44

Elena's eyes, wide and glistening with unshed tears, were already fixed upon him, her expression a complex interplay of emotions — hurt, and a hint of resignation.

"It's okay," she managed to muster a semblance of a smile, though it faltered at the edges. "I need to find Damon," she added, her voice tinged with a note of urgency as she glanced around the room.

"Elena, wait..." Aaron reached out, his hand poised to grasp her arm, but before he could make contact, she had already begun to slip away, melting into the crowd.

A sense of helplessness washed over Aaron as he watched her recede into the distance, his heart heavy with the weight of unspoken apologies.

He was about to follow her, but someone stepped in front of him.

"What did you think of my speech?" Sabrina smiled broadly.

With a firm grip, Aaron's fingers closed around Sabrina's delicate arm, their pressure conveying a sense of urgency. He guided her forcefully away from the crowd, his steps determined and purposeful.