Aiden's heart raced as he locked eyes with Alex. The familiar surge of anxiety threatened to unravel the calm he had cultivated. Despite the vibrant energy of the exhibition, Alex's presence felt like a storm cloud looming over the event.
“Stay close,” Mira whispered, sensing his unease. She intertwined her fingers with his, grounding him in the moment.
As guests mingled, admiring the artwork, Aiden tried to focus on the positivity around him. But Alex’s smirk was a reminder of the darkness he had fought so hard to overcome.
“Having a good time?” Alex called out, his voice dripping with sarcasm. A few heads turned, and Aiden felt a flush of embarrassment as whispers spread through the crowd.
“Why are you here, Alex?” Aiden asked, trying to keep his voice steady. “This is a celebration
