I looked for Elena, but she was nowhere to be found. The ballroom, once vibrant with the twirl of dancers, felt empty and foreboding as I scanned the crowd. Panic tightened its grip on me, and I abruptly stopped dancing, my mind racing to understand what had transpired.
"Elena!" I shouted, my voice cutting through the music like a desperate plea. The name echoed in the cavernous space, but there was no response. A sinking feeling settled in the pit of my stomach.
I had a peek around, lowering the volume of the music in my mind as I scanned the room.
"What's the problem, Mr. Derek?" Nikita, a friend from the social circle, approached me with a concerned expression. I turned to her, my frustration evident.
"Where has Elena gone?" I demanded, my voice laced with urgency.
Nikita hesitated before responding, "Perhaps elsewhere, with someone." Her words hung in the air, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.
