“Nothing, Mom,” Elena forced out. “Nora was just adjusting the dress.”

Her mother’s gaze flicked between them, cold and suspicious. “It didn’t look like nothing.”

The rest of the fitting dragged in painful tension. Elena smiled through gritted teeth while her mother watched every movement. The moment they left the boutique, the questions poured out like a storm.

That night, Elena lay awake staring at the ceiling. Michael’s goodnight text felt distant and empty. All she could think about was Nora — the warmth of her hands, the way her body came alive under that touch. The safe future she had planned for years now felt like a prison closing...