The boutique called two days later to say Maya's dress was ready for final fitting. The woman on the phone had the kind of voice that made suggestions sound like commands, so Maya agreed to come in that afternoon even though dread sat heavy in her stomach. She told Diane she had an appointment and left Holt Industries without looking back, needing distance from Adrian's office and the questions she still could not ask.The boutique looked different in the afternoon light, less intimidating but no more welcoming. The same saleswoman appeared immediately, remembering Maya's name without being told and leading her toward the back where alterations happened behind closed doors. The dress hung on a mannequin near the windows, emerald fabric catching light and throwing it back in waves that looked like water. Maya stared at it and tried to imagine herself wearing it t
Last Updated : 2026-02-10
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