Chapter 49
As soon as we’re done with the pictures, I move away as fast as I can without drawing attention to myself, I survey them as subtly as ji can, wondering which of the Ashfords carried out the inappropriate action.
None of their faces give anything away, and I take June’s hand, leading her away as I try to put the unsettling moment out of my mind.
Immediately after my entrance, Easton introduces the rest of the guests, and each name he calls makes my belly sink further to the ground.
High society figures, high–ranking CEOs, celebrities and influencers, the freaking Mayor of New York.
I feel myself retreating further into my shell. Now that my dress has been displayed, I wish for a fast–forward button so the ball can end and I can breathe normally again.
After the introductions and photo–ops, Samuel replaces Easton on the stage.
“Good evening, esteemed guests and contestants,” he greets. “Welcome to our home, and thank you for joining us on this enchanting evening. Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate elegance and tradition but also to mark a significant chapter in our family’s journey. As part of the bridal selection, this ball honors the remarkable women whose grace and spirit have graced our lives over the past weeks. Tonight is about connections, possibilities, and the promise of new beginnings. Let us dance, laugh, and celebrate the beauty of this occasion.”
The room erupts into applause as he descends the stage.
Fluidly, the real–life orchestra situated to the left of the stage starts playing a gorgeous waltz that flows through the room like a river of enchantment, curling through the crowd like a warm, melodious embrace.
Samuel takes Marisol’s hand, and the crowd automatically parts as they sway through the dance floor.
I don’t know if it’s all for show or real, but the way Samuel looks at Marisol while they waltz–like she’s the single most precious thing in the world to him–makes my heart ache.
Will someone ever look at me like that?
Instinctively, before I even realize it, I turn, and my gaze instantly settles on Nathan. My eyes widen when I see that he’s already looking at me. Our eyes lock, and a hot shiver runs through me.
It’s almost like my dream–except he’s not looking at me in awe. His expression is classically blank, but his eyes hold an emotion I can’t decipher. Before I can even bother to try, he glances away.
Soft applause erupts around the room as Marisol and Samuel’s dance ends. Almost immediately, guests reach out to their dates, taking them to the dance floor.
My heart flips when the heirs move towards the contestants. I’d known we would dance with at least one brother each, but the closer they move to us, the fiercer my heart pounds in my chest.
With everything that has happened between us, I doubt Nathan wants to be anywhere near me. Peter and Lucas, however, head in my direction.
Eliza lets out a small squeak when Peter stretches out a hand to her and says, “Let’s see if you’re as good on the dance floor as you are on
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13:03 Fri, Oct 3
Chapter 49
horseback.”
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I bite my lip to hide my smile and slide to the left so that Lucas can reach Lara, who stands beside me.
I glance down at June and squeeze her hand. “Wanna dance with me?”
My sister glances at something in front of me, and her eyes widen slightly. “Uh…”
I follow her gaze, and my heart stutters when I see a hand stretched before me. Then I look up to the face the hand is attached to, and I have a mini–heart attack in the Ashford ballroom.
Lucas Ashford.
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