Chapter 17
2151 Words
Chapter 17
Challenge
Third-Person POV:
Kate glided toward the center of the hall with practiced elegance, her lips curved into a flawless smile that never quite reached her eyes. Before anyone could stop her, she turned toward Alex’s parents and inclined her head gracefully.
“Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. King,” she said sweetly. “Your love is truly inspiring.”
Xavier King smiled politely. “Thank you, Kate. Where are your parents tonight?”
“They couldn’t attend,” Kate replied smoothly. “They’ll make it up to you once they return.”
Claire King nodded warmly. “That’s perfectly fine, dear. We’ll meet them another time.”
Kate excused herself and moved away, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. But beneath her calm exterior, her thoughts burned with jealousy.
Tonight was supposed to be her night.
She had watched Alex walk in with Ananya—watched the way his hand rested possessively at Ana’s waist, the way his gaze softened whenever he looked at her. Kate clenched her fingers tightly.
"Ananya Khanna doesn’t belong here," she thought bitterly. "She needs to learn her place."
Kate had made her decision.
She would humiliate Ananya in front of everyone. She would make Alex see the difference between them. And by the end of the night, she would make him regret choosing Ana over her.
Moments later, Kate ascended the small stage where soft music played in the background. She took the microphone, her voice carrying effortlessly through the hall.
“Good evening, everyone,” she said brightly. “I hope you’re enjoying this beautiful celebration.”
A murmur of approval rippled through the crowd.
“To make Mr. and Mrs. King’s anniversary even more memorable,” Kate continued, “I’d like to organize a small competition—something fun for all of us.”
Claire and Xavier exchanged surprised glances, but Kate didn’t pause.
“A dance competition,” she announced. “All couples present tonight are welcome to participate. The music will begin shortly, and the last couple dancing will be declared the winner.”
Excitement buzzed through the room.
“And of course,” Kate added with a smile, “the winners will receive a special gift from Mr. and Mrs. King themselves. The prize will be revealed at the end.”
Applause erupted.
Many guests were thrilled. Some of the younger couples eagerly moved toward the dance floor, while older couples settled back, happy to watch the spectacle. Everyone knew Kate was an accomplished dancer—graceful, confident, trained. Most assumed she would win easily.
But that was exactly her plan.
---
Alex and his friends gathered near their table, unease written across their faces.
“What is this?” Fiona muttered irritably. “We’ve never had competitions at your parents’ anniversaries.”
Jen frowned. “And why now? Everyone knows Kate is a professional dancer.”
Nick leaned forward, his expression serious. “She’s planning something.”
David looked at him. “Why do you think that?”
Nick opened his mouth to reply—but stopped abruptly.
Kate was walking toward them.
The group fell silent as she reached their table, her gaze sweeping over them with thinly veiled amusement.
“You’re not participating?” she asked casually.
Fin straightened. “Who said that? Zack and I are participating. Jen and David too.”
Kate tilted her head. “What about Nick and Alex?”
Zack replied, “Nick’s girlfriend isn’t here. He just wants to enjoy the show.”
“And Alex doesn’t usually involve himself in these kinds of events,” Zack added carefully.
Kate smiled—but there was a sharp edge beneath it.
“I thought Alex never backs away from a challenge,” she said, her eyes sliding deliberately to Ananya. “But I hear Ana doesn’t know how to dance. Is that why you’re skipping the competition, Alex?”
The insult was subtle—but unmistakable.
Everyone stiffened.
Alex’s jaw tightened. “Kate, you know I don’t enjoy these activities. Don’t involve Ananya.”
Kate laughed softly. “I also know you never lose. But tonight, you chose her over me—and because of that, you’re choosing to lose.”
She stepped closer, lowering her voice just enough to sting.
“If you had chosen me,” she continued, “you’d win easily.”
The air turned tense.
Then Kate delivered her final blow.
“There’s still time, Alex,” she said smoothly. “Change your date. Dance with me. We’ll win. What do you say?”
Ananya froze.
Her hands curled into fists at her sides.
*Who does she think she is?* Ana thought fiercely. "Deciding my worth like I’m nothing?"
She lifted her chin and spoke, her voice calm but sharp.
“If you want to dance with Alex, Kate,” Ana said evenly, “ask him directly. Why drag me into your insecurity?”
Kate’s smile faltered—but she recovered quickly.
“I didn’t mean to hurt you, Miss Khanna,” she replied mockingly. “I’m only stating facts. Alex deserves a suitable companion. You’re his employee—someone who works for money. How can you stand beside him?”
Ana’s eyes darkened.
If this weren’t a public event—if this weren’t Alex’s parents’ anniversary—Kate would already regret those words.
Ana stood slowly.
“If you want to perform, go ahead,” she said with dignity. “I’m not interested. I’ll take my leave.”
She turned toward her friends. “Good night.”
Kate’s lips curved in triumph as Ana stepped away.
"She’s leaving,"Kate thought smugly. "Just like I planned."
But Alex had reached his limit.
“Jen,” Kate said sweetly, “let her go. She needs to understand her status.”
Kate turned to Alex eagerly. “See? She’s leaving. You can choose me now. Together, we can—”
Before she could finish, Alex stood.
He crossed the space between himself and Ananya in long strides, his expression controlled—but his eyes burned.
He placed his hand firmly around Ana’s waist and pulled her back to his side.
“I’m grateful,” Alex said coolly, his gaze locked on Kate, “that you reminded me of something important.”
Kate’s smile faltered.
“I never lose,” Alex continued. “And I never make wrong decisions.”
