Chapter 55:
The Gala (Part I)
(Maya’s POV)
The sight of the silver gown hanging on the wardrobe door made my stomach twist. The fabric shimmered under the light like it was mocking me. Amber had picked it out earlier that morning and told me it was “the kind of dress that makes men regret their decisions.”
Regret.
The word felt heavy in my chest.
I didn’t want to go to the gala. I didn’t want to see Axel again. But I also couldn’t afford to lose my job. The Dean had made that very clear.
Amber’s voice broke through my thoughts. “You’re going to be fine, Maya. Breathe.”
I glanced up at her through the mirror. She stood behind me, fixing the clasp of my necklace with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. She was doing her best to stay calm for me, but I could see the worry there
