Valentina
Ever heard of anxiety?
Me too.
My gaze flits nervously over the crowd, my heart hammering so loud I swear it might explode. I stay tucked away in a corner, hidden in the shadows where no one can see me yet.
I smooth down the fabric of my favorite outfit—a sage-green butterfly lace corset dress with delicate straps shaped like wings. The slit along the side makes it both elegant and bold. Green strappy heels add height, making me look taller than I really am. For makeup, I've kept it simple—nude-red lips glossed with a touch of shine, soft blush, and eyeliner sharp enough to give me courage.
"Are you ready?"
A deep, familiar voice pulls me back.
Without turning, I nod. Elias—my cousin, my anchor—stands behind me. He's the one who helped arrange all of this. Without him, I wouldn't even know where to start.
"Thank you, Elias. You have no idea how grateful I am." I turn, offering him a small, shaky smile.
"My fortune," he grins, lifting his hand to ruffle my hair. I jerk back.
"Hey! You'll ruin it," I protest, scrunching my nose.
He chuckles. "I'm genuinely sorry, cupcake." With an exaggerated bow and a cheeky wink, he adds, "Now go. You don't want your readers mad for making them wait too long."
He gives me a gentle push. I inhale deeply, steadying myself, and then step out from behind the curtain.
Silence.
Thump.
Thump.
And then—
Squeals. Screams. Gasps. The noise hits me all at once, echoing in my ears. So many smiles, so much light. My own confidence sparks to life, and I plaster on the smile the world has come to know me by.
"Good morning, everyone," I say, my voice steadier than I expected. "I am Valentina Quinn—the one you've all been waiting for. I am so happy to finally meet you in person. Thank you, truly, for your love and support. I'm glad my words can bring a smile to your faces. Please—keep smiling. You look beautiful when you do."
Applause erupts. I sit down at the signing table, meeting them one by one. Their laughter, their warmth—it's intoxicating. An hour slips by in what feels like minutes. All that overthinking, all that fear—it was for nothing. They're kind, welcoming, wonderful.
And then—
"Omg! You're even more beautiful in person, Val!"
My head snaps up at the voice. My chest tightens.
Andrea.
My online friend.
We met months ago in a group chat on Instagram. Soon we started video calling almost every day, even though I was terrified of being caught—my father would've lost his mind if he knew I was showing my face to someone outside.
But there she is. Smiling. Real.
"Andrea?" I gasp, eyes wide.
"Yes, it's me, you traitor! You didn't contact me for two days, and now you show up here—in my city? Did you really think I'd let this chance slip?" Her whisper-shout makes me laugh despite myself.
She's breathtaking. A model's face, olive-forest eyes that almost glow under the light, thick lashes, champagne-blonde hair falling just past her shoulders, a sharp jawline, and a tiny mole under her left eye—barely noticeable unless you're close.
"Andrea…" I still can't believe it.
"I'm sorry," I whisper back quickly. "It was hard enough convincing Father to let me come for this signing. I didn't have time for anything else." I remember the fight, the way his silence pressed against me like iron walls. Convincing him felt like walking on fire.
Her expression softens, then she smirks. "You're forgiven. But you're treating me tomorrow."
I nod, smiling in relief. She hugs me briefly before stepping aside for the others waiting in line. But just before she leaves, she pushes a small bag into my hands.
"One more thing," she says with a wink.
I peek inside. A soft gasp escapes me.
A tiny stuffed bunny with a winter cap sits nestled inside.
It's adorable. So delicate, so unexpected.
A warmth blooms in my chest as I squeeze it gently.