The emerald velvet of the dress felt like a second skin, heavy and luxurious, as I gave myself one last look in the mirror. I had opted for a deep crimson lip and left my hair in soft, loose waves that bounced against my shoulders.

When the sleek black sedan arrived, my heart began that familiar, chatpata frantic rhythm. The drive to the estate was silent, the city lights blurring past as I braced myself to enter the lion's den.