The applause after the announcement of Helena and Aidan's engagement ended, and they both stepped down from the podium, with their practiced smiles.
She stared at the man beside her for the umpteenth time and she knew immediately that it was Jayden, not Aidan.
"Jayden," she whispered and he leaned closer to her.
His breath was warm against her neck region as he whispered in her ear. "Meet me in my room."
Then he stepped away into the shadowed corridor.
Helena's heart slammed against her ribcage, at the effect of seeing Jayden again, after two years. She wanted to follow immediately, but she didn't make it past her second step when two familiar figures intercepted her.
Maya, her best friend and her mother appeared in front of her.
Her mother's hand hooked firmly around her arm, and on the other side, Maya's excited grip closed on her wrist.
"I am so proud of you, Helena." Her mother leaned in and pecked her forehead.
