Chapter 11

• EVELYN
• The nerves in my stomach felt like a swarm of bees, buzzing relentlessly. Going out with Mike wasn’t something I had planned or even imagined in my wildest dreams. But here I was, standing in front of my mirror, applying the last coat of nude lip gloss. My hands trembled slightly as I covered the tube, staring at my reflection. My soft red curls fell over my shoulders in gentle waves, framing my face in a way that felt oddly perfect. I didn’t know what to expect from the date, and that uncertainty sat heavily in my chest.
• The door creaked open and Mom stepped inside. She looked at me, her face lighting up with a proud smile. “You really look beautiful, my princess,” she said warmly, stepping closer to brush an imaginary speck of dust off my sleeve. Her touch was gentle, almost ceremonious like she was preparing me for something grand.