Ellen moved through the crowd, her eyes scanning the sea of faces in search of Mason. Anxiety gnawed at her, a deep worry that she couldn't shake.
Where was he? And more importantly, what was he doing with her?
The thought made her stomach twist uncomfortably. Aubrey was a master at playing on their shared history. The last thing Ellen wanted was for Mason to fall for any of her tricks.
She sighed, quickening her pace as her gaze darted around the room. People were chatting, laughing, and clinking glasses, completely unaware of the mess inside her. Her chest felt tight, her steps becoming more hurried as she mentally pleaded, Please, Mason, don't let her get to you.
Just then, a voice called out, breaking Ellen from her frantic thoughts.
"Ellen!"
She stopped abruptly, turning to see Clara, smiling brightly as she approached. Ellen blinked, forcing a polite smile onto her face despite the storm raging in her mind. "Oh, Clara. Hi."