CHAPTER FORTY – HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLARISSA

The day of Clarissa's birthday dawned bright and clear. Mara had been up since 4 AM, coordinating the final preparations. By the time guests began to arrive, she was running on pure adrenaline and countless cups of coffee. Clarissa made her grand entrance, descending from the ceiling in a golden cage, surrounded by the aerialists Mara had miraculously secured. The crowd gasped and applauded, and Mara allowed herself a moment of pride. She had pulled it off. But the night was far from over. As the party progressed, Mara found herself putting out figurative fires left and right. The ice sculpture began to melt faster than anticipated, requiring a hasty relocation. A minor celebrity arrived unexpectedly, throwing the seating chart into disarray. And of course, Clarissa had a series of outfit changes planned, each one requiring Mara's assistance. Through it all, Mara caught glimpses of Cassius. He seemed to always be in her line of sight, offering encouraging smiles or stepping in to sm