Eli’s head jerked up, his bleary eyes landed on Serena, a flicker of recognition sparked through the alcohol-induced haze. He blinked hard, his expression shifting from confusion to something more desperate.
“Serena?” His voice was rough, strained, as if it pained him to speak. He stumbled off from Arietta’s grip, nearly falling in the process. “Serena, wait.”
Serena took a step back, her heart pounding as he lurched toward her, his hands reaching out. His face, flushed from drinking, was filled with worry, desperation etched into every line of his features. He looked nothing like the man she had fallen for, and yet, here he was. Part of her wanted to run, but another part of her was glued to the spot, too overwhelmed to move.
“Serena, please…” Eli’s voice cracked as he reached her, his
