Elena's POV
The banquet had settled into its rhythm by the time I allowed myself to truly observe it.
Crystal glasses chimed softly. Laughter rose and fell in carefully measured waves. The celebrant had already stepped outside, and the moment I looked up, he was taking pictures with his children and family. Right beside Mr Langford stood Sophie and others. Though she seemed to be taking pictures, I could notice her eyes, unsettled, scanning the crowd. I knew exactly what she was looking for.
Me.
I didn't have time for that. I was searching for someone else.
Across the hall, I spotted Ayla.
She stood with the Aarons, her posture relaxed, her expression open, her presence unmistakable even from a distance. I didn't need to hear the conversation to know how it was going. The way Mrs Aaron leaned in. The way Mr Aaron watched his wife instead of the room. Ayla had done what she did best.
She had made them feel seen.
