Chapter 23 : “What would you wear for me?”

*Roanne’s POV*

The mirror reflected a version of me that seemed almost foreign to me—a woman draped in the kind of elegance that whispered of clandestine rendezvous. The black dress clung to my curves, a second skin that was both armor and vulnerability. It represented a new beginning, or perhaps a continuation of something I wasn't quite sure I wanted to escape from.

I couldn't help but let my mind drift to Michael, his gaze had been focused on me always, and his words laced with an admiration Aaron never offered. Where Michael's presence was a gentle sunbeam through autumn leaves, Aaron was the tempest—the cold, devouring sea that left me gasping for air.

Slipping into my heels, I felt powerful, the delicious height giving me more than just stature; it gave me a feeling of command. I would have to thank Lizzie for convincing me to accept it from her.

Knuckles rapped sharply against the door, breaking my concentration. My watch flickered 4:00 PM—too early for Michael, too punctu