MONEY AND JEALOUSY

ALANNA

This was the day, the day I had prepared for, for months.

I felt a flood of emotions flood through me.

I was both happy, anxious, nervous, sad and grateful all at once.

The ballroom buzzed like a beehive, there was this certain elegance and refinement that could be felt in the air.

A dazzling display of wealth and importance. Crystal clinked against crystal as champagne flutes collided in celebratory toasts.

Excited chatter against the backdrop of the smooth jazz band.

Tonight was the completion of months of tireless work, my fashion show – a vibrant display of my creativity – finally gracing the grand stage.

“Congratulations Ms. Alanna,” a woman with a black dress greeted me, I didn't recognize her, so instead I responded to her with a smile.

Despite the outward glamor, a knot of apprehension tightened in my stomach as I scanned the crowd.

A sea of well-dressed bodies and expectant faces swirled before me.

The city's elite were all here, of course: business moguls with