Chapter 238
At that thoment, a soft violin melody began to drift through the air Coincidentally, it was one of Anathea’s favorites.
A flicker of emotion stirred in Anathea’s eyes.
Years ago, she’d spent hours practicing the waltz to this very tune dreaming that one day she’d dance to it with Gregory. She’d hoped that he might fall for her when he saw her moving with grace and elegance.
And yet, by the time she’d gone from a hopeless beginner to someone who could glide confidently across the center of the floor, she realized she’d never gotten the chance to dance with Gregory
Back then, Gregory wouldn’t dance with Anathea. And even now, he wouldn’t dance with Mrs. Sinclair either.
Out of the corner of her eye, Anathea caught a glimpse of Gregory dancing with Natalie. She looked down, hiding her expression.
She’d thought all the effort she put into learning to dance had been for nothing. But then Theo had shown up, speaking in his usual exaggerated manner and inviting her to dance. His reasoning had been flimsy and laughable, but she’d felt strangely warmed by it.
“Ouch.”
A sharp pain interrupted her thoughts. Theo had just stepped on her foot.
“Sorry! I’m so sorry,” he blurted. “I haven’t danced in forever. I’m kind of rusty.”
“It’s fine.” Anathea adjusted her steps slightly to accommodate him.
Theo moved with extreme caution. His body was tense and hunched over, as he was terrified of stepping on Anathea again. But he was completely unaware that his posture made him look more like a sneaky thief than a dance partner.
Anathea pressed her lips together to keep from laughing.
A second later, Theo predictably stepped on her again, and she accidentally stomped on his foot as well.
They both froze and looked at each other.
Two seconds later, they burst out laughing.
“Sorry,” they said in unison before turning their heads away in embarrassed chuckles.
Whatever awkwardness had lingered between them melted away in that moment.
“Let’s switch up the steps,” Anathea suggested.
“Good idea.” Theo nodded quickly.
The music shifted to something more upbeat and playful. As they adjusted, their coordination gradually improved. Soon, they were moving in sync.
When Theo spun Anathea in a wide circle, her white dress flared around her like a blooming white rose. Her hair moved gracefully with each movement.
Their dance drew the attention of the crowd. Even other guests on the floor began to slow down and turned to watch them. The spotlight might have been on Gregory and Natalie, but it was Anathea who truly shone.
Anathea was lost in the music, savoring the fleeting sense of ease and joy. This moment wasn’t for anyone else but herself. As the music reached its final notes, Theo dipped her slightly in the final pose, and the room erupted in applause.
Theo looked at Anathea. His pupils reflected her face and the light that sparkled in her eyes.
She was stunning.
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Chapter 238
425 BONUS
His throat bobbed as he swallowed.
But Anathea quickly pulled her hand from his.
A flicker of disappointment crossed Theo’s face as she stepped back
Just then, a waiter carrying drinks brushed past Anathea and bumped into her shoulder.
“Watch out!” Theo reacted instantly, grabbing her wrist.
She stumbled slightly and fell forward into his arms. The scent of neroli lingered at her nose was something uniquely special.
Anathea froze for a moment.
“Anathea!”
The sharp voice cut through the moment like a blade.
She turned around and met Gregory’s furious gaze.
