Chapter 4: The First Step Away
Evelyn sat at her desk, flipping through a fashion magazine she had long since lost interest in.
In her past life, she had spent hours obsessing over the latest trends, making sure she looked perfect at every event Adrian attended.
Now? She didn't care.
A knock at the door made her look up. Her mother, Marianne Ravenshire, stepped inside, holding a delicate silver invitation.
"You've been invited to the Sterling Enterprises Annual Gala," her mother said with a warm smile. "It's a wonderful opportunity for you to reconnect with Adrian."
Evelyn's stomach twisted. The same gala where, in her past life, she had embarrassed herself in front of Adrian countless times, desperate for his attention.
This time, she refused to go.
"I'm not interested, Mother," she said, flipping a page in the magazine.
Her mother blinked in surprise. "But you always looked forward to it."
Evelyn forced a small smile. "I think Adrian is too focused on his work for distractions. I don't want to get in his way."
Her mother frowned. "Sweetheart, you know your father and Adrian's father would love for you two to—"
"Please don't push this, Mother," Evelyn said softly.
Her mother hesitated before sighing. "If that's what you want." She placed the invitation on the desk before leaving.
Evelyn stared at it for a moment, then grabbed it and tossed it into the trash.
She would not be that girl again.
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