Chapter Thirty

The finishing touches fell into place as Ariana carefully applied the final stroke of lipstick to my lips. Her eyes, already sparkling with anticipation, met my gaze in the mirror. "You look absolutely stunning, Ella," Ariana breathed, her voice filled with awe.

But my stomach churned with a different kind of excitement, a nervous flutter that had settled there ever since Michael had asked me to the ball. The grand ballroom, a place I had only ever dreamed of entering, loomed large in my imagination, filled with swirling gowns, elegant waltzes, and countless pairs of watchful eyes.

Ariana, sensing my apprehension, placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Don't be nervous, Ella," she said, her voice warm and reassuring. "Just have fun. Michael is a great guy, and I know you'll have a magical night."

Taking a deep breath, I tried to quell the butterflies in my stomach. I knew Ariana was right. This was a night to remember, a night to step outside my comfort zone and embrace the magic o