Chapter 9
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“Such a beautiful lady. May I have the pleasure of inviting you to dance this evening?” A man extended his hand to Emily, bowing slightly. He was impeccably dressed, every bit the gentleman.
Downstairs, Emily had just been approached with a dance invitation. To a suspicious onlooker, it might have looked like she was trying to catch the eye of a wealthy man
“Isn’t that Miss Yates? What is she doing here…” Emma’s voice trailed off, as though she had uncovered some unspeakable secret.
Emma wasn’t the only one who noticed. Justin and Zac stood on the balcony above, watching the entire exchange. They had also caught bits and pieces of the gossip circulating among the women downstairs.
Zac raised an eyebrow, a smile forming as he watched the scene below, as if a thought had just clicked into place.
Hadn’t Emily been pestering Justin about going on a trip? And could it have been to this very place, the Westhill Peninsula Villa?
And now, seeing they had broken up and Justin had invited him here tonight. Could it be…?
“Did you bring me here tonight to keep an old promise with Emily?” Zac asked, smirking, clearly enjoying the notion that he might have uncovered some hidden motive.
Justin frowned, his annoyance evident. He seemed almost uncomfortable with Zac bringing this up in front of Emma. “Don’t joke around. I only came because Emma wanted to visit.”
“Yes, I really must thank both of you for taking such good care of me. Without you and Justin, I wouldn’t have recovered so quickly,” Emma said with a sweet smile, her tone warm and gracious. It was as if to say, “I get it, Zac, your words may be aimed at me, but I’ll still respond with kindness and grace.”
Zac lowered his wine glass and clicked his tongue against his teeth, silently taking in her performance. (1
Downstairs, Emily accepted the man’s invitation, placing her hand in his.
Zac watched with the look of someone who had already accepted the end of her relationship with Justin. “Emily’s beautiful and has a lot going for her. Looks like she won’t be single for long. She’ll probably have a new boyfriend soon,” he said, sounding as if he genuinely wished her well.
Justin shot him a dark look, clearly displeased. “If you can’t say anything useful, just keep your mouth shut.”
Meanwhile, Emily looked at the extended hand in front of her, a hint of uncertainty showing beneath her polished makeup. She hadn’t expected to be approached like this, and it caught her off guard.
Helen, noticing her hesitation, gave her a jab in the side from behind. She shot Emily an exaggerated wink as if to say, “Go on, babe! Don’t just stand there. He’s handsome! You’ve got a whole dance to win him over.”
Emily returned her a look, eyebrows raised. “Are you serious? I thought we were here to have fun together.”
Helen just grinned and said nothing, slipping Emily’s hand into the man’s and giving her a little push. “Go get him, girl! I’ll hold down the fort.”
The nudge brought Emily closer to the man, who smoothly took her hand in his and placed his other hand at her lower back, guiding her onto the dance floor.
Under the soft lights, they began to move. With each beat of the music, Emily let herself be swept away, her movements graceful and light, like a butterfly in flight. Every step, every pose, radiated an undeniable charm.
In her bold red dress, confident smile, and captivating moves, Emily commanded the attention of everyone around
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Chapter 9
her, even those watching from above–Justin, Zac, and Emma.
Zac raised an eyebrow in surprise. “I didn’t know Emily could dance like that.”
No one replied. Justin was just as taken aback. He had only ever brought her to casual dinners and gatherings with friends. She had never accompanied him to formal family or business events where dancing was expected. He hadn’t realized she was so skilled. She moved with a grace that rivaled seasoned professionals.
In high society, most danced passably well but rarely stood out. Yet, Emily’s performance was extraordinary, each step drawing admiration from the crowd. Justin’s gaze followed her, an unexpected mix of surprise and appreciation in his eyes.
Beside him, Emma gripped the balcony railing, her fingers clenched so tightly they turned white.
The music shifted to a waltz, and partners changed. Emily found herself spinning into the arms of a new partner.
She caught her balance, only to realize it was the young man from the parking lot. What were the odds? she thought, silently sighing.
Sean’s face lit up with recognition, a youthful grin spreading across his features. “It’s you!”
Emily mustered an awkward smile. “Yes, it’s me.”
Sean quickly apologized. “About earlier in the parking lot, that was our bad. We were driving too fast, and I’m really sorry.”
She nodded, acknowledging his apology. He had already offered to cover the damages, and she had no interest in lecturing someone else’s rebellious kid.
Seeing her nod, he perked up, his eyes shining. “If it’s alright, can I call you Miss Emily?”
Since she didn’t object, he took her silence as consent. “Miss Emily!” he repeated, his voice bright and clear.
It was strangely endearing, though she felt a bit awkward.
“You’re an amazing dancer. I was totally blown away!” Sean continued enthusiastically. “Are you a dance teacher? Could you teach me?”
Her patience was running thin, but luckily the song ended, and she was free to leave. She released his shoulder and turned to exit the dance floor.
Near the stairs, she suddenly found herself face–to–face with familiar figures. Emma clung to Justin’s arm, and Zac stood beside them, holding a glass of champagne.
They blocked her way. “What are they doing here?” she wondered.
Zac, ever the first to speak, shot her a playful look as he praised her. “Miss Yates, you’re so graceful on the dance floor. I’ve known you for three years but I had no idea you could dance like that. Quite the surprise tonight.”
Emily raised an eyebrow, questioning his motives. Did he really not care how his comment might affect Justin or Emma?
She was sure Emma had pieced things together by now. The scene at the hospital garden had made it clear that Emma knew exactly who she was.
So was Zac being deliberately provocative?
Ignoring Justin and Emma, Emily nodded politely at Zac. “You’re too kind, Mr. White. It’s just a little hobby, nothing special. I actually have some things to take care of, so I’ll excuse myself.”
Chapter 9
She moved to step around them, but Sean caught up. “Miss Emily, wait up!”
He came to her side, standing a bit too close, his tall frame leaning protectively near her. The sight of the two of them together, with his hand resting lightly on her shoulder, created an unmistakable sense of intimacy.
