right way.
But inside, my stomach twisted. The packed bag waited in the library, hidden behind the heavy law books on the
