I smoothed my dress with shaking hands, forcing my face to look composed, and unlocked the door. There stood my mother, her face was masked with a poised elegance in her navy dress, but her eyes were sharp as daggers, scanning me like she could read every secret etched into my skin.
“Tracy, why on earth is this door locked?” she asked, her tone clipped as she stepped inside without waiting for an invitation, closing the door behind her.
I swallowed hard, my mind racing for an excuse. “I... I just needed a moment alone, Mom. To collect my thoughts before everything starts.” It wasn't entirely a lie, but the half-truth burned on my tongue.
She arched an eyebrow, crossing her arms over her chest. “Collect your thoughts? You better not be having second thoughts, young lady. The ceremony is
