#Chapter 186: Under the Mask

Abby I walk into the TV studio, my heart pounding with excitement and nervous energy. This is it, the day of my interview, and I’m determined to make the most of it. As I step inside, I’m greeted by a flurry of activity. People are rushing around, setting up cameras, adjusting lights, and making final preparations for the interview. I feel as if I’ve just traveled back in time to the day of the cook-off, which feels like it was eons ago by now. At least this time, there are no contestants trying to sabotage me. Instead, I feel like the star of the show. The security guard lets me through with a warm smile, the interviewer gives me a wave from afar, and a friendly makeup artist approaches me, a makeup kit in hand. “Hi there, Abby,” she says with a warm smile. “I’ll be doing your makeup for the interview. We’ll make sure you look your best on camera.” I nod appreciatively, but ever since the cook-off, I’ve made a resolve in my mind: I want to be myself. No masks to hide