Chapter 134: The Low-Cut Dress

Elara’s POV

"No matter what happens, please take care of yourself," Mom's voice softened through the phone, her worry reaching across the miles between us.

"I will, Mom. I promise."

How could I explain that taking care of myself meant different things to her and to me?

After hanging up, I sank onto the bed with a heavy sigh. The impossible weight of expectations pressed down on me—my mother wantin