Sting of Humiliation

Alden fidgeted nervously as if he was a lady about to have her first date. With hesitant steps, he went to stand next to Valerie.

He twisted his hands together, then stretched out a hand toward Elena. "Um... Hello..."

Elena gazed at him, quiet and indifferent. She was naturally a warm and gentle person, but at that moment, she seemed cold and unapproachable.

All of a sudden, Alden felt as if his t