When they got to the venue. Harris handed Elara the dress and walked away immediately, leaving no room for any further discussions.
Elara, also, did not stop him. Her gaze only followed him for a moment before moving down to the material in her hands.
It was exactly the kind of dress she would have chosen for herself. Simple but striking.
After the makeup artist was done and she finally looked at herself in the mirror again, there was no trace of what had happened earlier. Only a calm and composed face staring back at her.
When she stepped out and walked toward the backstage area, her feet stopped on their own at once.
Tonio was standing right on the stage. Still speaking amidst the noise.
Elara simply stood frozen in place and watched him. It was only when Ziva's voice came from behind her, telling her to move quickly, that she gave a small nod and stepped forward again.
The moment she crossed the line, the lights went out.
