We stayed with the group for some time, chatting and drinking.
The conversation flowed easily, light gossip about other guests, jokes about the dramatic scene with Fabian earlier, and playful teasing directed at me. Aria kept me close the entire time, her arm linked with mine, her body subtly pressed against me as we sipped our drinks.
The alcohol and the elegant atmosphere loosened everyone up, but I could feel the eyes of the room still occasionally drifting toward us, the rumors about the garden fight and Aria's very public breakup spreading like wildfire.
Eventually, Aria and I slipped away from the group and settled on a luxurious couch in a slightly quieter corner of the grand hall, away from the thickest part of the crowd.
I stretched my arm along the backrest of the couch, letting out a tired sigh as Aria leaned into me, resting her head comfortably on my shoulder.
