Chapter 29 ( a brother or a son)

Raymond's POV

Moments after Elena disappeared into the bathroom, she resurfaced with an unusual smile tugging beside her lips.

As we danced, I caught the shift in her expression. Her gaze was fixated on the floor, lost in thought. I didn't bother her with questions, certain that if she felt the need to share her worries, she would do it effortlessly.

I let the musical notes carry us, our bodies moving in the wordless symphony, hoping the music would trigger a little fragment of joy in her.

I watched her slip away from me and mix with the crowd even when I was against her leaving.

“Nice performance with Elena, ” a voice said behind me, startling me from my thoughts.

With a half cup of whiskey in my palm, I swiveled to find Ralph, wearing a smile on my face.

“You stole the show,” he laughed, hitting me on the shoulder in a joking manner.

His gaze darted around the corners in search of what I was oblivious to.

“Where is she?” he said

“Who?” I asked, placing my lips on the cup and gulp