Chapter 22 Must Be Present

• Elena’s POV
• I stood near the refreshment table, trying to calm the storm of emotions brewing inside me. My fingers tightened around the stem of my champagne glass, and I took a slow sip, but the unease didn’t fade. The weight of the evening pressed heavily on my shoulders. Guests filled the grand hall, laughter and conversation blending into a hum, but all I could think about was Aiden’s absence.
• Where was he? He should have been here by now. The thought of him not showing up sent a cold shiver through me. I couldn’t let anyone notice my worry; I had to keep my composure. The last thing I needed was to give anyone a reason to gossip.