ARIA'S POV
The day of the launch had finally come.
My heart raced as I stood in the waiting area, taking deep breaths to calm myself. Evelyn had already gone ahead to the venue full of energy as she prepared to impress the guests. I told her I would follow shortly.
This was my first public appearance, and I needed a moment alone to gather myself.
I adjusted the green satin dress Evelyn had chosen for me, its fabric cool against my skin. I felt a strange mix of excitement and fear.
What if they don’t like my work? What if I mess up? My thoughts spiraled, but I shook my head.
“No, Aria, you’ve worked too hard for this. You belong here,” I whispered to myself.
As I smoothed my dress and prepared to walk into the venue, my phone buzzed in my clutch.
For a moment, I considered igno
