ARIA
The receptionist’s words felt unreal. I stared at her for a moment, certain I had misheard. “She… she will?”
“Yes,” she said with a small smile. “Go on before she changes her mind.”
I whispered a quick thank-you and hurried toward the office but stopped just before the door. My heart was racing too fast. I didn’t want to walk in looking frantic or frightened. I took a slow breath, pressed my palms against my dress to smooth it out, lifted my chin, and gently pushed the door open.
Rose Miller sat behind her desk, composed and elegant. Her gaze lifted toward me, expressionless.
“Good morning, ma,” I said, trying to sound calm. “Thank you for agreeing to see me again. I’m grateful.”
She rested her elbows on the desk. “Do not misunderstand,” she said in a steady voice. “I did not re
