Gemotions

The champagne flute wobbled precariously in Elias's hand. He hadn't expected *her* to be here. He'd been looking forward to the open bar. Now, his carefully constructed facade of casual enjoyment threatened to crumble. He swallowed, the bubbly liquid suddenly feeling like acid. He hadn't seen Chloe in almost two years.

He saw her laughing, her head thrown back, a cascade of golden hair catching the sunlight streaming through the arched windows. She looked... happy. And she was talking to Liam, one of his oldest friends. A wave of heat washed over him, followed by an icy prickle down his spine. He wanted to melt into the floral wallpaper.

"Elias! Hey, good to see you!" Liam clapped him on the shoulder, oblivious. Chloe turned, her smile faltering slightly. Their eyes met. He managed a weak smile, lifting his glass in a silent, shaky toast. The air seemed to thin, making it harder to breathe.