Maria
I can't stop staring at the lit-up facade of the Met wrapped in silky, flowing banners of blue, white, and red from the rooftop to the ground. It looks like a massive gift all wrapped up for me.
I step out of the sleek black limo, my hand wrapped around Mikhail's strong arm. Dominika approved of my black and lace dress for the occasion, which complements Mikhail's smart tux.
Also along for the ride is Zhanna Nikolaeva, whom Mikhail helps out of the limo as he guides both of us onto the red carpet. The flashing lights from the cameras momentarily blind me. But my gaze is reserved for the glamor so far apart from the old life that I knew.
"Welcome to the party." Zhanna gestures toward the spectacle with her silver and ebony cane.
Dressed in a beadwork gown, she has cast off the pe
