lthough he was only a few years older than us, he was the heir to the White Corporation, the son of its esteemed CEO and his beloved first wife. Everyone in our social circle knew of his brilliance in business, his sharp instincts in finance and economics.
“You all go ahead. Don’t mind me.”
Almost at the same moment, Nathan extended a hand toward Bianca. “Come on, let’s dance.”
Bianca’s face lit up as she placed her hand in his. On the dance floor, she twirled gracefully like a butterfly, and Nathan’s gaze never left her.
This was a scene I had only ever imagined in my mind. Only, this time, the heroine was Bianca. That tender, adoring look in Nathan’s eyes—the one brimming with love and affection—was something I had never experienced.
Everyone had gone to dance, leaving me forgotten in the corner. The more I watched, the more my eyes burned. I quickly turned away, afraid tears would spill if I stared for a second longer.
Suddenly, a slender hand extended a tissue toward me.
I looked up and met Elliot’s gaze.
“It’s been a while, Sienna.” Seeing my dazed expression, he continued, “I didn’t get a chance to greet you earlier. My apologies.”
Then, standing up, he bent slightly at the waist and extended his hand toward me. “May I have the honor of this dance?”
I stared at him, stunned. His eyes carried a glint of amusement as he waited patiently. Slowly, I placed my hand in his.
Even as we stepped onto the dance floor, I still hadn’t fully processed what had just happened. Elliot White—someone as regal as a prince—had invited me to dance. He was the first person besides Nathan to truly notice me.
Countless eyes flickered between the two of us, watching. My cheeks flushed with heat.
Then, suddenly, I felt a heavy gaze locked onto me.
Not far away, Nathan was no longer looking at Bianca—his eyes were on me instead. His pupils swirled with an emotion I couldn’t decipher.
“Ah, Nathan, you stepped on my foot!”
Bianca’s soft cry snapped him out of his daze. He quickly withdrew his gaze and apologized, “Sorry.”
However, the moment he said it, his eyes returned to me.
Sensing my unease, Elliot subtly tightened his hold around my waist and spun me in a different direction. He didn’t say a word, yet the shift was unmistakable.
The weight of Nathan’s stare disappeared.
