KAIREN
The suit clung like some stiff restraint.
I hovered in front of the mirror, tugging the collar, flicking at the cuffs, trying to convince my lungs they had space. Black stacked on black. Cut with ridiculous precision. A costume meant to show wealth, authority, and every piece of the life I'd tried to run from since I could walk.
Tonight I wore my father's shadow.
And it made my skin crawl.
My fingers shook when I pinned the last button in place. I shoved both hands into my pockets, curling around the USB tucked against the seam. Tiny. Unassuming. Could buy my future.
Or end it.
I couldn't choose which.
Aisha had slipped out an hour earlier. She'd kissed me soft near the corner of my mouth, the same quiet sweetness she always gave me. I'd smiled back. Pretended the night didn't feel like poison. Pretended I wasn't setting her up without hesitation.
My stomach rolled.
Don't linger on it. Just survive the night.
A knock tapped the door.
I twisted around.
