She ran down the stairs as the clock struck midnight, the bells ringing in the distance. The prince’s voice called after her, but she had her focus set. Cinderella had to get away. It was fun, true, being someone else for a night. But wearing those expensive pearls and her too-heavy gown was not her reality. Having all those eyes set on her, in awe or in hatred, was not quite what she had wanted.

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