Gemotions

The champagne flute felt heavy in Amelia's hand, almost like a burden. She watched Liam across the room, his head bent in laughter with Sarah, their mutual friend, and Sarah’s radiant smile. It was a practiced joy, she knew, the kind you displayed at a wedding. Her own smile felt brittle, strained.

Suddenly, Liam looked up. Their eyes met, and he gave a small, polite nod, a flicker of something unreadable passing over his face. Amelia found herself automatically straightening her back, smoothing down the non-existent wrinkles in her dress. Her stomach did a tight little flip.

She excused herself from the conversation she was engaged in, murmuring something about needing fresh air. Outside, the night was cool and inviting, but Amelia still felt a familiar heat creeping up her neck. She inhaled deeply, trying to calm the hammering in her chest.