Elena reached home with the awkwardness of the kiss still intact. Lucas didn't say anything as he didn't want her to feel even more awkward.
When she walked inside the Ashford mansion, the warm air of the living room wrapped around her, but it didn't give her much comfort. Evelyn and Reginald were both waiting. Evelyn stood near the couch with anxious eyes, while Reginald sat stiffly, his phone still in his hand.
As soon as Evelyn saw her daughter, she rushed forward. "Elena!" she cried, her face full of worry. "Are you alright? We've been calling you all evening!"
Elena took off her coat slowly, tiredness written all over her face. "I'm fine, Mom," she said quietly.
Reginald got up from the couch, his voice deep and calm but edged with concern. "Then why didn't you answer our calls?" he asked. "We've been worried sick. After everything that's happened, you just disappeared without saying a word."