He turned slightly toward Ananya, his grip protective.
“I won’t participate with you, Kate.”
Her face flushed crimson.
“I’ll dance with Ana,” Alex said clearly, his voice carrying through the hall, “and prove that **Alexander Black King never chooses wrong—about anything**.”
The room erupted into whispers.
Ananya stared up at him, stunned—her heart racing.
And for the first time that night, Kate realized she had already lost.
The grand ballroom shimmered under crystal chandeliers, but the tension surrounding Alex and Ana was far brighter than the lights above.
Kate stormed away from the table, her heels striking the marble floor sharply.
“Alex, once again you’re making the wrong choice,” she said over her shoulder, her voice dripping with fury. “You’re challenging *me*. I’ll prove that I’m the right person for you.”
She disappeared into the crowd, anger written in every step.
Nick exhaled slowly. “I told you she was planning something. Now you’ve seen it.”
Fin clenched her jaw. “That woman is unbelievable. Alex, I don’t know what you’re going to do, but I want her to lose her face tonight.”
“Yes,” Jen agreed firmly. “She deserves it.”
Zack, calm as always, nodded. “Don’t worry. We all know Alex—he never loses.”
Ana stood frozen in place, her heart pounding.
“Hey… what are you all doing?” she asked nervously. “I don’t even know how to dance. I should leave—”
Before she could finish, Alex gently raised his finger and placed it against her lips.
The touch sent an unexpected shiver through her spine.
“We’re participating,” he said quietly but firmly. “I never give up.”
Ana looked up at him, startled by the intensity in his eyes.
“Ana, please,” Fin added softly. “We need to show her that you are far more suitable than she’ll ever be.”
“You can trust Alex,” Zack said with confidence.
Nick clapped his hands once. “Enough discussion. Everyone on the dance floor. Let’s go.”
Ana was still confused as she was guided forward. She had never participated in any competition like this before—especially not a couple’s dance. The idea alone made her palms sweat.
“Alex, choose someone else,” she whispered desperately as they walked. “I’m not suitable for this.”
But Alex didn’t slow down. Instead, he pulled her closer, their bodies nearly touching.
“Trust me,” he murmured.
The warmth of his presence calmed her more than his words ever could.
Across the hall, Kate stood rigid, her nails digging into her palms.
“So he rejected me again,” she thought bitterly. “Fine. Let’s see how he wins with a girl who doesn’t even know how to dance.”
Her lips curved into a cruel smile.
On the other hand, Alex’s thoughts burned with quiet fury.
"She crossed the line. I warned her once. No one is allowed to hurt the people who stand beside me."
The word my echoed unexpectedly in his mind.
"My people… my girl."
He frowned slightly, pushing the thought aside as he stepped onto the dance floor.
The audience buzzed with shock and excitement.
“The arrogant Alexander Black King… dancing?” someone whispered.
“I’ve never seen him dance at any event,” another murmured.
“Kate is a professional dancer. Alex doesn’t dance. This must be his first loss.”
But Mr. and Mrs. King watched with amusement, not concern. For them, this alone was already a victory—they had never seen their son participate so willingly in something like this.
The music began—slow, soft, romantic.
Ana’s heartbeat echoed in her ears as Alex placed one hand on her back. Hesitantly, she rested her hand on his shoulder. Their free hands met, fingers intertwining.
They began to move.
At first, Ana was stiff, unsure, counting her steps in her mind. But Alex guided her effortlessly, his movements confident and controlled. Slowly, her body began to respond, matching his rhythm.
The hall seemed to fade away.
As the tempo increased, couples began to leave the floor one by one, unable to keep up. Alex spun Ana gently, then faster, his grip firm but protective. He pulled her back against him, then released her again, every move perfectly in sync with the music.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Kate watched closely, her eyes narrowing. "I won’t lose to her.
As they danced closer, Kate extended her leg subtly, aiming to trip Ana.
But Alex noticed.
In one smooth motion, he pulled Ana toward him and lifted her effortlessly by the waist. Kate lost her balance and fell hard onto the floor, the humiliation clear on her face.
Alex never stopped dancing.
The final beat echoed through the hall as Alex pulled Ana against his chest. Their eyes locked, breaths uneven.
Silence.
Then thunderous applause.
Ana blinked, startled back to reality. The hall erupted with cheers.
Mr. and Mrs. King approached them, smiling proudly.
Claire took the microphone.
“Kate,” she said calmly, “thank you for the most memorable gift you’ve given us tonight.”
Kate stared at her, stunned. "What?"
Claire smiled knowingly. “I never imagined my arrogant son would dance. Because of you, I got to witness that.”
She handed the microphone to Xavier, who opened a velvet box.
“These rings,” Claire continued, “were a gift from my husband to me this year. But today, I want to present them to the winners.”
Alex opened the box, surprised.
“Aunt Claire,” Ana said immediately, shaking her head. “This is too precious. It belongs to you.”
“Yes, Mom,” Alex added. “We can’t accept this.”
Ana handed the box back to them gently.
“Please… you should exchange them.”
Claire laughed softly and pushed the box back into their hands.
“No. Tonight, these rings belong to you both.”
Before Ana could protest again, the crowd cheered.
Left with no choice, Alex slid one ring onto Ana’s finger. Her breath caught as she placed the other onto his.
The rings fit perfectly.
Kate watched from a distance, her humiliation complete.
And Ana stood there, stunned—wearing a ring beside the most powerful man in the room—realizing that tonight had changed far more than just the party.
- Writer
