112 LOOMING DANGER ARIEL’S POV I was still at the party as Andre’s lengthy speech went on and on. I had no idea it was going to take this long. He had been talking for about ten minutes now, if I wasn’t mistaking. Of course, the words were inspiring, but I had to stop paying attention. Not because of his lengthy speech, but because the person I was waiting for had not shown up. I glanced back multiple times, hoping I would catch a sigh from Luke, but he wasn’t to be seen anywhere, and it looked like no one else would be making their way into the mansion anymore. Right after we left the office, he told me that he would come. He promised me that he was going to be here by my side, so he wouldn’t let anything terrible happen to me. He said he was going to protect me from any sort of danger. His words were lovely, and his promises were just nice. It was soothing at the moment he freshly vocalized them. But guess those were mere words. He wasn’t going to keep his promises. Who was I to him anyway? What was my spot in his life? Was I really special to him, or was I just holding a title, being his wife? I didn’t know why it hurt at the moment. This was sort of painful, and I needed a perfect explanation for it. Why in the world did I want him to be by my side so badly? Andre was here, and Elizabeth was here. There were different people around who I could just mingle with. But why was I craving only Luke’s presence and no one else’s? The moment Andre concluded his speech, everyone began to clap for him. Smiles on the faces of each and every one present at the mansion. There was Elizabeth, sitting close to Manual, clapping in a buoyant mood. It was really lovely to see a smile on her face. As for my kids, I wanted to see how beautiful they would be. But Elizabeth had to let me know that Hannah had taken both of them out to buy a few things. So obviously, they would be stepping foot in the mansion any time soon. “Okay people. We all know success is right here with us, in our hearts,” Andre said, fixing his hand around his heart. “We will always be victorious in the things we do. We’re always going to be smiling. So, right now, let the glee continue to dwell in us. Let us all dance with the passion for success right in our hearts.” *Andre walked out of the stage promptly, and the room became dark to a certain degree, with the lights turning blue and slow music also playing at the moment. At this point, people went to grab their partners and started dancing tardily to the slow song. I still sat down, just observing everyone. It was a great thing to see these people happy. Elizabeth and Manuel danced together, and I could see the devotedness that was still within them. They had this passion for each other that had to make me envy their relationship. If only my relationship could be like theirs. It wasn’t definitely going to be with Luke. Because in a few days, he’d be signing those documents, and that was going to be the end of our marriage. Was I going to feel guilty about that? Ruining his life for good, was I going to be gratified after the vengeance had taken place? I shouldn’t even be taking my mind that far. Still sitting down, with all these thoughts moving in my head, someone stretched his hand towards me, and as I looked upwards, I had to realize it was Luke. He had a fragile smile on his face, and a wink was given to me at that moment. I was happy he had finally shown up, but also angry at him for coming late. Maybe there must be a reasonable explanation for his late arrival, but that was none of my business anyway. He was here now, and that was all that mattered. But do not be mistaken, and don’t think otherwise. I didn’t have feelings for this man. No, no, this feeling right now was different. Absolutely different. Staring into Luke’s eyes, I slowly gave him my hand. His touch this time felt kind of different. I didn’t know why, but it was really amazing. The dawn of this moment was here, and it was really wonderful. I couldn’t believe I was saying this, but this was a time spent with Luke that I would love. Even still, the plan would still go on. As I stood up, Luke gently took me backwards, in the midst of the people dancing together. I felt the warmth of his hand on my waist and the gentle pressure guiding my movements. I looked up at him, our eyes meeting, and for a moment, the rest of the world faded away. The music wrapped around us, its gentle rhythm guiding our steps as we moved in perfect harmony. I felt the tension in my shoulders melt away as I lost myself in the music and in the nearness of Luke. His eyes held a warmth that seemed to draw me in, and I couldn’t help but feel a flutter in my chest. We kept on dancing; our steps became more synchronized, and our movements became fluid and graceful. I felt a rush of emotion as I looked into Luke’s eyes, feeling a connection that seemed to transcend words. The feeling was great, I’d say, with Luke’s hands still wrapped around my waist. *Luke went ahead to smirk at me, tightening his grip, and then I wrapped my hands around his neck. The smile on his countenance had to hit differently this 112 100MING DANGER 33 time; I couldn’t explain why. But that expression spawned the golden light within me to gleam flawlessly. Like I had said, it was as if we were the only ones in the world. “What took you so long?” I aksed Luke softly, still looking into his eyes. “Why are you asking? Were you missing me?” He grinned. I let out a little laugh. “Well, you promised you were going to show up, and then… “I did,” he cut me off, his smile not leaving his face. “I’m here with you right now, so there’s no need for you to start thinking too much.” “Who said I was thinking too much?” “When I walked into this house, I noticed the look on your face. You were lost in thought. Care to tell me what you were thinking about?” “It’s nothing, actually,” I replied, shaking my head. “Are you sure about that?” “Yes,” I answered softly, with a nod. “Yes, I am.” “Okay then,” he told me, and all of a sudden, I felt his hands reaching for my backside. I gave him a weird look, wondering what he was up to, and all he did was smirk. His hands went upwards, and then he let go of me. After that, he took my hand and made me twirl in front of him. And we continued our dance until both of us transposed downward. With Luke holding me, we gazed deeply into each other’s eyes as our faces drew closer. And at this moment, clearly perceived, I could feel his blazing breath, with his visage a few inches away from mine. Act Fast: Free Bonus Time is Running Out!
