Ariel stood before the mirror. Her eyes scanned the wardrobe before her. The whole closet seemed to mock her indecision. Nothing was right. Everything seemed too casual or too bold or not "enough" for what she was about to face.

She had to look perfect. She had to make a good impression. It wasn't just about meeting Jayden's parents tonight; it was about proving to them she wasn't the "nobody" they seemed to think she was.

Her fingers shook as she picked up dress after dress, pressing each against her body in front of the mirror. Deep blue. Too simple. Black with lace. Too flashy. Another one with accents of...