The gala was everything Elara expected—and worse. Lights. Cameras. Eyes that didn’t just look but assessed, measured, judged. The moment she stepped out of the car beside Aaron, flashes came fast—blinding and relentless. Instinct kicked in for a split second—shrink, hide, disappear. But then—Maya’s voice echoed in her mind. 'You don’t dress a body like yours to disappear.' Elara lifted her chin slightly and stepped forward. Aaron felt it immediately—the shift. The attention wasn’t just on him anymore; it was on her. He could hear the murmurs, see the double takes—not mockery, not entirely—something else—curiosity, confusion, interest. His jaw tightened, and he offered his arm—a calculated move—public, necessary. Elara hesitated for just a second, then placed her hand lightly on his arm, and together they walked in. Inside, the room shimmered with wealth and power. Conversations paused, eyes followed. Elara could feel them, but this time, she
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