The Dance
1375 Words
Everyone looked sharp.
Refined.
Elegant.
Elena stood among them.
She looked stunning.
But despite the glamour around her, she felt completely out of place.
It had been three years since she left the country.
Three years since she had seen familiar faces.
Now, she stood there like a stranger.
Alone.
The only person she truly hoped to see was her childhood friend, Rose—but she hadn’t arrived yet.
So Elena lingered quietly, watching as others laughed, mingled, and exchanged pleasantries.
The party had fully begun.
And she had no one.
Then suddenly—
A group approached her.
Three girls.
Vanessa. Bianca. And Tiana.
Vanessa walked in front, leading the group with confidence.
She was the head honcho—the leader.
Elena’s old college rival.
Their eyes met.
Vanessa’s lips curled into a slow, knowing smile.
Her parents were wealthy—very wealthy.
But not as wealthy as the Hart family.
And that had always been the problem.
Vanessa envied Elena.
Hated her.
Because she wanted her life.
So badly.
Vanessa approached with an evil smirk stretched across her face, her entourage close behind her.
Bianca and Tiana followed like shadows, their expressions already filled with amusement.
“Well, well… look who’s back in town,” Vanessa said mockingly, folding her arms. “I guess you heard Jonathan might just be inheriting the company.”
She tilted her head slightly, her smile sharpening.
“I guess the bastard son of the family is still better than you.”
Bianca and Tiana chuckled softly behind her.
Elena stood still.
Silent.
But inside, anger burned.
Her father’s voice echoed in her mind from earlier that evening.
I know you have history with the Russos. And they’ll be here, so I want to ask you not to make a scene.
Elena inhaled slowly, trying to steady herself.
Without responding, she attempted to walk past them.
But Vanessa stepped forward again, blocking her path.
“Didn’t you miss me?” Vanessa continued, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
She leaned closer.
“Oh, I’m sure you’ve heard—I’m now the director in our company. Unlike someone who is just a branch manager.”
Bianca and Tiana burst into laughter again.
Elena clenched her fists slightly.
“I really can’t do this with you today,” she said quietly. “Please.”
“Oh, she’s trying to be mature now?” Bianca mocked.
“Awwn, so cute,” Tiana added.
“Tell her about your boyfriend, Vee,” Bianca said with a grin.
Elena’s brows furrowed in confusion.
Vanessa turned sharply toward Bianca, shooting her a warning look.
Bianca immediately went quiet.
Vanessa turned back to Elena.
“I just want to let you know—”
She stopped mid-sentence.
Her eyes shifted.
Something—or someone—had caught her attention.
Standing just behind Elena… was Luca.
Dressed in the outfit provided by the Sunshine Bar manager, Luca looked different.
Sharp.
Clean.
Unexpectedly handsome.
He had come only to manage the catering team—but his presence made him look like he belonged among the elite guests.
Elena noticed Vanessa’s sudden distraction.
Curious, she turned.
And then she saw him.
For a brief second, her gaze lingered.
He was handsome—yes.
But that alone wouldn’t have caught her attention.
What caught her attention…
Was Vanessa’s interest in him.
A thought crossed Elena’s mind.
I am no longer a child to be playing these petty games with her… I have to rise above this.
She turned, ready to leave.
But Vanessa’s voice struck again.
“How’s your mom?” she asked coldly.
“She really didn’t like you being lonely… but look at you now.”
Her lips curved into a cruel smile.
“Alone. And single as a Pringle.”
Elena froze.
Something inside her snapped.
Slowly, she turned back.
Her eyes burned with anger.
Vanessa and her crew instinctively took a small step back.
Elena stepped forward, closing the distance between them until she stood face-to-face with Vanessa.
The tension was thick.
Heavy.
Then—
Elena’s eyes shifted.
She spotted her father across the hall, watching her.
Waiting.
Judging.
Her jaw tightened.
“You know what…” she muttered under her breath.
“f**k it.”
Without another word, she turned away from Vanessa—
—and walked straight toward Luca.
Before he could react, she grabbed his hand.
“Come with me.”
Luca blinked, confusion written all over his face.
But before he could say anything, Elena pulled him along, leading him straight into the dance hall.
Like a man walking into a dream—or a trap—he followed.
The music swelled around them.
Elena stopped and turned to him.
Without hesitation, she placed his hand around her waist.
Then she rested her hands on his shoulders.
And just like that…
They began to dance.
Across the room, Vanessa, Bianca, and Tiana stood frozen in shock.
“Don’t tell me that hot guy is her man?” Bianca whispered loudly.
“I am really shocked right now,” Tiana added.
“I can’t get over how handsome he is,” Bianca continued.
“Can you two just shut up?” Vanessa snapped angrily.
Her eyes never left Luca.
That can’t be right… she can’t have someone as handsome as he is, Vanessa thought bitterly.
Meanwhile, on the dance floor—
“Hey, ma’am…” Luca whispered nervously. “I don’t really know what’s going on here, but I am not who you think I am.”
“Oh really?” Elena replied calmly.
“Yes, ma’am,” he continued. “I am just a caterer—no… actually, I’m the one managing the caterers.”
He swallowed.
“So I’m not supposed to be on the dance floor. You get what I mean?”
Elena didn’t even hesitate.
“Well, this party is for my family’s company anniversary,” she said. “So you do what I tell you to do. Okay?”
Luca shook his head slightly.
“That’s not how it works, ma’am. I’m paid to serve, not dance. I could get fired if I’m seen dancing with you.”
“Then I’ll pay you,” Elena replied quickly. “So just shut up and go along with it.”
Luca hesitated.
“No, ma’am… please let go. I have to get back to work.”
Then—
“Please.”
Her voice changed.
Soft.
Almost pleading.
Elena glanced back toward Vanessa.
Luca followed her gaze.
And in that moment… everything clicked.
He understood.
Slowly, he relaxed.
“…Alright,” he muttered.
He played along.
Moments later, the music came to an end.
Guests began leaving the dance floor.
Elena didn’t let go of Luca’s hand.
Instead, she led him straight toward Vanessa, Bianca, and Tiana—who were still watching.
“Oh… you’re still here?” Elena said calmly. “I guess it’s a spectacle watching people dance from that angle.”
Vanessa stood still, her attention completely fixed on Luca.
“Hello,” she said, stepping forward slightly. “I’m Vanessa Russo.”
She extended her hand.
“And you are?”
Luca was about to respond—
“Oh, I am—”
But Elena quickly brought his hand down.
“You don’t need to do that, dear,” she said sweetly.
The tone in her voice was calm.
Possessive.
Vanessa’s expression darkened instantly.
The anger was written all over her face.
Luca noticed the tension rising and decided it was best to step away.
“If you’ll excuse me,” he said politely, “I’d love to use the men’s room.”
“Okay, dear,” Elena replied smoothly.
But as Luca turned to leave, Elena decided to push things further.
She leaned in—
Going for a simple peck on his cheek.
But at that exact moment—
Luca turned.
Their timing collided.
Instead of a peck—
Their lips met.
Both of them froze.
Eyes widened.
Surprised.
Caught in the moment.
For a split second, the world around them disappeared.
Then Elena made a decision.
She wasn’t about to let Vanessa see weakness.
So instead of pulling away—
She leaned in.
Closed her eyes.
And kissed him.
For real.
Passionately.
Like it meant everything.
- Writer
