I could have rested the whole day in my bed.
Instead somehow he was arguing over cereal and grocery carts like an old married couple with Elena Vaughn.
The realization felt deeply unsettling.
Alaric rubbed his forehead briefly before slowly pushing both carts toward the ramen aisle to follow Elena.
Then… few voices reached him from the other side of the shelves.
Female voices.
"Isn't she Elena Vaughn?"
Another woman gasped softly. "Wait… yes, that's definitely her."
Alaric's steps slowed unconsciously.
"She's here with Alaric Hale! So the rumors are actually true…"
"Obviously they're dating," the other whispered excitedly. "Didn't you see the Instagram post? She literally uploaded a picture of him sleeping."
"Oh my God, yes. They definitely hard launched the relationship."
Alaric closed his eyes briefly in regret.
Hard-launched? What kind of horrifying phrase was that?
Meanwhile the conversation continued.
