Chapter 2: No Jacket, No Apologies
I groaned as Aria insisted I go out tonight. I had zero desire to leave the comfort of my bed, let alone get dressed up and socialize. But Aria was relentless, practically dragging me out of my cozy cocoon.
Now, staring at myself in the mirror, I had to admit─ she’d worked her magic. I looked ─ different. Unrecognizably good. My make-up was flawless, my hair carefully styled. And the dress she’d picked out hugged my body in all the right places.
I tugged at the hem, feeling exposed.
"are you sure this dress isn’t too short?" I asked, turning slightly to check the back.
Aria rolled her eyes. "its not too short. Its perfect," she said firmly, admiring her handiwork like a proud artist.
Still unconvinced, I reached for a jacket to cover myself, but before I could slip it on, Aria snatched it out of my hands.
"nope. Absolutely not," she said, waving it away. "you don’t need a jacket. Trust me, you look amazing."
I sighed. "But I’m cold..."
"you’ll be fine," she said cheerfully, already herding me toward the door before I could protest further.
Outside, as we waited for our ride, I shivered slightly, the thin fabric doing little against the cool air. The breeze nipped at my skin, sending tiny Goosebumps racing down my arms.
still, I could see the satisfaction on Aria’s face ─ and I knew there was no turning back now.