Chapter 364 Apology
William gently grasped her face, tilting it upward to meet his gaze. Both of their faces were bathed in warm light. His eyes slightly softened, a shade lighter.
“Before, I disliked how you kept your distance from me. You always confront me. Now, I dislike seeing you melancholic and fearful. Is that reason sufficient?”
Emelie’s brow twitched slightly. Her eyes suddenly welled up with warmth. Her emotions, soaked in bitterness all day, seemed to clear at this moment. It was like something was about to burst forth uncontrollably.
William continued, “Did you enjoy the fireworks display? With me around, you can see them whenever you want.”
Emelie remained silent. She hesitated, her head bowed in confusion. She was unsure of what to say next, her breath now in disarray.
Suddenly, the square erupted with familiar, light–hearted music. Whether someone started it or it was simply the festive atmosphere of New Year’s and the holidays, it brought joy to everyone, young and old, who began dancing together.
William watched them for a moment. Then, he took a step back and extended his hand to Emelie.
“You promised to dance with me this weekend. It’s just a few hours away. Will you honor that?”
Counting every time Mr. Middleton danced, it was always at lavish balls or upscale dinners. When had be ever danced to “square dancing“?
But the way he held her hand, it felt like he was catching clusters of stars just for her.
Emelie couldn’t refuse. She let her hand fall into his. William gently pulled her closer, leading her into a dance
As Emelie earnestly observed William in this moment, she couldn’t help but think. Even if they were to part ways completely in the future, never to cross paths again, she would remember tonight.
The night he took her to see the fireworks, the night they danced together on the square, and William who bridged them into the new year.
As Emelie thought about this, the tears she had suppressed all day suddenly surged uncontrollably.
She quickly lowered her head to wipe them away. She hoped William wouldn’t notice.
William did notice, though he didn’t say anything. Instead, he raised his hand slightly, allowing her to spin beneath his arm.
Emelle was still wearing his coat. The coat was tailored perfectly for him but oversized on her. As she spun, the coat fluttered like a start.
William’s gaze was deep and seemed to imprint this moment of Emelie in his memory.
Suddenly, Emelie’s foot stumbled, and she fell into his embrace
The familiar scent of his cologne enveloped her from his chest. Emelie couldn’t help but hold onto his waist. But she realized it was inappropriate, she quickly let
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On the contrary, William hugged
hugged her back. “If you want to hug, you could have. I wouldn’t have dented you.”
Emelie gripped his shirt tightly, her emotions indescribable. “Mr. Middleton.”
Then, unexpectedly, she heard William whisper in her ear, “I’m sorry.”
What?
Emelie thought it might be too noisy around them and that she misheard. She tried to pull away to see his expression, but William gently pressed against her back He held her tightly.
“I said I’m sorry,” he repeated slowly and deliberately. He wanted to make sure she heard every word.
Emelle was stunned. She felt her heartbeat quicken, almost surpassing her breath
“Before, those i
ethings were
es were my fault. I apologize.” William’s voice was low and slow, yet eamest. “Shall we… give it another try?” Emelle’s fingers dug into his slut. She squeezed so tightly that her fingertips turned white. Another try… at being together?
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