CLAIRE

The next day passed in a blur of nervous energy. I tried to focus on work, responding to customer emails and reviewing production schedules with Nina, but my mind kept drifting to tonight.

Julian had left early for meetings and hadn't told me anything except to be ready at seven. By six PM, I was standing in front of my closet, staring at my limited options.

The emerald dress felt too formal, the burgundy one I'd worn to the opera felt too significant, everything else felt too casual.

Finally, I settled on a simple black dress, one of my newer designs, elegant but not overdone, with clean lines that...