-Aria-
As I stood outside the glimmering facade of the hotel, the weight of the day began to lift, but not entirely. It was a beautiful evening, with the soft glow of the city lights reflecting against the fresh night sky. I could hear laughter spilling from within the hotel and felt a flutter of excitement mixed with anxiety churning in my stomach. Family dinners always carried an air of expectation, and tonight was no exception. Would they notice that part of me was still tangled in the past?
Jamie nudged me with her elbow, snapping me out of my thoughts. "You look deep in thought, Aria. Remember, this is a celebration!" His eyes sparkled with mischief. If anyone knew how to push the right buttons to brighten my mood, it was him.
"Just thinking about how different my life has become,
