AUTHORS POV

Tessa stood before her wardrobe mirror, the early morning light seeping in through gauzy curtains. She pressed her fingers against her temples, trying to massage away the tension that had been tightening her brow these past weeks. Her ready-to-wear office suit looked neatly ironed with really sharp stretched edges and professional—but all she felt right now was hollow; and maybe fear.

A soft knock came at the bedroom door. Clarissa slipped in, quiet as a shadow, yet the concern in her eyes was unmistakable.

“T, are you ready?” she asked gently, her voice enquired softly.

Tessa didn’t look up. She shook her head, fingers tracing the edge of...