81: D-DAY

D-DAY

Today, it was simply Queen of Dawn and I. I sighed for the hundredth time.

The suite where Lorraine and I had settled for the night was nothing short of a fairy tale.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, filling the room with warm, golden light that improved the comfort.

We had chosen this suite to maintain my privacy, making sure my real address stayed hidden from prying eyes.

I sat in front of the mirror, my heart racing as Lorraine worked her magic on my hair. Her hands moved with practiced ease, weaving my dark locks into a ‘different’ hairdo— in her words.

The scent of hairspray and the hum of Lorraine’s chatter filled the room. “You’re going to look stunning tonight,” Lorraine exclaimed. “The crowd will be wowed!”

She brushed a stray strand of hair away from my face and adjusted the final touches. “Honestly, you look like you’ve stepped right out of a movie.”

I forced a smile, though my mind was miles away. I could almost see the grand ballroom, the glimmering lig