Emma
The Plaza Hotel loomed before us like a crystal palace from my old life. My fingers traced the beaded constellations on my dress, a nervous habit I'd developed during fittings. Each step on the marble floor echoed with memories – charity galas, debutante balls, all the trappings of a world I'd lost and found I didn't miss.
"Are you okay?" Sophie squeezed my arm. "You've got that 'overthinking everything' look."
"Just..." I gestured vaguely at the opulent surroundings. "Last time I was here, I was Emma Bennett, heiress. Now I'm just—"
"Just the designer Victoria Chen personally requested?" Sophie snorted. "Just a finalist at Laurent's? Just an amazing mom to two adorable kids?"
Warmth bloomed in my chest at the mention of the twins. I wondered what they were doing now – probably c
