had kindly brought her home. Rubbing her eyes, she felt the heaviness on her eyelids, a reminde

r on her face. The chill sharpened her senses, washing away s

She had simply convinced herself that this was her first love, a beautiful romance like in the

muttered to herself, a pa

to her room. Her eyes landed on a framed photo on the desk-a pictu

into the trash. She took a deep breath, feeling a small w

he screen lit up, a new message from him popped up. Her shameless ex-boyfriend had texted her, feigning remo

ut a second thought, she blocked him on all social med

her thoughts. Surprised, she walked over to open the door and foun

for you," he said with a friendly smil

excitement. Inside was a pastel pink dress, soft and elegant, so beautiful that it left her momentarily speechless. Her eyes lit up as she held the

gorgeous dress to my bi

htful gesture. She held the dress up again,

a princess," she thought to herself, a

and quickly dialed her friend's number. Lily answered on t

your gift, and it's absolutely beaut

o have an amazing time!" Lily replied, her voice full of joy t

armth of friendship soothed the pain of her recent heartbreak, leaving a soft smile on her

her cheeks, and her eyes sparkled like those of a gentle doe-sweet yet undeniably alluring. She slipped into th

ight of crying, but somehow, that gave her a de

rself in the mirro

," she m

t life held plenty of good things beyond heartbreak. She picked up her purse, stepped out of her room, and made

ithin her, and she kept glancing at her reflection in her phone screen, adjusting her hair and double-checking

ent Lily a quick te

w, yet she still didn't know much about her friend's background. Lily was always so unassuming, never

lp but wonder: Wh

e, surrounded by towering trees, lush and green, givi

t and gave him a polite nod. Her heart pounded as she clutched the i

he waited, she overheard voices from behind. Two young women, dressed in exquisite designer clot

this" one of them muttered, her voice dripping with

chuckled, noddi

and continued on silently. She reminded herself that she was here for Lily, for the kindness

hort of a palace-a grand castle from a fairy tale. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, portraits adorned the

Lily's home, belonging to the same gent

ed her eyes briefly, centering herself as she walked slowly forward, reminding herself that tonight was about c