The city lights shimmered like scattered stars as Alliah and Jamiro made their way to the hotel hosting the National Literary Awards ceremony. The evening air was crisp, carrying a hint of the sea breeze from the nearby bay. Alliah’s heart fluttered—not from nerves alone, but from a mixture of anticipation, excitement, and a trace of anxiety she could not fully explain.
Joshua had spent the night with Apple and her children, giving Alliah and Jamiro the space to experience this moment fully. Alliah had insisted that she would not let her fears hold her back, and Jamiro had been steadfast by her side, ensuring she felt supported every step of the way.
The lobby of the hotel was grand, adorned with twinkling fairy lights, polished marble floors, and a red carpet stretching toward the cente
