Beyond the Glitters
mil
nd exhausting, but I had learned to navigate it with the ease of a seasoned commuter. Today was another long day, filled with shifts at the diner and my evening job at the bookst
f fresh coffee and sizzling bacon greeted me as I pushed through the door, offering a brief m
. Ready for ano
, tying my apron around my wais
my mind occupied and my worries at bay. My mother's medical bills were piling up, and my younger brother, Danny, needed new s
catch my breath and glanced at my phone. A new me
ala tonight! You promised you'd come. It's at
y and was always trying to drag me to glamorous events. I often resisted, feeling out of place among the
be there.
k, mentally preparing myself for an
-
e to our tiny apartment. Danny was sprawl
eted, ruffling his
. How wa
ight, so I'll be home late. Mom's resting, so just
id, barely looking
me pick out for occasions just like this. It wasn't designer, but it was elegant enough to blend in. I
ce I only ever saw in movies. As I approached the entrance, I sp
You ma
ied, hugging her. "
et's get inside. I want
ers, and tables adorned with extravagant centerpieces. I felt a pang of self-consciou
with a group of people, exuding an air of confidence and charm. Our eyes met briefly, and I
, the CEO of TechNext. Q
bly used to women throwing th
know, Em. Life has a fu
t shake the feeling of being watched. Every time I glanced in Alex's direction, he seemed
utside to get some fresh air. The cool breeze
Lily said, squeezing my
you," I repl
ng on me. He approached with a confident st
ladies. Enjoy
this is my best friend, Emily Daw
Emily," Alex said,
ng his hand, feeling a jolt
do?" Alex asked, his i
nd a bookstore," I replied, bracin
interesting. I admire people who w
, skeptical. "You'r
. "No, really
n. "Emily's one of the hardest-wor
rassed by the praise. "I
able. Maybe we could continue this
entions. But something in his
nds. "Great! Exchan
t feel a flicker of excitement. Maybe Lily was righ
ossibilities. Little did I know, this chance encounter was