Amelia POV
The dress code said black-tie optional.
I chose simple black. Knee-length. Modest neckline. Professional armor for an event.
"You look beautiful." Harper adjusts my necklace. Simple silver. Nothing flashy. "But you look terrified."
"First company event since the divorce." I check my reflection one more time. "I'm allowed to be terrified."
"You're Senior Strategic Analyst now." She reminds me. "You belong there more than half those people."
True. But belonging professionally and belonging personally are different things.
This gala is where Daniel and I used to shine. Playing the power couple. His hand on my lower back. My smile hiding exhaustion.
Now I'm walking in alone.
The Sterling Tower ballroom glitters. Chandeliers. Ice sculptures. String quartet playing something
