Chapter 12: The Dance
1073 Words
The ballroom felt louder when we walked back inside.
Music filled the air as couples began gathering near the center of the room, where a small orchestra started playing a slow melody. The elegant chandeliers reflected off the polished floor, making everything sparkle.
But the whispers hadn’t stopped.
I could still feel the curious glances.
People were watching us.
Watching Adrian Wolfe and his mysterious wife.
I leaned slightly closer to him as we walked.
“They’re staring again,” I muttered quietly.
Adrian didn’t look bothered.
“They always stare.”
“That doesn’t make it less uncomfortable.”
“You’ll get used to it.”
I sighed softly.
“I’m not sure I want to.”
Adrian didn’t respond. Instead, his attention shifted toward the dance floor.
Couples were already moving slowly to the music.
Then he turned toward me.
“Dance with me.”
I blinked.
“What?”
“Dance.”
My eyes widened.
“I don’t dance.”
“You walked the red carpet with reporters shouting at you,” he said calmly.
“Dancing is easier.”
“That’s debatable.”
Adrien held out his hand.
People nearby were already watching us.
Waiting.
Curious.
This was clearly part of the performance.
I hesitated for a moment before placing my hand in his.
“Fine,” I whispered.
“But if I step on your foot, that’s your fault.”
His lips curved slightly.
“I’ll take the risk.”
He led me forward onto the dance floor.
The moment we stepped onto it, the music seemed softer somehow.
More intimate.
Adrian placed one hand gently on my waist while holding my other hand.
My heart immediately started beating faster.
“You’re very close,” I murmured.
“That’s how dancing works.”
“Right.”
We began moving slowly, in time with the music.
At first, I focused entirely on not tripping.
But Adrian’s movements were smooth and confident, guiding me easily across the floor.
“You’re doing fine,” he said quietly.
“I feel like I’m about to fall.”
“You’re not.”
“I might.”
“You won’t.”
His calm voice was strangely reassuring.
After a few moments, I realize something.
“I’m actually dancing.”
“Yes.”
“And I haven’t stepped on your foot.”
“Not yet.”
I laughed softly.
For the first time upon arriving at the gala, I felt myself relaxing.
The music continued playing as we moved together across the floor.
Then Adrian spoke again.
“Victoria will cause trouble.”
My smile faded slightly.
“I figured.”
“She doesn’t like being replaced.”
“You weren’t married to her.”
“No.”
“But she expected to be.”
“That must be awkward.”
“It is.”
I hesitated before asking the question on my mind.
“Did you ever love her?”
Adrian’s gaze remained steady.
“No.”
The answer came so quickly that it surprised me.
“Then why date her?”
“She was…convenient.”
The word sounded strangely familiar.
“That’s exactly how you described me when we met,” I pointed out.
Adrian didn’t deny it.
“Yes.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“You’re very romantic.”
“That’s not part of the contract.”
I laughed softly.
“You’re right.”
For a moment, we continued dancing in comfortable silence.
Then Adrian suddenly spoke again.
“You were convincing tonight.”
“What do you mean?”
“With my grandfather.”
“Oh.”
“That story you told him.”
I smiled slightly.
“I had to think fast.”
“You did well.”
“Thank you.”
Adrian studied me quietly for a moment.
“My grandfather likes you.”
“That’s good, right?”
“Yes.”
His voice softened slightly.
“He hasn’t liked anyone I dated before.”
That surprised me.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Not even Victoria?”
“No.”
“Why?”
Adrian’s gaze shifted briefly across the ballroom.
“He said she didn’t look at me the right way.”
I frowned slightly.
“What does that mean?”
“He said she looked at me like an opportunity.”
My chest tightened slightly.
“And I don’t?” I asked before I could stop myself.
Adrian looked back at me, and our eyes met.
For a moment, the music and the crowd seemed to disappear.
“No.” He said quietly.
“You don’t.”
My heart skipped.
“Then how do I look at you?”
Adrian hesitated, then he said something that made my chest tighten.
“Like a person.”
The words felt strangely meaningful.
Before I could respond, the music slowly came to an end.
Applause filled the ballroom.
Adrian released my hand, though his gaze remained on me.
“You did well,” he said.
I smile.
“See? No broken toes.”
He almost laughed again.
Almost.
But before either of us could say anything else, a loud voice suddenly echoed through the ballroom.
“Ladies and gentlemen!”
The room gradually quieted.
A man stood near the stage holding a microphone.
“The Wolfe Foundation would like to thank everyone for attending tonight’s charity gala.”
Polite applause followed.
Adrian leaned slightly closer to me.
“Come on.”
“Where?”
“To greet the organizers.”
But before we could move, another voice spoke loudly from across the room.
“Actually, I think everyone would like to hear something first.”
My stomach dropped.
I recognized that voice instantly.
Victoria.
She stood near the stage, holding a glass of champagne.
Every guest in the room turned toward her.
Adrian’s expression turned dark.
“What is she doing?” I whispered.
Victoria smiled sweetly as she walked closer to the microphone.
“I just have a small question,” she said.
The room grew completely silent.
Then her eyes locked directly on Adrian.
“And his new wife.”
My chest tightened.
“Oh no,” I murmured.
Victoria’s smile widened.
“I think everyone here would love to know..”
She paused for dramatic effect.
“..how long this marriage would actually last.”
The entire ballroom felt silent.
And suddenly, I realized something.
Victoria wasn’t just spreading rumors anymore.
She was challenging us.
Publicly.
- Writer
