Gerald and Aubrey were approaching, both dressed perfectly, as if they were stepping out of a high-end fashion magazine. Gerald was in a classic black tuxedo, tailored to perfection to complement his tall, broad frame. Aubrey, on the other hand, was stunning in a floor-length light pink gown that hugged her slender figure in all the right places.
Ellen’s gaze lingered on the pair for a moment as there was something about their presence that made Ellen feel slightly uneasy. Maybe it was the way Aubrey’s eyes seemed to immediately seek out Mason, or how Gerald’s smile, though polite, never quite reached his eyes.
As they approached, Gerald’s parents immediately moved forward, their faces lighting up even more at the sight of Aubrey. Clara was the first to pull Aubrey into a warm hug, her arms wrapping around her tightly. Richard, not one to be left out, stepped forward and pulled Aubrey into a quick embrace as well after his wife.
Aubrey then turned to greet them Mason and Ellen. Her eyes briefly flickered to Ellen, but there was no mistaking where her attention truly lay—on Mason. Her smile was wide, and her voice was cheerful as she spoke. "I’m so happy to see you both here," she said, though Ellen couldn’t help but notice how Aubrey’s gaze lingered on Mason for just a moment too long.
Ellen returned the smile, though internally she couldn’t shake the feeling that Aubrey’s words were only half true. Happy to see both of us? Ellen thought to herself with mild skepticism. More like she’s only happy to see Mason.
But Ellen wasn’t one to let her thoughts show, especially not in a setting like this. She kept her expression light and friendly as she replied, "We’re glad to be here too. It’s a beautiful event." Her voice was smooth, but in the back of her mind, she couldn’t help but feel a little tension.
Then, turning her attention to Gerald, Ellen added, "Good to see you again, Gerald." She made sure her tone was just as friendly as when she spoke to Aubrey, though she couldn’t help but notice how Gerald’s smile faltered slightly. His lips curled upward, but it was faint, not quite reaching his eyes—a smile that seemed more like a formality than anything genuine.
"Good to see you too, Ellen," Gerald replied, his voice polite but lacking any real warmth. His eyes quickly darted to Mason before returning to the small group that was forming around them.
Aubrey’s delicate laughter filled the air as she turned her attention to Gerald’s parents. Her smile was wide and elegant as she spoke. "Congratulations on your anniversary," she said, her voice sweet and melodic. "Thirty years is an incredible milestone. You both are an inspiration."
Clara beamed at Aubrey’s words, her eyes sparkling as she exchanged a quick glance with her husband. "Thank you, dear," Clara replied warmly. "We’re lucky to have each other."
Richard nodded in agreement, his deep voice echoing his wife’s sentiment. "Yes, we’ve had a good run, haven’t we?" He chuckled, placing a hand gently on Clara’s shoulder.
Ellen, who had been standing quietly beside Mason, took this opportunity to step in. "Congratulations from us as well," she began, flashing a smile at Gerald’s parents before her tone shifted slightly, becoming more playful but with a hint of mischief. "Hopefully, by the time you celebrate your 31st anniversary, you’ll have a daughter-in-law to join the family celebrations."
The moment those words left her lips, Clara let out a surprised but delighted laugh. "Oh, Ellen, we certainly hope so!" she said, her eyes flickering over to Gerald with a playful glint. "It would be wonderful to add a new member to the family."
Richard joined in on the laughter, his hearty laugh filling the space. "We’ve been hoping for that day, too," he added, playfully nudging his son.
As laughter and congratulations passed around the group, Ellen couldn’t help but glance at Gerald. His smile, which had been polite before, now visibly strained. His lips pressed together as he tried to maintain the appearance of calm, but Ellen could see the faint tension in his jaw, the way his eyes flickered ever so slightly in irritation. He clearly didn’t like the implication behind her words.
But Ellen wasn’t finished. Seeing the discomfort flash across Gerald’s face only fueled her even more. Still holding onto Mason’s arm, she shifted her position so that she stood a little closer to him. Her hand gently tightened around his arm as she turned her attention back to Gerald’s parents, her smile widening as she spoke.
"And I hope that Mason and I will be lucky enough to celebrate as many anniversaries together as you have," she said, her voice sweet but layered with pointed meaning. "With nothing or no one"—her gaze briefly slid to Gerald and Aubrey, lingering on them for just a moment longer than necessary—"to break us apart."
As she finished her sentence, Ellen leaned slightly into Mason, giving his arm a small, affectionate squeeze before glancing up at him with what appeared to be the brightest smile she could muster.
Clara and Richard exchanged a quick glance, their expressions softening as they looked at Ellen and Mason.
She smiled to herself, pleased that her comment had the effect she wanted. "We wish the same for the two of you. There’s nothing better than finding someone to share your life with."
"Absolutely," Richard agreed, his smile kind as he looked at Mason. "You two make a great couple."
Ellen’s smile remained fixed in place as she basked in their approval, but her gaze quickly darted to Gerald and Aubrey. Aubrey’s normally calm and graceful face showed a hint of unease, her lips curving into a strained smile as she shifted awkwardly from one foot to the other. Gerald, on the other hand, had clearly stiffened up.
Sensing the tension, Ellen didn’t miss a beat. "You both wish the same for Mason and me too, right?" she asked, her tone innocent but clearly challenging. Her eyes flickered between the two, watching their reactions closely.
Gerald hesitated for a moment before forcing a smile, "Of course," he replied.
Aubrey, visibly uncomfortable, nodded quickly, her smile just as strained as Gerald’s. "Yes, absolutely," she added, though her words didn’t really sound sincere.
What a liar...