The ride to The Forbidden Palace was uneventful, and Laurie found herself in front of its palatial doors within twelve minutes of getting in the cab. She took a deep breath, held it, and slowly exhaled, trying to soothe the anxiety and apprehension she was feeling. Her fairy tale had definitely not gone as planned, but there was a melancholy sense to the thought of it ending. It had been special to think of herself as someone who could live a life of glitz and glamour, who could be a star, untouched by the follies of mere mortals traversing this dying planet, which seemed more and more disappointing every day. But the truth had hit her with merciless ferocity, and she realized nobody, no matter how rich and famous, could be impervious to life’s many cruel tricks.

    She stepped into t...

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