CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT – THE LIFE SHE CHOSE

The following week was a blur of activity as professional cleaners were brought in to undo the damage from the party. Mara threw herself into the work, trying to ignore the growing doubts gnawing at her conscience. It was Friday night when she finally allowed herself a break, meeting her friend Jenna for drinks at their favorite bar. "So, spill," Jenna said as soon as they sat down. "How's life in the world of the rich and fabulous?" Mara let out a hollow laugh. "Fabulous? Try exhausting, demoralizing, and possibly hazardous to my mental health." She proceeded to fill Jenna in on the events of the past week – the disastrous party, Clarissa's mood swings, and the constant pressure of trying to meet impossible demands. "I don't know how much longer I can do this, Jen," Mara admitted, staring into her glass of wine. "Every day feels like I'm walking a tightrope, and Clarissa's just waiting for me to fall." Jenna reached out, squeezing her friend's hand. "Then quit! You don't deserve