22. Jealousy and Intrigue

"What is it, friend?" Sarah asked Ellen, noticing the seriousness in her friend's expression, which appeared to be a mix of anger and jealousy.

Ellen turned her face away from her friend, putting on a fake smile. "Nothing, friend. It's quite crowded here, isn't it? How about we take a stroll for a bit? We'll be back at the table shortly."

Sarah liked the idea, and they placed their bags on the chairs before continuing to walk among the tables. Ellen stole a few glances at the table where the twins were sitting, though neither of them seemed to notice her yet.

As they walked, Ellen held her friend's arm while they observed the couples chatting and dancing to a lively song in the background. Ellen found herself a few feet away from the twins' table and positioned herself so as not to accidentally bump into them. She sneaked a glance at Paul, who was focused on a brunette woman moving closer to him.

The woman leaned in, her actions suggesting a forthcoming kiss. Ellen knew Paul's tendencies; he couldn't resist such advances.

With a sharp gaze fixed on Paul, Ellen couldn't believe what she was seeing. Unintentionally, she pinched her friend's arm, causing Sarah to scream, drawing attention from nearby tables.

Startled, Ellen looked at her friend, who seemed irritated. "Ellen, why did you do that? It hurt, and I didn't do anything."

Ellen approached her friend, sounding apologetic. "I'm sorry, does it hurt? It was a reflex. I saw the twins nearby, and I got startled."

Sarah rolled her eyes while rubbing her arm to alleviate the pain. "Apology accepted, but be more careful."

Ellen explained, "I'm sorry, it's just that the twins were right there, and I reacted without thinking."

Petro, Paul, and Phill turned their attention to the commotion caused by Sarah's scream. They noticed Ellen nearby. Her appearance had changed, her hair styled with curls, and she looked stunning. Ellen's big brown eyes, emphasized by her side-swept hair, held Paul's attention.

Paul, captivated by Ellen's appearance, couldn't take his eyes off her. Petro now understood why both of his brothers were drawn to Ellen; she had an undeniable radiance. Petro commented, "Your neighbor looks impressive... Wow."

Paul and Phill exchanged glances. Phill spoke up, "Indeed, she is. I'm going over there."

Paul, feeling irritated, retorted, "No, you won't. Why would you go over there?"

Undeterred, Phill responded, "Isn't it obvious? I want to ask her to dance."

Paul scoffed, moving closer to the table. "You don't have to do that. I'll approach her myself."

Petro intervened, urging them not to fight over a girl. He believed in letting Ellen make her own choice.

As they observed Ellen chatting with her friend, the brunette woman next to Paul realized the twins' interest in Ellen and felt left out.

Ellen declined Sarah's suggestion to approach the twins' table. "Better not, friend. Let's dance a bit and return to our table."

Sarah persisted, "Come on, please."

Ellen reluctantly agreed. "Alright, let's go, but just for a little while."

Excited, Sarah led Ellen to the twins' table, where introductions were exchanged. As Ellen met Paul's gaze, she felt a mixture of emotions. However, she maintained a smile, engaged in the conversation.

As they introduced themselves, Paul's gaze caught Ellen's, and he felt a pang of regret.