Aubrey was talking excitedly, her laughter ringing out clearly even amidst the music. She then watched as Aubrey lightly touched Mason’s arm, her gestures so familiar and intimate. Gerald’s presence beside her only amplified her discomfort. She could feel his eyes on her, gauging her reaction.
Aubrey’s smile was dazzling, her laughter infectious. She was undeniably beautiful, and seeing her so close to Mason stirred a mix of jealousy and unease in Ellen. But she quickly reminded herself to stay strong. She wouldn’t let Gerald’s manipulations get to her.
"Looks like they’re having a good time," Ellen said, her voice steady.
Gerald’s eyes gleamed with a hint of mischief. "They always do. But really, Ellen, you have nothing to worry about."
Ellen turned to face him, her emotions hidden. "Thanks for the reassurance, Gerald."
He smiled, but there was something insincere about it. "Of course. We’re all friends here."
"I think I’ll go say hi to Aubrey," Ellen said, her voice casual.
Gerald’s eyes widened slightly, caught off guard. "Eh, Ellen?"
But Ellen was already walking towards Mason and Aubrey. As she walked, she thought to herself, What kind of reaction does he expect? For her to run away in tears because her husband was talking with another woman, who happened to be his ex-girlfriend? Please. This was nothing.
She stopped in front of Aubrey, a smile playing on her lips. "Hi, Aubrey. We meet again."
Aubrey’s hand was resting on Mason’s arm, and at Ellen’s approach, she reluctantly let go. "Hi, Ellen," she responded, her smile tight. "Yeah, this makes it three times now?"
Gerald caught up to them, a puzzled look on his face. "Have you two met before?"
"Yes, at supermarket and mall," Aubrey replied, her voice steady.
"Yeah," Ellen said, her tone friendly but with an edge. "I regret we didn’t have time to talk. I hope we can become good friends."
Aubrey’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. "Of course, like me and Mason. I hope you don’t have a problem with me being close to him."
"Why would I have a problem?" Ellen’s voice was light, almost mocking. "I know you’re just a friend of my husband, nothing more. That’s all you are."
The words hung in the air, and Ellen watched as the reaction spread through the group. Aubrey’s hands clenched into fists, her knuckles white. Gerald looked uncomfortable, scratching his head awkwardly. Mason remained silent, and Ellen wondered what he was thinking.
Ellen kept up her innocent act, pretending not to notice the tension. She didn’t like how she had become this person, someone who used sarcasm and veiled insults to establish her position. But she wouldn’t put all the blame on herself. Aubrey and Gerald had driven her to this point with their manipulative behavior and constant meddling.
The awkward silence stretched on until Gerald cleared his throat. "I’m so thirsty. I think I’ll get a drink. What about you guys?" He turned to Aubrey, his voice a bit too eager. "I think they have your favorite drink. Come with me?"
Aubrey hesitated, her eyes flicking between Mason and Ellen, then nodded. "Sure."
Ellen watched them walk away, feeling a sense of victory. That’s what they deserve, she thought. Let them twist in discomfort.
She then noticed Mason looking at her, his gaze intense. "What?" she asked, her voice sharper than intended.
Mason continued to stare at her, and the way he was looking at her made Ellen feel exposed, as if he could see through the facade she had put up.
"Nothing," he finally said, his voice low.
Ellen couldn’t stand the intensity of his gaze any longer. Her heart was pounding, and she felt an uncomfortable mix of emotions. She needed to get away, to clear her head. "I need to go to the toilet," she said hurriedly, turning on her heel and walking away.
She made her way through the crowd, her mind racing. Why does he have to look at me like that? The look in Mason’s eyes had made her heart beat faster, a sensation she wasn’t sure she liked.
As she made her way through the crowded nightclub, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. She pushed open the door to the bathroom and walked over to the sink, splashing cold water on her face. She looked at her reflection in the mirror, taking deep breaths to calm herself.
She could feel the tension in her shoulders easing slightly, but her mind was still racing. She took one last look at herself, straightened her dress, and walked out of the bathroom.
Back in the main area of the nightclub, the music was still blasting, and the lights were flashing. The party was in full swing, with people dancing and chatting with excitement. Ellen made her way to the bar, weaving through the crowd. She ordered a drink and waited, feeling a bit out of place. When the bartender handed her the glass, she thanked him and walked towards a couch in the corner of the room.
The couch was slightly secluded, offering a small refuge from the chaos of the party. Ellen sat down, taking a sip of her drink. The cool liquid was refreshing, but it didn’t help her feel less lonely. She looked around, observing the guests. Everyone seemed to be having a great time, laughing and dancing without a care in the world. Ellen, however, felt bored and disconnected. She knew no one here, and the conversations around her were just background noise.
Her eyes wandered to the last place she had seen Mason. He was no longer there. Ellen felt a pang of annoyance and worry. He’s probably talking to some of his friends. Or maybe he’s gone back to Aubrey. The thought made her stomach churn. She just hoped Mason wouldn’t forget he came with her and wouldn’t go home alone or, worse, take Aubrey home.
Just then, a figure approached her. Ellen looked up to see Aubrey standing in front of her, a serious expression on her face. "Can I talk to you?"