Ivy's POV
"I gazed longingly at the emerald green dress on my phone screen, the price tag mocking me. $200 was a fortune for someone like me, but Clarabell insisted it was perfect. I calculated the weeks' worth of part-time job wages, wondering if Mom's boss would approve another sponsorship request. Was one night of feeling like a princess worth the financial stretch?"
"I thought back to last year's school event when Mom's boss had sponsored my ticket and dress. It was a rare night of feeling carefree, without worrying about making ends meet. But this year, I wanted more. I wanted to stand out, to catch Ryan's eye, and to prove to myself that I was worth the investment.
"Clarabell's words echoed in my mind: 'You'll be the belle of the ball, Ivy.' But did I deserve it at this price? I g
