Valeria’s partner extended a polite congratulations, his presence towering over the moment, adding an unspoken tension. Jason felt dwarfed, not by his physical stature but by the shadows of his own insecurities. Jason’s plan had failed spectacularly, and he felt exposed.
Emily’s eyes flickered between Jason and her ex, the weight of the unexpected encounter pressing down on her. Emily turned angrily towards Jason and whispered “Why would you invite HIM?” hurt flashing through her eyes.