Chapter 50

“Wait.”

“What?”

As the waltz filled the center of the stage, I focused intently on my partner. That man’s hand had almost touched my bare skin. Swallowing a wave of discomfort, I spoke elegantly and kindly.

“Could you please keep your hand about 2 cm away from my back? Actually, I’d prefer it if you maintained that distance from my entire body.”

“Oh, yes, of course.”

The man quickly moved his hand slightly away from my back. I smiled satisfactorily.

“Thank you.”

“It’s my pleasure. It’s an honor to be chosen as your first dance partner.”

Only then did I gracefully navigate the stage to the rhythm of the music. Despite not holding my partner’s hand tightly or having his arm properly around my waist, dancing was no issue.

Normally, I didn’t avoid contact to this extent at balls. I would merely step on the feet of any gentleman who pressed too hard against my skin through the fabric. Of course, such ungentlemanly conduct was rare. However, this was the first time I wore a dress that revealed so much of my body, so I had to be especially cautious.

As his eyes wavered slightly, I seized the moment to speak.

“Just in case, I’d appreciate it if you could maintain eye contact with me until this dance ends.”

Looking elsewhere might be offensive.

With a serene smile, he nodded twice.

“Of course. It would be a grave discourtesy not to look at a lady’s eyes.”

“Thank you for saying that.”

I gave him a slight smile. The reason I accepted the green mask’s dance proposal was simple: I needed to attract everyone’s attention. There was a high probability that Julia was attending this ball, and even if she wasn’t, it didn’t matter. What was important was that a captivating woman, like Violet, made a stunning entrance, accompanied by a light, butterfly-like dance.

Julia wasn’t the type to miss such a grand ball. If a woman appeared who drew more attention than her, and if she couldn’t even guess who it was, how infuriated would she be? It didn’t matter if she recognized me immediately. My goal was to threaten Julia, whether through beauty or anything else.

Fortunately, the man before me seemed quite decent, even for a brief, utilitarian interaction.

…Judging by his voice, I had an inkling of who he might be.

“Madam? Or perhaps Miss? It seems like I’m seeing you for the first time. No one here seems to recognize you.”

“Perhaps we’ve crossed paths before?”

“No, I’m sure of it. A lady like you, this is my first encounter.”

Indeed, this man had never asked me to dance before. Many men found it beneath their dignity to ask the wife of the universally scorned Duke Brent for a dance. Especially this man, who held his head higher than others. He was one of Julia’s lovers.

Was his name Owen?

He was Julia’s favorite among her lovers.

Recalling this, I smiled slightly.

“But are you sure it’s alright for you to dance with me? Isn’t there a woman watching with jealous or angry eyes?”

“No, there isn’t. My soul is free.”

“But I see a woman over there glaring at you quite intensely.”

“What?”

Owen looked startled and turned his gaze briefly before quickly returning to look at me. As I spun around, I glanced sideways. A woman in a red dress was glaring in our direction, hiding her mouth with a fan.

I couldn’t see her eyes, but her sharp gaze was palpable.

‘Julia?’

So, she was here after all.

As I spun around again, Julia was looking straight at me. I also noticed the ladies by her side, whispering behind their hands. Julia appearing at a ball in such good condition was a surprise. 

Marcel had not yet managed to uncover whether Julia had a lover, or if she did, who it was. Therefore, Julia could do nothing, even upon seeing Owen. She would face death if Marcel found out.

The music ended.

I stepped back from Owen and gracefully curtsied. Every woman on the dance floor mirrored the gesture. As I finished my bow, Owen approached me.

“I had no idea the music would end so quickly. Would you grant me the miracle of the second dance?”

His tone was quite earnest.

Dancing twice in a row with Owen would surely provoke Julia. However, I chose the long-term value over the immediate pleasure.

“That’s unfortunate. Since I only have three chances, I want to savor it a bit longer. Besides, I’m a bit out of breath.”

“I understand completely.”

Owen, his voice full of regret, reached out to take my hand. It seemed he wanted to bid farewell, but I swiftly withdrew my hand, concealing it in a subtle gesture.

“Have a good time, then.”

I didn’t bother waiting for Owen’s response and smoothly turned away.

Where was Alec earlier?

At balls, Alec always had a preferred spot. It felt like he was always preparing a place for me to return to after dancing.

‘It would be nice to dance with Alec after so long…’

Should I ask him?

Alec wasn’t the best dancer, but I was confident I could guide him naturally.

Dan-dan, da-da-dan.

The sound of a new dance tune began. I tried to move out of the way quickly to avoid obstructing others who were about to dance.

Suddenly, someone grabbed my waist firmly with one arm.

“…!”

Startled, I spun around, my eyes wide open.

It wasn’t my doing.

The arm around my waist felt strong and firm. My heart dropped at the unexpected situation.

‘Who could it be…?’

As soon as I saw the face of the person, I prepared to slap them. Could it be Owen again?

Just as the figure came into view, a black silk mask obscured their face, making immediate recognition impossible. I raised my hand, ready to slap.

However, my wrist was caught.

I looked at the man before me, eyes wide with surprise.

Only then did his features come into focus.

He lowered his arm, and with a gentle touch, his fingers slid between mine.

“…”

A tingle like static electricity shot through my sensitive fingers. I was paralyzed as if my heart had stopped.

A black feathered mask, a sharp yet graceful jawline.

It was my husband, Alec. Tilting his chin slightly, he quickly spoke.

“Isn’t the first dance supposed to be with your partner?”

“What?”

Now I could see his eyes through the delicate silk of his mask. His gaze was calm yet clear.

Knowing it was him, the feeling of his arm around my waist no longer felt uncomfortable.

Thump, thump, thump…

My heart suddenly pounded loudly.

I continued to look straight into his eyes and spoke.

“…You startled me. I almost slapped you.”

“I was prepared for that.”

“…What? If you wanted to dance with me, why didn’t you just say so instead of preparing for a slap?”

“You told me you wouldn’t dance with me.”

“…Oh.”

I suddenly remembered what I had said to him.

“Oh, and don’t worry. You don’t have to dance.”

That was meant to be considerate of him.

His voice interrupted my thoughts.

“If I didn’t act, I felt like I would lose all three opportunities to other men. So, I had to take the risk of being slapped.”

“…”

His words were straightforward.

However, hearing them stirred my emotions.

I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

Did he always have this way of making people feel tense?

His gaze wasn’t particularly heated or intense, yet even with both of us wearing masks, I felt like he had a hold on me.

TL NOTE: More advanced chapter of this story is already up to the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories