Elaine's POV
The party thins out slowly, like people don't want to be the first to leave in case they miss something.
I'm ready to go an hour before anyone notices.
Zane barely leaves my side, which feels intentional. Like he's doing it just to get under my skin. Every time someone congratulates us, he nods like this is already done and sealed, like I'm paperwork he's finished signing.
I hate that it works.
My jaw hurts from clenching.
Just when I think we might slip out quietly, my grandfather's voice cuts through the noise.
"Elaine. Zane. Walk with me."
We follow him through a side door and into a smaller sitting room off the hall. It's quieter here. Too quiet. The door shuts behind us with a soft click that feels loud in my chest.
My grandfather doesn't sit, neither does Zane so I don't too even though my feet's are fucking kill me in these heels I choose.
My grandfather folds his hands behind his back. "Tonight went well."
"That depends on who you ask," I say.
