Chapter 43. My Voice, My Strength, My Purpose

Layla’s POV

The fitting room was a serene place, disturbed only by the soft swish of fabric as I tried to pull the strap of the breathtaking gown that Caleb had helped me pick out.

I would have never dreamed of wearing something like this—something so bold, so elegant. The gown was this lush, silky emerald green that caressed my curves in all the right places and had a good bit of breathing space in the train, which almost made me feel like I was flying.

Caleb had insisted on helping with the selection; she felt I needed something that would go hand-in-hand with this new version of me I was becoming.

Believe it, I have come a long way in that time. A few months ago, I would not have ever dared to appear in anything so fancy.

I had self-doubt creeping into my mind each time I put clothes on. In those days, I would always shield myself behind boring, practical outfits.

I was the kind of girl who blended into the background, satisfied just to