|FOUR DAYS LATER|
•BRIANNA•
It was Friday, the day Adrian would finally face the family dinner he’d been avoiding for so long—and I’d be right there with him. I couldn’t deny a flicker of excitement at the thought. It was Stella’s insistence that had finally convinced me to go, but if it were up to me, I’d probably be spending this Friday night curled up in bed with one of the novels that I’d been itching to finish.
I had chosen a simple but elegant brown evening gown. The thin straps showed off my shoulders, and a slit ran up one thigh, adding a subtle but daring touch. It was a look that felt perfect: not overly flashy, but just fancy enough for the evening’s occasion. I paired it with a delicate necklace and matching earrings, opting for a black clutch and classic black stilettos to complete the outfit. My hair was freshly braided, and I’d done my makeup with a light hand, just enough to enhance without overwhelming. Tonight, I wasn’t trying to impress anyone—just to feel confident in my own skin.
I glanced at the clock and saw it was already 7:00 p.m. We were meant to arrive by 7:30, but I had no idea how far Adrian’s family house was. With a quiet sigh, I perched on the edge of my bed to wait for him.
A knock on the open door pulled me from my thoughts, and I looked up to see Mom leaning in with a warm smile.
“Hey, your date is here. He’s in the sitting room,” she said, giving me a look that spoke volumes.
I immediately jumped to my feet. “Thanks, Mom! I’ll be down in a minute.”