-Aria-
The soft glow of the chandeliers overhead shimmered as I shifted my gaze across the room, taking in the opulence of the banquet—rich, velvet drapes, gilded tables, and a cacophony of laughter and clinking glass. It felt surreal, really, being here, transformed from the girl in the wheelchair to this vibrant woman who could now dance, even if just a little. But despite the glittering atmosphere, I could sense the weight of another pair of eyes on me—somewhere in the crowd, a man lingered with a look that was all too familiar and unsettling.
Jamie, my loyal friend and self-appointed protector, stood by my side, his posture relaxed but his muscles taut, silently doing his job without making it obvious. "Don't worry, Aria. I'm watching out for you like a hawk," he said, his voice low
