363: BUTTERFLIES ‘S POV ARIELI was finally ready for the party, putting on the dress that I had bought from the mall. I was the only one in my room, stili thinking about how the situation was going to turn out. As I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing out the fabric of my dress, I took a deep breath, trying to calm the nerves fluttering in my stomach. The dress made me feel elegant and confident, but I couldn’t shake the uncertainty swirling in my mind about the upcoming party. Just then, there was a gentle tap on my bedroom door, and it swung open to reveal my father, dressed in a sharp charcoal suit that hugged his frame perfectly. His crisp white shirt contrasted beautifully with the dark fabric, and a simple yet stylish tie completed the ensemble. “Hey, Ariel, Are you ready to head out?” He asked, his voice warm and reassuring as he stepped into the room. I turned to face him, a smile spreading across my face at the sight of him. “Almost, Dad,” I replied, feeling a sense of comfort wash over me in his presence. He walked further into the room, his eyes sweeping over me with pride. “You look absolutely stunning, sweetheart,” he said, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before meeting my eyes. I blushed at his compliment, feeling a rush of love for him. “Thank you, Dad,” I said softly, grateful for his encouragement. He extended his hand towards me, a gesture of invitation. “Shall we?” he asked, his smile warm and inviting. I nodded, slipping my hand into his, the familiar warmth of his touch grounding me. Together, we made our way to the car, the anticipation of the evening ahead mingling with a sense of comfort and security that only my father could provide. Settling into the car, the familiar scent of my father’s cologne mingled with the soft hum of the engine, enveloping us in a cocoon of warmth and familiarity. I glanced over at my mother, who offered me a reassuring smile from the front seat, her eyes filled with bliss. “Hey, sweetie, you look beautiful,” she said in a gentle tone that was really encouraging. I smiled gratefully at her. “Thanks, Mom.” My father glanced at me through the rearview mirror; his eyes were full of love. “Are you ready for tonight, Ariel?” I took a deep breath, nodding firmly. “I think so, Dad,” I replied, trying to muster up some of his calm assurance. He reached over and squeezed my hand, smiling at me. “Tonight is going to be really remarkable, Ariel. It’s a night that will bring about significant changes. It’s going to be really wonderful.” 363 BUTTERFLIES 2/3 I smiled at him. “That’s going to be nice, I guess.” I reached for my phone and dialed Tessa’s number, eager to see if she had already started making her way to the party. “Hey, Tessa, it’s Ariel.” “Hey, Anel! Are you ready for tonight?” Tessa’s voice bubbled on the other end of the line. “Yeah, I think so,” I replied, trying to sound confident despite the fluttering butterflies in my stomach.” Have you started heading to the party yet?” There was a brief pause before Tessa responded. “Not yet, but I’m about to leave in a few minutes. Are you already on your way?” I looked at my parents, who were engrossed in a lively conversation in the front seats of the car. “Yeah, we’re on our way now,” I replied. “Great! I’ll see you there then,” Tessa said cheerfully. “And–don’t worry, we’re going to have an amazing time tonight!” I smiled at Tessa’s words. “Yeah, I believe so. See you soon, Tessa.” With that, I ended the call. We started our journey to the party, and the atmosphere in the car Was filled with excitement and anticipation. My father glanced at me through the rearview mirror, a playful twinkle in his eyes. “So, Ariel, when are you going to bring a man home to meet us?” he teased I laughed, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeps into my cheeks. “Dad, come on,” I protested, trying to hide my embarrassment with a playful grin. “Can’t I just enjoy being single for a while longer?” He chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Of course, you can, sweetheart. I was just teasing.” I couldn’t help but smile at his words, feeling grateful for his understanding. “Thanks, Dad.” We fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, the soft hum of the engine filling the car. Then my father glanced at me again, his expression thoughtful. “But seriously, Ariel,” he said, his voice turning serious for a moment. “Just remember that when you do find someone, make sure they treat you with the love and respect you deserve.” I nodded. I will, Dad,” I promised. He smiled, reaching over to squeeze my hand. “That’s my girl.” My mother chuckled from the front seat, her voice filled with amusement. “You have no idea, Ariel, how many potential suitors I have in mind for you!” I couldn’t help but laugh at her teasing tone, shaking my head in disbelief. “Mom, you’re incorrigible,” I said, affectionately rolling my eyes. She grinned. “Oh, come on, sweetie, you know I only want what’s best for you. 363, BUTTERFLIES 3/3 “I know, Mom,” I said, reaching over to hold her hand. As we continued our journey to the party, the playful banter between my parents filled the car with laughter and warmth, easing the last traces of nervousness from my mind. Why was I even nervous?! As we neared the venue, the excitement in the car grew palpable. My mother couldn’t contain her enthusiasm, chattering animatedly about the party and the people we might meet. Meanwhile, my father navigated the streets with ease, his calm demeanor reassuring. “Dad, do you think my dress is okay?” I asked abruptly, feeling a twinge of uncertainty creeping back. My father glanced at me through the rearview mirror, his eyes soft with reassurance. “Ariel, you look absolutely beautiful. Everyone will be thrilled to see you; there is no doubt about it.” I smiled gratefully at his words, feeling a surge of confidence wash over me. “Thanks, Dad,” I said, feeling reassured by his unwavering support. had been waiting for. With my parents by my side, I stepped out of th As we pulled up to the venue, I felt a flutter of excitement mixed night had in store. This I embrace whatever the ready to was it–the moment I Staring at the huge building, I heard someone calling my name from behind, and when I turned around, I saw Tessa. “Tessa,” I said, smiling at her. When we both got close, she gave me a tight hug. “I’m so glad you could make it,” I told her. “It’s your family’s party. I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” she replied, grinning from ear to ear. “You look absolutely stunning, by the way.” “Thanks, Tessa,” I said, feeling a surge of gratitude for her kind words. “But technically, this isn’t my family’s party.” “It’s about their business partnership, so it’s definitely your family’s party.“Let’s go inside.”