Gemotions

The first thing that hit him was the perfume. It was the same one she used to wear, floral and cloying, and it brought a wave of nausea to James's throat. He spotted her standing near the cake, a vision in emerald green, laughing with a group of women. He found himself inexplicably clenching his jaw.

He tried to focus on the conversation he was having, but every word felt forced, every smile strained. He kept glancing at her, each time feeling a fresh wave of irritation.

Later, as they were cutting the cake, he found himself close to her. She looked at him for a moment with a look that did not match the festivities of the party. He swiftly turned away, grabbing another glass of wine, and drowning the taste of the bitterness in the alcohol.